How long is Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album, The Black Album, in its original running time?

Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album, The Black Album, has an original running time of 62 minutes and 40 seconds.

That length covers the 12-song original album, from “Enter Sandman” through “The Struggle Within.” The record’s extended runtime was possible because the compact disc format allowed substantially more music than a single vinyl side. Original vinyl editions divided the songs across four sides, with three tracks on each side.

The running time is for the original studio album, not later deluxe editions. The 2021 30th-anniversary box set contains many additional CDs, live performances, demos, interviews, and other material, so its total listening time is far longer.

The album’s length also reflects a shift in Metallica’s songwriting. Compared with the band’s earlier records, many songs use more concise structures and memorable choruses, but the full program still includes long pieces such as “The Unforgiven,” “Wherever I May Roam,” and “My Friend of Misery.”