On what date did Metallica release its self-titled album, widely called The Black Album?

Metallica released its self-titled album, widely called The Black Album, on August 12, 1991.

The record was Metallica’s fifth studio album and followed ...And Justice for All, released in 1988. Its nearly all-black artwork led listeners and journalists to adopt the nickname The Black Album, although “Metallica” is the official title.

The release came through Elektra Records in the United States and other labels in international markets. It quickly became a major commercial breakthrough, debuting at number one in ten countries and spending four consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200.

A common mix-up is confusing the album’s release date with the date of its first single, “Enter Sandman.” That single arrived before the full album, helping introduce its more concise, polished sound to a much wider audience.