Which record label released Metallica’s 1991 album Metallica, known as The Black Album?

Elektra Records released Metallica’s 1991 album Metallica, widely known as The Black Album.

Elektra had become Metallica’s American label before the album’s release and issued the record on August 12, 1991. The label’s distribution and promotional reach helped place the band’s music in mainstream rock markets around the world, while Metallica’s touring and videos turned the album into a cultural event.

The band’s earlier albums had appeared through labels including Megaforce and Elektra. In particular, Kill ’Em All began on Megaforce before later reissues broadened its availability. That history can make the label associated with the 1991 album easy to mix up with the company connected to Metallica’s debut.

Elektra also released later Metallica projects, including Load, Reload, and Garage Inc. Metallica eventually established Blackened Recordings, but that label was created long after the original Black Album release.