Metallica's 1991 album, commonly known as The Black Album, topped the Billboard 200 for four consecutive weeks.
The Billboard 200 ranks albums and other long-form recordings in the United States. Metallica debuted at number one on the chart, making it the band's first album to reach the top there. Its sustained run confirmed that the record was more than a successful heavy-metal release; it had become a mainstream album event.
The Billboard 200 should not be confused with the Billboard Hot 100, which ranks individual songs. Several Black Album tracks charted separately, including “Enter Sandman,” but the four-week number-one achievement belongs to the album chart.
The album also debuted at number one in nine other countries, for a total of ten countries. Its chart success reflected the broad appeal of its streamlined songwriting, powerful production, and major singles.