We know when you think of holiday cheer, Metallica is the first thing that comes to mind, so we’re doing a Metallica-themed Advent calendar to help put a little metal up your ass as we make our way to Christmas.
Sometimes a song just completely alters a band’s perception and trajectory. For Metallica, that song is “Enter Sandman.”
Simply put, this took Metallica from being thrash gods to just being gods. With this first track off their self-titled fifth album in 1991, Metallica became a true cultural force, now opening themselves up to a more mainstream audience – hell, you could play this song for someone who never knew Metallica previously or hated metal and get them hooked. It was the gateway drug for many new Metallica fans throughout the ’90s and beyond.
“Enter Sandman” has truly been ubiquitous over the past thirty years – in movies, commercials, sporting events, etc. Even if you have no idea who Metallica is, you’ve heard this song.
And the thing is, it kicks ass. It’s still the typical closer for Metallica concerts for a reason.
Of course, this is one of those points where fans accuse the band of selling out, but people have been accusing Metallica of selling out since their fucking second album, so by this point, the argument really loses its luster. And while the ’90s were a bit of a weird period for the band, they were still putting out hits (albeit rock radio-friendly hits) that rightfully belong on your best-of playlists.
But their true worldwide popularity started with “Enter Sandman,” a tremendously influential song that will no doubt remain a rock classic for generations to come.
The Metallica Advent Calendar
Day 1: No Life ‘Til Leather (1982 Demo)
Day 2: Kill ‘Em All (1983)
Day 3: “Blackened 2020”
Day 4: Ride the Lightning (1984)
Day 5: Metallica on The Simpsons
Day 6: Master of Puppets (1986)
Day 7: Lars Ulrich’s Drumming
Day 8: …And Justice for All (1988)
