THE BEAST

METALLICA's self-titled album, commonly known as the "Black Album," has achieved a monumental milestone, now spending 750 total weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, currently positioned at No. 178. This feat places it among an elite group of only four albums in history to reach such longevity, following PINK FLOYD's "The Dark Side Of The Moon" (990 total weeks), Bob Marley's "Legend" (843 total weeks), and JOURNEY's "Greatest Hits" (813 total weeks).

In September 2021, the "Black Album" re-entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 9, marking its first appearance in the Top 10 in 29 years. This resurgence was spurred by the album's 30th-anniversary reissue on September 10, 2021. The last time "Metallica" was in the Top 10 prior to this was in August 1992, after spending four weeks at No. 1.

Released in 1991, the "Black Album" is one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed records of all time. It not only secured METALLICA's first No. 1 album in no fewer than 10 countries, including a four-week stint at No. 1 in the U.S., but also propelled the band to unprecedented heights with its relentless series of singles: "Enter Sandman," "The Unforgiven," "Nothing Else Matters," "Wherever I May Roam," and "Sad But True." These tracks fueled METALLICA's rise to stadium headlining, radio, and MTV-dominating household name status.

The album's reception from the press has been similarly charged. Over the years, it has remained a constant presence in prestigious rankings, such as Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time. Its impact and relevance continue to grow, underscored by one undeniable fact: the "Black Album" remains the best-selling album in Nielsen SoundScan history, outselling every release in every genre over the past 33 years.

To commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2021, the Grammy-winning, 16-times-platinum-certified "Black Album" received its definitive re-release via the band's own Blackened Recordings. This reissue renewed interest in the album, showcasing its timeless appeal and enduring influence on both fans and the music industry.

The "Black Album" was the first of four collaborations with producer Bob Rock, with whom METALLICA had a famously contentious relationship during the recording process. Despite the tensions, the partnership yielded remarkable results, cementing the album's legacy in rock history.

In 2014, METALLICA's self-titled LP became the first album to sell 16 million copies since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991. The band's influence and popularity were further highlighted in 2012 when METALLICA performed the "Black Album" in its entirety at a number of European festivals, reaffirming the album's significant place in their storied career.

As the "Black Album" continues to make history on the Billboard 200 chart, its legacy endures, a testament to METALLICA's unparalleled impact on the world of music.

. @Metallica 's 'Metallica' has now spent 750 total weeks on the #Billboard200 (No. 178 this week).

It's the fourth album in history to reach the milestone, after @pinkfloyd 's 'The Dark Side of the Moon' (990 total weeks), @bobmarley 's 'Legend' (843) and @JourneyOfficial 's…

— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) July 15, 2024