AllMovie

In the 1980s, Metallica was the biggest thrash metal band in the world, serving up blistering hard rock that was faster and louder than anything the mainstream was willing to accept. That changed in 1991 with the release of the group's self-titled fifth album (often described as "the Black Album" for its black-on-black cover art), which put just enough polish on the group's sound to reach new listeners without compromising the band's musical intensity or outlaw image. Metallica sold 12 million copies, and its runaway success made Metallica the biggest hard rock band in the world. This documentary from the Classic Albums series takes an in-depth look at the production of this metal masterpiece, featuring exclusive interviews with all four members of the group as well as producer Bob Rock. Also included are the five videos created for songs from the album -- "Enter Sandman," "Sad but True," "The Unforgiven," "Nothing Else Matters," and "Wherever I May Roam."