On what date was Metallica's The Black Album released in the United States?

Metallica's The Black Album was released in the United States on August 12, 1991.

The record was issued by Elektra Records and became Metallica's fifth studio album. Its official title is simply Metallica, but fans and media commonly call it The Black Album because of its nearly black cover design.

The release followed ...And Justice for All, which had established Metallica as a major thrash-metal band. The new album presented a slower, heavier, and more polished sound, helping the group reach a much larger international audience.

The date can be confused with regional release dates, since albums were sometimes issued on different days in different countries. August 12 refers to the United States release listed for the original 1991 edition. In 2021, the album received a remastered reissue and an expanded box set for its 30th anniversary.