On what date was Metallica’s self-titled album released in 1991?

Metallica’s self-titled album was released on August 12, 1991.

The record became widely known as The Black Album because of its nearly black cover, which features a barely visible snake and the band’s logo. It was Metallica’s fifth studio album and followed ...And Justice for All, released in 1988.

The album arrived through Elektra Records in the United States and Vertigo internationally. Its release marked a major shift toward slower, heavier, and more streamlined songs, helping the band reach a much larger audience without abandoning its heavy-metal identity.

The timing was important: “Enter Sandman” had already appeared as the lead single on July 29, 1991, shortly before the full album. The album later became one of the best-selling records in music history and is being celebrated for its 35th anniversary in 2026.