Where did Metallica begin recording the album known as The Black Album?

Metallica began recording The Black Album at One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California.

The recording sessions began in October 1990 and continued over an eight-month period. One on One was the main recording base, although the project also used Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver for about a week. Final overdubs and mixing took place at A&M Studios in Hollywood during June and July 1991.

The band worked under producer Bob Rock, whose methods differed from those used on Metallica’s earlier albums. Rock encouraged the members to perform more as a unit in the studio and to capture a stronger live feel. The process was demanding: the musicians often recorded numerous takes before selecting and editing the final performances.

Because several studios were involved, answers such as A&M Studios can sound plausible. A&M was used for final overdubs and mixing, not the primary beginning of the sessions. One on One is the specific studio named for the start of the album’s recording work.