Bob Rock produced Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album, widely known as The Black Album.
Metallica had been impressed by Rock’s work on Mötley Crüe’s 1989 album Dr. Feelgood. The band hired him to help shape its next record, even though he had not previously produced a Metallica studio album.
Rock encouraged the musicians to work differently from their earlier sessions. Instead of building many parts separately, the band recorded more collaboratively and aimed for a stronger live feel. He also pushed James Hetfield toward more melodic and carefully developed vocals.
The production was demanding. Rock and the band frequently argued about arrangements, performances and sound, and the sessions became famously stressful. Despite that tension, the partnership produced Metallica’s biggest-selling album and continued on later releases including Load and ReLoad.