Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album was its fifth studio album, so the band had released four studio albums before it.
Those earlier records were Kill ’Em All in 1983, Ride the Lightning in 1984, Master of Puppets in 1986, and ...And Justice for All in 1988. The Black Album followed that sequence and marked a major change in the band’s international profile.
Although Metallica already had a strong following, the 1991 album reached far beyond the thrash-metal audience. Its concise songwriting, prominent bass, radio-ready production, and major singles made the band mainstream rock stars.
The album’s official title is simply Metallica. Fans and journalists commonly call it The Black Album because of its nearly black packaging, a nickname that also distinguishes it from the band’s name. It should not be confused with the band’s later studio albums Load, Reload, or St. Anger.