Which song was the first written for Metallica's 1991 album, The Black Album?

“Enter Sandman” was the first song written for Metallica’s 1991 album, The Black Album. It was also the last song from the album to receive its lyrics.

The song began from a guitar riff by Kirk Hammett, which Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield developed into the finished track. Four demos were recorded on August 13, 1990, including “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Wherever I May Roam.”

Although it was written first, “Enter Sandman” became the album’s lead single rather than merely an early writing exercise. It was released on July 29, 1991, and reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its theme centers on nightmares and childhood fears, helping establish the album’s darker but more accessible musical direction.