What was the exact recording period for Metallica's 1991 album, The Black Album?
Answer
October 6, 1990 – June 16, 1991
Metallica recorded The Black Album from October 6, 1990, to June 16, 1991.
The sessions began at One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles after the band developed songs during 1990. Additional work involved a short stay at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, followed by overdubs and mixing at A&M Studios in Hollywood.
The recording period was demanding because producer Bob Rock asked the musicians to work in a more unified, performance-focused way. The band made numerous takes, then selected and edited the strongest material. Rock also pressed James Hetfield to improve the lyrics and encouraged the group to seek a more immediate sound.
The dates are easy to confuse with other milestones. Four demos were recorded on August 13, 1990, while the album was released on August 12, 1991. Neither date represents the complete recording span.