Which chart did Metallica’s 1991 album become the band’s first to top?

Metallica’s 1991 album became the band’s first record to top the Billboard 200.

The Billboard 200 ranks albums and extended plays in the United States, using sales and later consumption data. Metallica reached number one on the chart after its August 12, 1991, release and stayed there for four consecutive weeks. It sold 598,000 US copies in its first week and was certified platinum within two weeks.

This achievement marked a major commercial breakthrough for the band. Metallica had already built a large following through albums such as Master of Puppets and ...And Justice for All, but the self-titled record introduced a more direct, polished, and radio-friendly sound to a much broader audience.

The Billboard Hot 100 is a singles chart, so it is not the answer here. “Enter Sandman” reached number 16 on that chart, while the album itself topped the Billboard 200. Metallica also debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and in several other countries.