- 2LP 180 Grams Audiophile Blackened Records
This the high-end audiophile release pressed on two 12" vinyl records each on 180 gram vinyl of the self-titled Metallica album and because of the black front and back cover, it is also known as "The Black Album". It has become one of the best-selling albums worldwide.
For legions of metal fans, Metallica's self-titled fifth album, better known as "The Black Album," needs no introduction. Released in 1991, it became a commercial juggernaut and a critical darling, selling over 35 million copies worldwide and spawning a string of hit singles like "Enter Sandman," "The Unforgiven," and "Nothing Else Matters." Now, Blackened Records, Metallica's own label, is giving this landmark album the audiophile treatment with a special 2LP 180-gram vinyl reissue.
Heavyweight Vinyl for Heavyweight Riffs
This reissue prioritizes sound quality for the discerning listener. The album is pressed on two heavyweight 180-gram vinyl discs, a format prized for its superior sound quality compared to standard-weight vinyl. Audiophiles appreciate the increased fidelity, claiming it delivers a richer, fuller listening experience with improved bass response and a wider dynamic range.
Remastered for Ultimate Audio Fidelity
But the sonic upgrade goes beyond the vinyl itself. The Blackened Records reissue boasts a remastering process overseen by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering. This ensures the audio is optimized for the vinyl format, potentially revealing details and nuances that may have been obscured in previous pressings. For fans who hold "The Black Album" in high esteem, this remastering promises a fresh perspective on a classic record.
The Classic Artwork Gets a Gatefold Treatment
While the sonic experience takes center stage, the physical presentation isn't neglected. The reissue comes housed in a gatefold sleeve, replicating the original album artwork. This format allows for larger album art and potentially liner notes or photos within the packaging.
Thrash Metal
Blackened Recordings – BLCKND008-1
Record Format: 2x 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 480 gram
2015 Europe
This 12" LP vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover contains artwork showing portraits of the Metallica band-members and the lyrics of all the songs
Bob Rock - Producer
Bob Rock is a renowned music producer and sound engineer hailing from Winnipeg, Canada. Born on 19 April 1954, Rock's passion for music began at a young age, and he developed a strong interest in rock and heavy metal genres. Over the years, he has made an indelible mark on the music industry, working with numerous iconic bands and shaping the sound of some of the most influential albums in rock history.
Rock's career took off in the 1980s when he started collaborating with various artists and bands. His reputation as a skilled producer and engineer quickly grew, and he became known for his ability to capture the raw energy and power of heavy metal music. One of his earliest notable collaborations was with the Swiss hard rock band Krokus, for whom he produced their successful album "Headhunter" in 1983.
However, it was his work with the legendary band Metallica that truly catapulted Rock to international fame. In the early 1990s, Rock collaborated with Metallica as the producer on their self-titled fifth studio album, commonly known as "The Black Album". Released in 1991, the album was a massive success, selling millions of copies worldwide and propelling Metallica to new heights of mainstream popularity. Rock's production on the album was praised for its polished yet heavy sound, and it remains one of the best-selling rock albums of all time.
Following the success of "The Black Album", Rock continued to work with Metallica on their subsequent albums, including "Load" (1996) and "Reload" (1997). His collaboration with the band played a significant role in shaping their evolving sound and experimenting with new musical directions. Rock's ability to adapt to different artistic visions while maintaining a high level of production quality became one of his trademarks.
In addition to his work with Metallica, Rock has produced and engineered albums for several other major heavy metal bands. He worked with Mötley Crüe on their highly successful album " Dr. Feelgood " (1989), which showcased his knack for capturing the band's sleazy and aggressive sound. Rock also collaborated with Aerosmith on their comeback album "Permanent Vacation" (1987), which marked a resurgence in the band's popularity and featured several hit singles.
Throughout his career, Bob Rock has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the music industry. He has received Grammy Awards for his work with Metallica and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Rock's talent and expertise as a producer and engineer have made him one of the most sought-after figures in the industry, and he continues to work with a diverse range of artists and bands, leaving his mark on the music world with every project he takes on.
Bob Rock's passion for music, his innate understanding of rock and heavy metal, and his unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch production quality have cemented his status as one of the most influential music producers and sound engineers of his time. His contributions to the genre have left an indelible impact and have shaped the sound of countless iconic albums, making him a true legend in the world of rock music.
James Hetfield - Producer
Lars Ulrich - Producer
Randy Staub - Sound Engineer
Mike Tacci - Assistent Sound Engineer
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
This section shows the complete Metallica discography ordered by album-title. Several titles are International and have been listed with the country of release