Metallica's fifth studio album, widely known by a color-based nickname, is Metallica.
The album is commonly called The Black Album, although Metallica is its official title. This nickname comes from the stark black artwork, which places the band's logo near the top and shows a coiled snake near the lower-right corner. The minimalist design contrasts with the more elaborate artwork on several earlier releases.
Metallica was released in 1991 after the band's first four studio albums: Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, and ...And Justice for All. It was the first Metallica album produced with Bob Rock, whose approach encouraged a more polished and forceful studio sound.
The album became the group's mainstream breakthrough and remains its best-selling release. Its songs include Enter Sandman, Sad but True, The Unforgiven, Wherever I May Roam, Nothing Else Matters, and Of Wolf and Man. The color nickname should not be mistaken for an alternate official title; all original editions were credited to Metallica.