Metallica is famous for a wide range of metal anthems, from thrash-heavy tracks to more melodic and mainstream songs. One of their biggest hits is “Enter Sandman,” which was released in 1991 as part of their controversial Black Album. This album marked a shift for the band, moving away from their thrash roots to a more commercial sound.
The story of Metallica began on October 28, 1981, when drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield connected through a newspaper ad in L.A. Back then, before the Internet, musicians often found bandmates this way. After teaming up, they brought in Ron McGovney on bass and Dave Mustaine on lead guitar. They chose the name Metallica, inspired by a suggestion from a friend.
Their rise to fame was swift, fueled by hard work and a unique musical chemistry. They started playing shows in L.A., supporting bands like Saxon, and recorded their first demo, “No Life ‘Til Leather.” The demo gained traction through tape trading, and after a series of successful shows in the Bay Area, they convinced bassist Cliff Burton to join them, replacing McGovney.
“Enter Sandman” became one of Metallica’s signature songs. The iconic riff was created by both guitarist Kirk Hammett and drummer Lars Ulrich. Interestingly, the song features just two riffs, which frontman James Hetfield found impressive, especially compared to the complex tracks on their previous album, “…And Justice For All.” Initially, “Holier Than Thou” was supposed to be the lead single, but “Enter Sandman” ultimately took that spot. It was the first song written for the Black Album but the last to have its lyrics completed. This track truly marked a new era for Metallica.
