On what date was Metallica, widely called The Black Album, released?

Metallica, widely called The Black Album, was released on August 12, 1991.

The album was issued by Elektra Records and became Metallica’s fifth studio album. Its official title is simply Metallica, but fans and critics commonly use The Black Album because of its mostly black cover design and minimal artwork.

The release followed Metallica’s earlier albums Kill ’Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, and ...And Justice for All. The record represented a major commercial breakthrough, pairing the band’s heavy sound with shorter, more accessible songs and a polished production style.

The date is sometimes confused with the dates of individual singles. “Enter Sandman,” the lead single, arrived before the album in July 1991, while several other singles were released afterward. The album’s 35th anniversary falls in 2026.