Which two Metallica members wrote most of the songs on The Black Album?

James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich wrote most of the songs on Metallica’s The Black Album.

The pair formed the album’s principal songwriting partnership: Hetfield was the main lyricist and rhythm guitarist, while Ulrich provided the drummer’s structural and arranging perspective. They frequently developed material together, including at Ulrich’s home in Berkeley, California.

Kirk Hammett and Jason Newsted also contributed ideas. Newsted wrote the main riff for “My Friend of Misery,” which was initially intended to be an instrumental. Hammett supplied ideas and concepts for several songs, but the album’s songwriting credits primarily center on Hetfield and Ulrich.

This division is sometimes misunderstood as meaning that the other members had no creative involvement. They did contribute to individual parts and songs, but the principal writing partnership for the record was Hetfield and Ulrich. Their collaboration helped shape the album’s concise riffs, memorable choruses, and darker lyrical themes.