Metallica is making history with their classic 1991 self-titled album, known as “The Black Album.” It has now spent an incredible 800 weeks on the Billboard 200 album chart. This milestone makes it the fourth album ever to reach this mark. “The Black Album” joins an elite group that includes Pink Floyd’s legendary 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon, and two greatest hits collections: Bob Marley and The Wailers’ 1984 Legend and Journey’s 1988 Greatest Hits.
In 2025, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced new certifications, revealing that Metallica has sold 20 million copies of “The Black Album.” This achievement earns it a double diamond certification, which is given to albums that sell 10 million copies or more.
For years, “The Black Album” has been in a close race with Shania Twain’s 1997 hit, Come On Over, for the title of the top-selling album of the SoundScan Era. SoundScan, now known as MRC Data, started tracking album sales in real-time on March 1, 1991. This technology records sales when an album’s barcode is scanned at the register.
Come On Over was certified double diamond on November 15, 2004, but it hasn’t received a new certification in over 20 years. Before its recent double diamond status, Metallica’s “The Black Album” was certified 16 times platinum on December 13, 2012, for selling 16 million copies.
With these achievements, Metallica continues to solidify their place in music history. Fans can celebrate this iconic album and its lasting impact on the music world.
