What is Metallica's The Black Album's official title?

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Metallica's The Black Album has the official title Metallica.

The record is self-titled, meaning its name is the same as the band's name. Fans and journalists commonly call it The Black Album because its cover is almost entirely black, with the Metallica logo and a subtle snake image providing the main visual details.

This naming convention distinguishes the album from the band's other releases, most of which have separate titles such as Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, and ...And Justice for All. The self-titled design also reinforced the album's stripped-back, minimalist presentation.

The nickname is so widespread that both names are often used interchangeably. Still, Metallica is the official title listed on the album and in discographies. “The Black Album” is a descriptive nickname rather than the formal title.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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