Metallica – Metallica (2xLP, Remastered 2021)

Metallica (1991), widely known as The Black Album, marked a turning point for the band — a move from the thrash metal complexity of their earlier work toward a more streamlined, powerful sound. Produced by Bob Rock, the record combines crushing riffs, precise production, and emotional directness, resulting in one of the most influential metal albums ever made. Tracks like “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” and “Nothing Else Matters” reveal a newfound melodic sensibility without sacrificing intensity, while songs such as “Sad But True” and “Wherever I May Roam” embody the band’s signature heaviness and control. The album’s remastered 2021 edition brings renewed clarity and weight to its already monumental sound, highlighting the depth of its arrangements and the precision of its performances. The Black Album remains a towering achievement — a record that bridged metal and mainstream rock with confidence and purpose. Decades on, it continues to define Metallica’s legacy: bold, uncompromising, and built to last.

Reviews

“A masterclass in accessible metal — heavy, direct, and impeccably crafted.” – Rolling Stone

“Still sounds massive, focused, and timeless — proof that simplicity can be just as powerful as speed.” – The Guardian

“Metallica distilled their intensity into pure anthems — an album that changed heavy music forever.” – Pitchfork