Metallica Celebrate Thirty Years of ‘The Black Album’ with All Star Reissue
Not only do Metallica plan on remastering the classic album, but have put together a compilation album staring the likes of Miley Cyrus, Elton John and Ghost just to name a few.
Metallica’s self-titled album, widely known as ‘The Black Album’, served as their 5th studio album as was released on the 12th August 1991. Where many would argue that their third album, 1985’s ‘Master of Puppets’, was their greatest achievement musically, no one can deny the impact of ‘The Black Album’. Where the band slowly built up their cult following over the years since the release of their debut ‘Kill ’Em All’ in 1983, it was their 5th album that truly blew them into mainstream success.
With Mötley Crüe producer Bob Rock and a $1 million budget, they recorded one the most successful heavy metal albums of all time. To date, ‘The Black Album’ has sold over 30 million copies and is hailed as one of the greatest metal albums ever recorded. Containing several fan favourites ‘Enter Sandman’, ‘The Unforgiven’, ‘Where I May Roam’, ‘Sad But True’ and ‘Nothing Else Matters’.
Needless to say, this album was, and still is, a pretty big deal. So, to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary Metallica have gone all out. Firstly, they will be releasing a complete remaster of the original album rather aptly dumbed ‘Non More Black’ (if you know, you know). This will come in multiple forms, including a 180-gram double vinyl, a standard CD as well as a exclusive 3 CD set. And of course, for those with some extra cash to spend, there is also Limited-Edition Deluxe box set up for grabs. This box set contains over 24 hours-worth of music to listen to, including classic vinyl’s, coloured vinyl’s, 3 live LPs, 14 CDs, 6 DVDs, a 120 page hardcover book as well as some other goodies.
However, the true star of this release is ‘The Metallica Blacklist’. A huge star-studded compilation album featuring a whopping 53 artists, covering their favourite tracks from the album. That’s right, one album featuring 53 artists covering 12 songs in their own unique styles. This huge cast of artists is also incredibly diverse, from metal artists like Volbeat, Robert Trujillo and Royal blood to pop icons like Elton John and Miley Cyrus. Other artists include St Vincent, Weezer, Sam Fender, Biffy Clyro, My Morning Jacket and Ghost. The album will also feature some international artists such as The Hu and Mon Laferte, translating the lyrics into their own native languages. The latter performing a particularly beautiful Spanish version of ‘Nothing Else Matters’.
From metal to pop, country to rap, classical to punk, the vast range of musicality on this album is quite an achievement. Better yet Metallica have confirmed that 100% of profits will go to charity. 50% will go to Metallica’s own charity ‘All Within My Hands’, while the other 50% will go to a charity of each artist’s choice. Both albums have released trailers for this release, as well as some singles including a remastered ‘Enter Sandman’ and Miley Cyrus’s cover of ‘The Unforgiven’, be sure to check those out on their YouTube channels (Links Below). Both the remastered version of ‘The Black Album’ and ‘The Metallica Blacklist’ compilation are both ready for pre order now and will be released together on the 10th of September 2021. Be sure to check them out.
Metallica’s Official YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/metallica/videos
Miley Cyrus’s ‘The Unforgiven’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqoQY9bobow
Metallica’s Official Website