What working title did Metallica use for The Black Album before choosing its final title?

Metallica’s working title for The Black Album was “Married to Metal.” The phrase referred to the personal circumstances surrounding several band members while the record was being developed.

Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich, and Jason Newsted were divorcing their wives during the album’s troubled production. The title was treated partly as a running joke, and Lars Ulrich later explained that the band ultimately moved away from it.

Other possibilities were also discussed, including “Five,” reflecting the album’s position as Metallica’s fifth studio record, and using the title of one of its songs. The group eventually selected the eponymous title “Metallica” because they wanted to keep the presentation simple. The nearly black cover, embossed logo, and coiled snake then led fans to call the album The Black Album.