Michael Kamen wrote the orchestral arrangement for Metallica's “Nothing Else Matters” on The Black Album.
The song is a power ballad written primarily by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. Hetfield originally wrote it privately while touring and was initially reluctant to present it to the band. It eventually became one of Metallica's best-known songs.
Kamen's arrangement added orchestral color to the studio recording, with the London Symphony Orchestra credited among the additional musicians. Kamen later became closely associated with Metallica's symphonic projects, including the 1999 S&M concerts and album.
Kirk Hammett does not play on the studio recording of “Nothing Else Matters,” another detail sometimes confused with the orchestral credits. Hetfield played the guitar solo, while Kamen handled the orchestral arrangement that expanded the song beyond the band's usual format.