Elektra Records released Metallica’s 1991 album, commonly called The Black Album, in the United States.
Metallica had signed with Elektra before releasing Master of Puppets in 1986, after beginning its career with Megaforce Records. Elektra therefore handled the American release of the band’s breakthrough fifth studio album.
The album was issued internationally through different arrangements, including Vertigo Records in several markets. This is why references to the label can vary depending on the country being discussed, even though Elektra is the standard United States answer.
The release became a major commercial milestone for both the band and the label. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and turned Metallica into a mainstream international rock act without abandoning its heavy-metal identity.