What working title was considered for Metallica's 1991 album before its final self-titled name?

“Married to Metal” was a working title considered for Metallica's 1991 album.

The phrase referred to the personal circumstances surrounding the recording period: Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich, and Jason Newsted were going through divorces during the album's production. It was ultimately treated as a running joke rather than adopted as the official name.

The band also considered “Five,” reflecting the album's position as their fifth studio record, along with using the title of one of the songs. They eventually chose the simple eponymous title Metallica. The stark cover design then encouraged fans and journalists to call it The Black Album.

That nickname is not the formal album title. The official title is Metallica, matching the band's name, while The Black Album describes its visual identity and distinguishes it from the band's broader catalog. “Metal Up Your Ass” is associated with the early working title of Metallica's debut album Kill 'Em All, so it is a common but incorrect answer for this question.