On this day 20 years ago, one of the most groundbreaking and yet controversial albums in rock history has been unleashed upon mankind: August 12, 1991 saw the release of METALLICA's self-titled fifth album, commonly known as the 'Black Album'!
The first single 'Enter Sandman', released two weeks prior to the album, and a never seen before media campaign for a metal band caused an unprecedented run upon record shops when the album was officially available from midnight on. 'Metallica' pushed its originators on top of the rock world since then, mentioned in the same breath as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, AC/DC and U2. Numerous statistics going along with that album could be mentioned to describe the success of this recording, but this feature is not a Wiki.
Of course, 'Metallica' did not get applause from all sides. For many, this album still is the dividing line between "old" and "new", "good" and "bad" Metallica. This is in the eye of the beholder, but undoubtedly 'Metallica' paved the way to new audiences for all kinds of metal and, as a hypothesis, the metal scene in general may not have grown as huge as it is today, if it wasn't for 'Metallica'.
Love 'em or hate 'em, there might be nothing in between, but for the author Metallica still is the greatest metal band of all time, and today it's all about celebrating the 20th anniversary of 'Metallica'. "Bang that head that doesn't bang"!
Very well said where would all the metal bands or us metal heads be with out Metallica leading the way!! \m/\m/
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't exactly the dividing line, it was just a hint. They still had their hair, and they hadn't locked Kirk's screaming mastery of the crybaby up in cage just yet.
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