What nickname became widely used for Metallica’s self-titled 1991 album?

The nickname widely used for Metallica’s self-titled 1991 album is The Black Album.

The official title is Metallica, but the cover’s predominantly black design led listeners and music writers to distinguish it from the band itself. The artwork features a nearly black background with a dark Metallica logo and a coiled snake, both intentionally difficult to see at first glance.

The nickname became especially useful because “Metallica” can refer either to the band or to the album. Today, The Black Album is one of the most common ways to identify the record in conversation, catalogues, anniversary coverage, and fan discussions.

It should not be confused with The Black Album by Prince, an unrelated release. In Metallica’s discography, The Black Album always refers to the self-titled fifth studio album issued in 1991.