"Fade To Black" is a song by thrash metal band Metallica. The song was recorded for their second album, Ride the Lightning (1984). The lyrical theme is about a person who has decided to commit suicide. It was written after almost all of their equipment was stolen at a concert in Boston, including a very rare amplifier.

It was the first "soft" song that Metallica released. It begins with a acoustic guitar introduction and becomes progressively heavier as the song goes on but still including acoustic sections.

Since its release, "Fade To Black" has been a fan favorite and a fixture in Metallica's live performances.

The song is credited to Hetfield / Ulrich / Burton / Hammett.

See also

• Heavy metal music
• Metallica
• List of songs about suicide

Metallica songs | 1984 songs | Suicide