What was the original working title of Metallica's 1991 album Metallica?

The original working title of Metallica's 1991 album Metallica was Married to Metal.

The phrase reflected the band's circumstances during the recording sessions. Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich, and Jason Newsted were going through divorces while Metallica was being made, so the title became an in-joke about their relationship with the band and its demanding work schedule.

It was not the only title considered. The members also discussed Five, a reference to the album's position in their studio discography, and the possibility of using one of the songs as the title. They eventually rejected those options in favor of the simple name Metallica.

The familiar label The Black Album came later from the cover's design. The original artwork placed a subtle Metallica logo and coiled snake on a black background, causing listeners and critics to adopt the nickname even though it was never the official title.