ROCK MOMENT – Metallica ‘Enter Sandman’

By 1990, Metallica had already cemented their place in heavy metal with fast, aggressive albums like Master of Puppets and …And Justice for All. But as they began work on their fifth studio album—later known simply as Metallica or “The Black Album”—they were looking to evolve. The goal was to create songs that were more direct, with simpler structures and a heavier groove, without losing their signature power.

‘Enter Sandman’ began with a guitar riff from Kirk Hammett. Initially, the riff appeared in a different form, but producer Bob Rock and frontman James Hetfield saw potential in it. They encouraged Hammett to refine it, shifting the rhythm and making it tighter until it became the dark, hypnotic hook that would drive the song. Hetfield then began crafting lyrics, drawing on the idea of childhood fears and nightmares. The “Sandman” character was inspired by the folklore figure who brings dreams—or in this case, terrifying ones.

Originally, Hetfield’s lyrics were even darker, involving a baby’s death, but the band decided to tone it down and focus on the theme of a child’s innocence being invaded by nightmarish visions. Lars Ulrich’s pounding drum pattern and Jason Newsted’s heavy bass gave the track its relentless drive, while Hammett’s solo added a burst of chaotic energy.

Released in July 1991 as the lead single from Metallica, ‘Enter Sandman’ became the band’s breakthrough into the mainstream, reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its massive riff and sinister imagery made it an instant classic, and it remains one of Metallica’s most performed and recognized songs—a gateway track that brought heavy metal to millions of new fans around the world.