10 Best Hard Rock Albums Of The 90s

After almost a decade of playing pure thrash metal, Metallica were pretty burned out by the time the 90's rolled around. The band had just released one of their most technically complex records with And Justice for All and were itching to write simpler material. With the assistance of producer Bob Rock, the band made a record which brought thrash metal to the masses.

The band's self-titled release, referred to as The Black Album, was the band's biggest commercial breakthrough with hits like "Enter Sandman" and "Nothing Else Matters." While the world "hit" in a metal context may seem like a turn-off for many, the tunes on this record were still incredibly strong from the heavy swing of "Don't Tread on Me" to the audible sledgehammer that is "Sad But True." The more softer tracks on the record like "The Unforgiven" are still incredibly poignant with their cries of inner pain.

With this record, Metallica broadened the sonic landscape for metal and turned their music into a global force to be reckoned with. By straying from their thrashier roots, Metallica came through with a bonafied classic album that made a whole new generation of fans love heavy metal music.