Metallica's 1991 self-titled album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.
This was the band's first album to reach the top of the main US album chart. Its debut marked a dramatic commercial breakthrough after four earlier studio albums had built Metallica's reputation primarily within the metal community. The Black Album's polished production, memorable singles, and extensive promotion helped it reach listeners far beyond the band's established audience.
The album sold approximately 598,000 copies in its first US week according to the album's documented sales history. It remained at number one for four consecutive weeks, an unusually strong opening for a heavy-metal record at the time.
The chart result is sometimes mixed up with the album's international performance. Metallica also debuted at number one in several other countries, but the question about the Billboard 200 refers specifically to the United States. Later Metallica albums, including Load, Reload, St. Anger, Death Magnetic, and Hardwired... to Self-Destruct, also reached number one in the US.