Metallica's 1991 album, commonly known as The Black Album, has a total running time of 62:40.
That duration covers the album’s 12 tracks, beginning with “Enter Sandman” and ending with “The Struggle Within.” The record is long enough to feel substantial but uses comparatively concise song structures compared with some of Metallica’s earlier, more expansive compositions.
The running time is a useful way to distinguish the original album from later editions. The 2021 remastered box set added demos, rough mixes, live performances, and other archival material, so those expanded releases run far longer than the original 1991 program.
The album’s length also reflects a change in songwriting priorities. Metallica and producer Bob Rock emphasized focused arrangements, stronger vocal melodies, and a more direct impact. That approach helped songs such as “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters” reach listeners well beyond the band’s established metal audience.