Metallica became the first album in the SoundScan era to sell more than 20 million copies in the United States.
The album, commonly called The Black Album, had already become the best-selling release of Metallica’s career. Nielsen SoundScan began tracking US music sales in 1991, the same year the record was released, allowing its long-term performance to be measured consistently.
The album’s sales were sustained by its broad appeal, extensive touring, and five commercial singles. It was also certified 2× Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2025, reflecting shipments of 20 million copies in the United States.
This milestone is distinct from worldwide sales claims. The album has sold more than 30 million copies globally, while the SoundScan milestone specifically concerns US sales and the tracking era that began in 1991.