Metallica's main recording sessions for the 1991 album Metallica were held between 1990 and 1991.
The band began recording at One on One Recording in October 1990 and completed the sessions in 1991. This extended timetable reflected the demanding process adopted by producer Bob Rock, who pushed the group to refine arrangements, performances, and the overall sonic character of the record.
The sessions followed a long writing and preparation period after ...And Justice for All. Metallica wanted a sound that remained heavy but was more direct and accessible. The resulting album combined compact riff-driven songs with ballads and slower material, broadening the band's musical reach.
Some accounts discuss the album's preparation, recording, mixing, and release as one continuous project, which can make the dates seem less precise. The key distinction is that recording began in 1990, while the finished album was released in 1991.