Metallica’s Kirk Hammett Credits Soundgarden As Inspiration For ‘Enter Sandman’ Riff

Just about everyone and their brother instantly recognizes the opening riff to Metallica's "Enter Sandman". Apparently, that riff may have never happened if Kirk Hammett wasn't a fan of Soundgarden...

According to Gibson.com, In a 2008 interview with Rolling Stone, he explained: "Soundgarden had just put out Louder Than Love. I was trying to capture their attitude toward big, heavy riffs. It was two o'clock in the morning. I put it on tape and didn't think about it. When [drummer] Lars [Ulrich] heard the riff, he said, 'That's really great. But repeat the first part four times.' It was that suggestion that made it even more hooky."

Metallica are busy setting up "Big 4" shows around the U.S. with Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax.