Metallica, commonly known as "The Black Album," was recorded from October 1990 to June 1991 at One on One Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California. The album was produced by Bob Rock, who had previously worked with Mötley Crüe and The Cult, and marked a significant departure from the band's collaboration with Flemming Rasmussen on their earlier thrash metal records. Bob Rock pushed the band toward a more polished, radio-friendly sound with slower tempos, heavier emphasis on groove, and meticulous attention to tone, reportedly causing significant tension during the lengthy and expensive recording sessions, which cost approximately $1 million. Engineer Randy Staub handled the mixing, crafting the album's massive, tight drum sound and thick guitar tones, with James Hetfield re-recording rhythm guitar parts numerous times to achieve precise layering and sonic weight. Released on August 12, 1991, the album became one of the best-selling records of all time, fundamentally shifting Metallica's commercial trajectory and influencing the production standards of heavy metal throughout the 1990s.
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29 cataloged · sorted by audiophile score
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2 releases share this master.
Blackened — BLCKND008R-1
The 2021 remastered vinyl reissue on Blackened is well-received on SHF and Reddit; praised for being a quality modern repress with good sound, though purists still prefer the original 1991 pressings.
Blackened — BLCKND008RD-1
2021 European Blackened vinyl reissue; same general positive consensus as the US counterpart with good pressing quality reported by Discogs and Reddit users.
Elektra — 61113-1 · Elektra — 9 61113-1
The original US vinyl pressing on Elektra is considered a strong first pressing with punchy dynamics; frequently compared favorably against later reissues by SHF members.
Vertigo — 510 022-1
The original European vinyl pressing is generally well-regarded as a solid sounding release, though some note it can be a bit hot in the upper mids; considered a good baseline pressing by most.
Universal Music Group International — 00600753156063 · Universal Music Group International — 0731451002212 · Vertigo — 5315607 · Vertigo — 5315608 · Vertigo — 5315609 · Vertigo — 5315610 · Vertigo — 600753156070 · Vertigo — 600753156087 · Vertigo — 600753156094 · Vertigo — 600753156100
Part of the 2008 European vinyl reissue series; generally praised on forums for improved sound quality over earlier reissues, though some prefer the original 1991 pressing.
Elektra — 9 61113-2
Same pressing as the 9 61113-2; original Elektra CD widely considered the best-sounding CD version among SHF members who prefer it over later remasters.
Elektra — 61113-9
The DVD-Audio release is appreciated for its high-resolution surround mix and improved dynamic range; considered one of the better digital options by SHF audiophiles.
Warner Bros. Records — 511830-1
US 2008 vinyl reissue on Warner Bros. is considered a solid modern pressing; discussed on SHF as a good alternative if original Elektra pressings are unavailable.
Warner Bros. Records — 511831-1
Companion disc to 511830-1 in the 2008 US reissue; same general positive reception as a clean modern pressing.
Sony Records — SRCS 5577
Japanese first pressing on Sony is noted for good build quality and packaging; sonically similar to other early pressings with typical Japanese CD precision.
Elektra — CD 61113
Canadian pressing on Elektra; essentially the same mastering as the US original, considered a solid early pressing.
Vertigo — 510 022-2
Early Australian Vertigo CD pressing; generally considered comparable to other early 90s CD pressings and a decent option for those seeking an early mastering.
Simply Vinyl — SVLP 207 · Vertigo — SVLP 207
The Simply Vinyl 180g reissue is seen as a decent audiophile option; some SHF members note it sounds slightly compressed compared to the original pressing but the heavy vinyl is a plus.
Vertigo — UICY-91073
Japanese SHM-CD pressing is appreciated for improved clarity on high-end systems; some SHF members consider SHM-CD benefits marginal but the packaging and mastering are solid.
Vertigo — UICY-94666
Another Japanese SHM-CD edition; well-regarded for packaging and considered a worthwhile import for collectors, with similar mastering to other Japanese editions.
Vertigo — UICY-20226
2011 Japanese SHM-CD reissue; collectors appreciate the packaging and SHM-CD format, though sonic differences from earlier SHM-CD editions are considered negligible.
Blackened — UICY-16006
Japanese SHM-CD on Blackened label; appreciated by Japanese market collectors for the SHM-CD format and OBI strip, with solid mastering quality.
Sony Records International — SICP 479
Japanese reissue on Sony; not heavily discussed on SHF but considered a decent standard CD reissue with good Japanese manufacturing quality.
Universal International — UICR-1056 · Vertigo — UICR-1056
Japanese reissue with limited edition packaging; not widely discussed on SHF audiophile threads but considered a standard quality Japanese pressing.
Blackened — BLCKND008-2
Blackened reissue generally considered adequate but not preferred over original Elektra pressings; some SHF members note the mastering is slightly different.
Blackened — BLCKND008R-2
2021 European CD reissue; similar reception to the US version, considered a decent modern reissue but not audiophile-essential.
Blackened — BLCKND008R-3
2021 US CD reissue on Blackened; not heavily discussed in audiophile circles as most prefer vinyl or the original Elektra CD.
Vertigo — STARCD5856
South African pressing; rarely discussed in audiophile communities but considered a standard early CD pressing.
EMI — 0602438404360
Blackened Recordings - Universal Music — 0602507249298
Blackened Recordings - Universal Music — 0602438404537
Blackened Recordings - Universal Music — 0602438399505
Pantheon Media — 0198883367430
Pantheon Media — 0881626010501