album · August 12, 1991
Metallica
Blackened Recordings / Universal MusicSee this day
heavy metalhard rockmetal
The 1991 self-titled album saw Metallica embrace a more streamlined sound, featuring some of their most commercially successful songs. It reached number one in numerous countries and has since sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
- The album was recorded at One on One Recordings in Los Angeles, with Bob Rock, known for his work with Mötley Crüe and The Cult, serving as co-producer. It was the first Metallica album to feature a prominent use of spoken word passages, notably on "The God That Failed." The album's massive commercial success led to a lengthy, elaborate world tour that lasted nearly three years.
- The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 10.2 million copies in the US by 2012. It has been certified 16x Platinum by the RIAA. The album's lead single, "Enter Sandman," became one of their most recognizable songs and a staple of rock radio.
- The album's iconic minimalist artwork, featuring a black cover with a simple embossed Metallica logo and a small drawing of a snake, was designed by Pushead (Brian Schroeder). It was a deliberate departure from the elaborate artwork of their previous albums. The band initially struggled with the production, with tensions reportedly running high during the recording sessions.
Metallica is a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1981. They are one of the most commercially successful and influential bands in heavy metal history. The 1991 release of their self-titled fifth album, commonly known as "The Black Album," marked a significant shift in their sound and catapulted them to global superstardom.
Tracklist
