Where did Metallica's 1991 album Metallica debut on the Billboard 200?

Metallica's 1991 album Metallica debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

It was the first Metallica album to reach the top position on that chart. The record sold 598,000 copies in its first week in the United States and went on to spend four consecutive weeks at number one.

This achievement reflected both the band's established fan base and the album's broadened appeal. Its cleaner production, memorable riffs, and accessible song structures helped it connect with listeners who might not previously have followed thrash metal.

The album also topped charts in several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand. Chart position is sometimes confused with sales certification: a number-one debut describes chart ranking, while Platinum and Diamond certifications describe shipment or sales milestones.