Metallica’s “King Nothing”: An Answer to “Enter Sandman”

As Metallica celebrates the release of the special remastered deluxe edition box set of their 1996 album, Load, band members Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and James Hetfield recently reflected on the album’s creation during a Q Prime and MX2 Media syndicated special. In this engaging discussion, Hetfield disclosed an interesting tidbit: one of the songs from Load was directly inspired by the band’s monumental success with their iconic track, “Enter Sandman.”

What Metallica ‘Load’ Song Was Inspired by “Enter Sandman”?

During the conversation, Hetfield revealed that “King Nothing” serves as the band’s creative response to “Enter Sandman.” He explained, “‘King Nothing’ was kind of an answer to ‘Sandman’ really. It was and obviously at the end of the song, there’s a little bit of a ‘off to never, neverland,’ a little nod towards it.”

Hetfield further elaborated on the motivations behind the song’s creation, stating, “I think we were trying to keep up with the fact that ‘Sandman’ was a great song and people connected with it. So it at least made sense to write a song in that tempo, in that vein, that pound.”

The Influence of Soundgarden

In his reflection, Hetfield also touched on the influence that Soundgarden had on their songwriting approach during this period. He remarked, “What we had learned about a different way of songwriting from Soundgarden was you play one riff through the whole song and the singer just goes all over the place and for that to work, you actually have to have a really good singer (laughs) like Chris [Cornell], but that was very, very intriguing to us.” He noted that “King Nothing” was one of the first songs they wrote right after the release of the Black Album, reinforcing its connection to “Enter Sandman.”

Celebrating Metallica’s Load Album

As part of the ongoing celebration of Load, the Loudwire Nights radio show will be dedicating an entire episode to the album. Host Chuck Armstrong will feature live tracks, demo tapes, and updates from the band throughout the night. Additionally, listeners can expect the results of Chuck’s Fight Club battle, which aims to determine the best single from Load, along with spins of every song from the album.

For fans eager to tune in, Loudwire Nights with Chuck Armstrong airs nightly at 7 PM ET. You can join the celebration from anywhere by accessing the show online or through the Loudwire app.

Conclusion

The connection between “Enter Sandman” and “King Nothing” highlights Metallica’s ability to evolve while acknowledging their past successes. As they continue to celebrate their extensive catalog, fans are reminded of the intricate relationships that shape their music and the inspiration drawn from their journey. The discussion not only sheds light on the band’s creative process but also emphasizes the lasting impact of their work.

FAQs

What is the significance of “King Nothing” in Metallica’s discography?

“King Nothing” is significant as it serves as a direct response to the success of “Enter Sandman,” showcasing the band’s ability to innovate while referencing their previous hits.

How did Soundgarden influence Metallica’s songwriting?

Metallica was influenced by Soundgarden’s approach to songwriting, particularly the technique of using a single riff throughout a song while allowing the vocal lines to vary significantly.

When is the Loudwire Nights special celebrating Load airing?

The Loudwire Nights special celebrating Load airs nightly at 7 PM ET, featuring live tracks, demos, and interactions with the band.