Why Metallica’s Black Album Is So Important

Metallica’s enormous self-titled album celebrates an anniversary today!  Let’s take a look at why Metallica’s Black Album Is So Important!  And no, I don’t mean “was” so important.  I do mean why it still “is” so important.

Metallica was already one of the biggest metal bands out there with their first 4 releases.  They had a large and loyal fanbase.  Teaming up With Bob Rock for their self-titled album, they crossed over into the mainstream without losing their integrity or sacrificing good songwriting.  Was it a bit of a departure in sound for them?  Sure.  But did it help solidify them as one of the biggest rock bands in the world?  Definitely.  They picked up so many new fans with that album.  And sure, some of their “older” fans may have complained at first about the sound and direction of songwriting, but they quickly came around after realizing that this thing was a masterpiece.

But why is the Black Album still so important?  I think because it was and is the best crossover album perfect for introducing young rock fans to the world of heavy metal.  When a young kid is just starting to learn about music and is leaning towards rock, once they put this Metallica record on, if they like it, they can dig deeper into the even heavier catalog of “Tallica.  And if they don’t…..well, maybe they’re into the lighter stuff.  And that’s ok.  But I truly believe that this album is a great barometer for figuring out your taste in metal or hard rock in general.

I for one can remember seeing the “Enter Sandman” video as a kid and while I was a little freaked out by all those snakes, I remember thinking “Wow, this sounds pretty cool and I want to hear more.  Like many people my age did, we picked up the album, absolutely loved it, and then a friend older brother or maybe our Uncle, would say “Hey, if you like that, you need to check out this album.”  And they would promptly hand us a copy of “Master of Puppets.” 

The album was also and is also great for young, aspiring musicians to play along to.  It had some technical parts, but overall didn’t feel impossible.  It pushes you in all the right ways.  And regardless of what some might say, I think that has a lot to do with how much input Bob Rock had on the production of the album and how he pushed the band.  And also stripped them down a bit. So let’s not forget this masterpiece, but instead, celebrate it and all of Metallica’s catalog.  You can argue that without the Black Album, Metallica might not even still be around……..or not be as huge as they are.

Were you at Starland Ballroom last night?

Asking Alexandria headlined a tremendous show! They fired up some really great live versions of "Into The Fire," "To The Stage," and much more. And they had some great openers as well! The Hu and Zero 9:36. Both bands got the crowd pumped and it was cool watching The Hu doing their thing – blending traditional Mongolian sounds with metal!! One cool highlight was when they did their cover of Metallica’s “Through The Never”. It sounded great and they definitely have a unique take on it.

Let’s go back to The Blacklist cover album and take a look at 6 of the most unique versions of Metallica tunes!

This woman is a model, an actress, and a tremendous vocalist. She's got a truly awesome set of pipes and this cover proves she can sing any genre. Very intriguing hearing a danceable version of "Enter Sandman!!"

Jose Madero was the lead singer of a band called PANDA.  Here, he flies solo and over the piano that accompanies him at the beginning of the track, I get chills when I hear it.  Such an amazing cover.  Haunting, emotional, and raw just like Metallica's original.

This one is so odd.  At first, I didn't get it.  But after a few listens, it's a very unique spin on one of the most underrated songs of the Black album.  It's got a college rock, underground, punkish vibe in moments.  And certainly stands out as one of the most unique takes on a Metallica tune.

Straight Out of Chile, this vocalist known for Pop, Bolero, Salsa, and more does a bang-up job in her version of the Metallica classic.  In Spanish and with those beautiful guitars with that Latin flare, it sounds so cool to hear the song this way.  Again, another that is haunting yet powerful and beautiful all at once!

This jazz saxophonist is an amazing player. In fact, everyone on the track lays down something very hypnotic and captivating.  A jazzed-up version of a Metallica B-Side is just what we needed!

Those Mongolian instruments and that feel.  So intriguing, but it still brings the heavy on the main riff of the song. Once those vocals kick in, you can't help but be hypnotized. Great version!