When was Metallica, commonly called The Black Album, released?

Metallica, commonly called The Black Album, was released on August 12, 1991.

Elektra Records issued the album during a major turning point for the band. Metallica had already built a strong following through albums such as Master of Puppets and ...And Justice for All, but the self-titled record introduced a more streamlined, slower, and heavier sound to a much broader audience.

The album was recorded at One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles between October 1990 and June 1991. Its release followed months of demanding studio work with producer Bob Rock, whose approach encouraged the band to focus on tighter arrangements and more accessible production.

The date is sometimes confused with the July 29, 1991 release of “Enter Sandman,” the album’s lead single. The single arrived two weeks before the full album and helped build anticipation for Metallica’s fifth studio record.