What was Metallica's first album to top the Billboard album chart?

Metallica, commonly called The Black Album, was Metallica's first album to top the Billboard album chart.

The self-titled release debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in August 1991. None of the band's first four studio albums had reached the top of that chart, so the result represented a major commercial breakthrough.

Its success was tied to a change in presentation as well as songwriting. The band retained heavy guitars and forceful performances but used simpler structures, a more prominent bass sound, and polished production from Bob Rock. The approach helped songs such as Enter Sandman and The Unforgiven reach a much wider audience.

The achievement was not limited to the United States. The album debuted at number one in ten countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand. It ultimately became Metallica's best-selling album and one of the best-selling records in music history.