Metallica Just Made Billboard History With This Album — Again
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Metallica’s landmark 1991 self-titled album—better known as The Black Album—has just carved its name into Billboard history. The record has now spent a staggering 800 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, making it only the fourth album ever to reach this rare achievement, as revealed by Chart Data.
To break it down: 800 weeks translates to roughly 15 and a half years on the chart. Originally hitting No. 1 on August 31, 1991, the album continues to chart nearly 34 years later, currently sitting at No. 162—a notable climb from its position at No. 178 just six months ago.
The Exclusive Club of 800-Week Albums
Joining the ranks of The Black Album are three other legendary releases: Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Bob Marley and The Wailers’ Legend (1984), and Journey’s Greatest Hits (1988). Interestingly, Metallica’s album is the youngest and the only studio album to break into this elite group, as the others are greatest hits compilations.
While three of these albums maintain a presence on the Billboard 200, The Dark Side of the Moon has temporarily dropped off, highlighting how albums can cycle on and off the chart over time.
Other albums that have demonstrated impressive longevity on the chart include Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Chronicle (756 weeks), Nirvana’s Nevermind (732 weeks), Guns N’ Roses’ Greatest Hits (734 weeks), AC/DC’s Back in Black (644 weeks), and Queen’s Greatest Hits (657 weeks).
From Breakthrough to Legacy: The Black Album’s Enduring Power
When The Black Album dropped, it marked Metallica’s massive leap from thrash metal heroes to global superstars. The album debuted with nearly 600,000 copies sold in its first week and dominated the No. 1 spot for four weeks straight. Since then, it’s sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, with 17 million of those in the U.S.
Metallica’s chart success didn’t stop there. Albums like Load, Reload, St. Anger, Death Magnetic, and Hardwired… To Self-Destruct all reached No. 1 in the years following. Their latest studio effort, 72 Seasons (2023), peaked at No. 2.
Looking ahead in 2025, Metallica wrapped up the U.S. leg of their M72 World Tour in June and took part in the “Back to the Beginning” tribute concert honoring Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath in July. Fans can catch them touring Australia, New Zealand, and Bahrain this fall, followed by a European run next spring. For dates and details, head to Metallica’s official site.
