Which Metallica album was The Black Album's predecessor?

...And Justice for All was the predecessor to Metallica's The Black Album. It was released in 1988 as the band's fourth studio album, three years before Metallica arrived.

The earlier record continued the group's intricate thrash-metal approach, with long compositions and complex arrangements. The Black Album marked a change toward slower, heavier, and more refined songs, helping Metallica reach a much larger audience.

The two albums also differ in their personnel history. ...And Justice for All was the first Metallica studio album to feature bassist Jason Newsted, although the bass sound on the finished mix became a frequent topic of discussion. Newsted remained in the band for The Black Album and played bass throughout its recording.

The Black Album did not abandon the band's heaviness, but it reduced the emphasis on extended structures and dense technical passages. Its success transformed the relationship between Metallica and mainstream rock, making the transition from the previous album an important part of the band's history.