Metallica's 1991 self-titled album was the band's fifth studio album.
Its four predecessors were Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, and ...And Justice for All. The album therefore occupies a central place in the band's classic early sequence, arriving after four records that established Metallica as one of heavy metal's leading groups.
Although it was the fifth studio album, it was the first Metallica release to carry the band's name as its title. Fans often call it The Black Album to distinguish it from the group itself. The nickname comes from the record's stark black artwork rather than from an official subtitle.
The album also marked a musical transition. Earlier records were strongly associated with thrash metal, while the fifth album used slower tempos, more spacious arrangements, and a more polished production style. That change broadened the band's audience without removing its heavy character.