Metallica’s Landmark ‘Black Album’ Hits 20 Million U.S. Sales, Becoming the First Metal Album in History to Reach the Milestone
via See You In The Mosh Pit / YouTube
A Huge Milestone for Metallica
Metallica’s self-titled album, often called the “Black Album,” has reached 20 million sales in the United States. This puts it in rare company, as only a small number of albums have ever sold that much in the U.S.
Even more impressive, this is the first time a heavy metal album has hit that number. While many artists from pop and rock have reached these heights, no metal band had done it until now.
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A Record That Changed Everything
Released in 1991, the Black Album brought a new sound that was different from Metallica’s early work. The band moved away from fast, raw thrash to a more polished and heavy style. That change helped them reach a wider audience.
Songs like “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters” became massive hits and brought in new fans who had never listened to metal before. The album stayed popular for decades and continues to sell today.
Older Albums Still Making Noise
While the Black Album gets most of the attention, Metallica’s earlier records are still doing well. Their 1986 album Master of Puppets has now passed 8 million sales in the U.S., showing it still has a strong fan base.
Even though it’s a heavier and faster album, many fans say it’s their favorite. It’s seen as one of the best metal albums ever and keeps bringing in younger listeners thanks to streaming and pop culture references.
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Touring Around the World
Metallica isn’t just breaking records with sales — they’re also back on the road. Their M72 world tour is packed with shows across the United States, Europe, and beyond. The lineup includes support from bands like Pantera, Suicidal Tendencies, Limp Bizkit, and Ice Nine Kills.
The tour features two-night stops in several cities with different setlists each night. Fans from places like Maryland, Florida, Texas, England, Australia, and even Bahrain will get a chance to see the band live again.
Still Going Strong Decades Later
Even after more than 40 years as a band, Metallica shows no signs of slowing down. With new milestones, packed tours, and fans from every generation, they’ve kept their place at the top of metal.
Their music, both old and new, continues to reach people all over the world, making their mark in ways that few metal bands ever have.
