Metallica's 1991 album Metallica, known as The Black Album, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
The Billboard 200 ranks albums and extended releases in the United States. Metallica's debut was historically important because it was the band's first album to top the chart. It sold 598,000 copies during its first week and was certified platinum within two weeks.
The record remained at number one for four consecutive weeks. Its success reflected both the band's established audience and the broader appeal of songs such as “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” and “Nothing Else Matters.”
The Billboard 200 should not be confused with the Billboard Hot 100, which ranks individual songs. Several Black Album singles charted on the Hot 100, but the album's overall chart position belongs to the Billboard 200.