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Who's behind the notes? Discover Metallica: The Definitive Biography
"Enter Sandman" is one of Metallica's most iconic and popular songs. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Release Date: "Enter Sandman" was released as the first single from Metallica's eponymous fifth album, commonly known as "The Black Album," on July 29, 1991.
Mainstream Success: The song marked a significant shift for Metallica into mainstream success. Its radio-friendly sound and catchy riff helped the band reach a broader audience.
Grammy Award: "Enter Sandman" earned Metallica their first Grammy Award. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1992.
Music Video: The music video for "Enter Sandman" was directed by Wayne Isham. It features a child experiencing a series of disturbing nightmares. The video's surreal and nightmarish imagery complements the song's lyrics.
Songwriting Collaboration: The songwriting credits for "Enter Sandman" go to James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett, the core members of Metallica at the time. The lyrics, primarily written by Hetfield, touch upon themes of childhood fears and nightmares.
Commercial Success: "Enter Sandman" became one of Metallica's most commercially successful songs. It reached high chart positions worldwide and remains a staple in the band's live performances.
Main Riff Origin: The main guitar riff for "Enter Sandman" was composed by Kirk Hammett. It's one of the most recognizable and iconic guitar riffs in rock music.
Sampling Controversy: In 2000, Metallica filed a lawsuit against the Canadian band Unfaith over similarities between the introduction to their song "Nimrod" and the main riff of "Enter Sandman." The case was settled out of court.
Usage in Sports: "Enter Sandman" is often used in sports arenas to pump up the crowd before games. This tradition started in the 1990s and continues to this day.
Legacy: The song's enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in various "greatest songs of all time" lists and its status as a rock classic. It remains one of Metallica's signature songs and a defining track of the 1990s rock scene.