What nickname is commonly used for Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album?

Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album is commonly known as The Black Album.

The official title is simply Metallica, but the informal name became widespread because of the record’s almost entirely black cover. The initial release used a black background with the band logo and a coiled snake embossed so subtly that both emblems were difficult to see.

The snake was derived from the Gadsden flag, whose imagery also connects to the album track “Don’t Tread on Me.” Later editions used dark-gray emblems that stood out more clearly against the black background.

The nickname also distinguishes this album from Metallica’s other releases in everyday conversation. It is not an alternate official title printed as the album’s formal name, and it should not be confused with The Metallica Blacklist, a 2021 covers album tied to the album’s 30th anniversary.