How many consecutive weeks did Metallica’s The Black Album spend at No. 1 in the US?

The story behind the answer

Metallica’s The Black Album spent four consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200.

The album reached the summit immediately after its August 12, 1991 release and maintained the top position for four straight weeks. That run reflected both strong initial demand and the continuing impact of its singles, especially “Enter Sandman,” which helped turn the album into a mainstream success.

The chart achievement was especially notable because Metallica had previously been associated primarily with the underground and specialist metal audience. The Black Album expanded the band’s reach while retaining heavy guitars, forceful drumming, and an unmistakable metal identity.

Four consecutive weeks is different from the album’s total time on the chart. The Black Album remained on the Billboard 200 for hundreds of weeks, making it one of the longest-charting albums of the SoundScan era. The No. 1 streak refers only to its uninterrupted time at the top.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

Add question to a list

Choose a list to keep this question in: