Metallica’s Album Achieves Milestone on Billboard Chart, Ranks Fourth in History – 95.9 The RAT
Metallica’s self-titled album from 1991 has reached a remarkable milestone of 800 weeks on the Billboard’s top 200 chart. It is an achievement shared by only three other albums, placing Metallica’s work in the esteemed company of iconic releases like Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” Bob Marley’s “Legend,” and Journey’s greatest hits.
What sets Metallica’s album apart is its unique position as the most recently released album among the four and one of only two to feature all original songs. From its initial debut, the album made a significant impact, selling approximately 600,000 copies in its first week and maintaining its dominance on the charts throughout August of ’91. To date, the album has amassed over 30 million copies sold worldwide, with a staggering 17 million in the US market alone.
The album’s success can be attributed to its string of massive hits such as “Enter Sandman,” “The Unforgiven,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Wherever I May Roam,” and “Sad But True.” These songs transcended genre boundaries and propelled the once underground metal heroes into global superstars, solidifying their place in music history.
Not far behind Metallica’s achievement are other noteworthy releases like Creedence’s “Chronicle” at 756 weeks, with Nirvana’s “Nevermind” and Guns N’ Roses’ greatest hits reaching around 730 weeks each. A 30th-anniversary reissue in 2021 propelled Metallica’s album back into the Billboard top 10, while reinterpretations and covers by artists like Miley Cyrus and Ghost brought a fresh perspective to the original songs.
Following the success of their debut album, Metallica continued to dominate the charts with five more number one albums: “Load,” “Reload,” “St. Anger,” “Death Magnetic,” and “Hardwired…To Self-Destruct.” Their latest release, “72 Seasons,” reached number two on the charts this year, showcasing the band’s continued relevance and popularity in the music industry.
Metallica’s enduring success has allowed them to embark on the massive M72 World Tour, with shows across the US and upcoming performances in Australia, New Zealand, Bahrain, and Europe in late 2025 and 2026. Their ability to connect with audiences worldwide and maintain their status as heavy metal legends is a testament to the lasting impact of their music and influence on the industry.