The self-titled debut album from Metallica has long been down in legend and has sold millions of copies worldwide. It took the band to mega-stardom and all amidst a backdrop of plenty of trouble ranging from fights to drug addiction and beyond.
Life in Metallica is a lot more settled today, with drug rehab sobering up members and the heady days of sex, drugs and rock and roll a little tamer for the almost 60-year-old James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.
But to this day, that 1991 release, known as the Black Album, is still a talking point. And for good reason too.
Here are four amazing facts about it…
It Was a Huge Commercial Success
The Black Album was a commercial success and is one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and stayed on the chart for over four years. The album’s singles, including “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” and “Nothing Else Matters,” received extensive radio play and helped Metallica reach a wider audience, way beyond the metal world.
It Was Recorded in a Haunted Mansion
Metallica recorded the Black Album at One-on-One Studios in Los Angeles, which was housed in a former mansion that was believed to be haunted. The band members reported strange occurrences during the recording sessions, including lights turning on and off by themselves and a ghostly presence in the control room. Despite the eerie atmosphere, Metallica was able to create one of their most iconic albums.
It Was Produced by Bob Rock
The Black Album was produced by Bob Rock, a Canadian producer known for his work with bands like Bon Jovi and Motley Crue. Rock was initially criticized by some Metallica fans for his role in the band’s shift towards a more commercial sound. However, the album’s success and lasting legacy have proven the effectiveness of Rock’s production techniques.
It Features a Controversial Guitar Solo
The Black Album features a guitar solo on the track “The Unforgiven” that caused controversy among some Metallica fans. The solo, played by guitarist Kirk Hammett, was composed entirely by Bob Rock and was different from the improvised solos that Hammett had become known for. Despite the controversy, the solo has become a beloved part of the song and showcases Hammett’s versatility as a guitarist.
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