Nothing Else Matters was released by Metallica in 1992 as a single from their self titled 1991 album, often called The Black Album. Written by James Hetfield, the unusually personal ballad became one of the band's most recognizable songs despite its distance from their thrash metal roots. It has been covered widely, featured in films and live tributes, and shared online as a shorthand for sincerity and loss. Short excerpts of its intro continue to circulate for edits where a serious, heartfelt tone is needed instantly.