Metallicais one of the most infamous bands in the world, and it is no surprise why. Their success has been immense, and there is an ongoing list of achievements to back them. To name just a few, the band was officiallyinducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Famein 2009, and over the course of their career, they have amassed a total of 9 Grammy Awards. Forming nearly 44 years ago in 1981, the band is still actively touring around the world to this day.

As of August 13, 2025,Metallica’s self-titled fifth studio album,widely known as The Black Album,has received a 20x Patinum certification from the RIAA. This recognition signifies a whopping 20 million copies of the album have been sold. Looking back on the record, we now forge the question: how does The Black Album hold up since its release 34 years ago? Here are all 12 of its tracks, ranked from worst to best.

12The Struggle Within

A Triumphant Conclusion

Though the closing song of the record falls short compared to the rest,“The Struggle Within” is still a cleverly written track.The song is driven by a chaotic, upbeat riff in the introduction that sets the tone for the record’s conclusion, ending on a high note.

It is its drastic difference in sound from the rest of the record that sets “The Struggle Within” back, though as a piece on its own, it thrives.

This is easily one of the most thrashing songs on the record, suitable for anyone seeking a track that will get them headbanging by the end. Compared to the rest, it is its drastic difference in sound from the rest of the record that sets “The Struggle Within” back, though as a piece on its own, it thrives.

11The God That Failed

A Heavy Hitter

Kicking off with a groovy bass riff rather than the usual guitar introduction,“The God That Failed” immediately has a unique feeling with its place on the record.The most intriguing part of this song, though, is its dark subject matter.

Leading vocalist, James Hetfield, explores the impact of his Christian Scientist upbringing on his family’s life, specifically his mother. When diagnosed with cancer, Hetfield’s mother refused treatment due to her Christian Scientist beliefs that humans should not accept modern medical treatment. It was this belief that led to her inevitable death, and"The God That Failed" explores Hetfield’s grief and angertowards the outcome of the scenario.

10My Friend Of Misery

The Origin of Emo

“My Friend of Misery” is dark, existential, and incredibly emotional, everything that makes for a great metal song. Coming in at just under seven minutes in length, the track features a twin lead guitar solo by James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, and this takes over as the highlight of the track. Interestingly enough, the track was originally intended to be the instrumental track of the record, as was tradition to include on the four albums that came before. Opting to take the lead by adding vocals, Hetfield crafted what is now “My Friend of Misery.”

9Holier Than Thou

The One That Starts Mosh Pits

Coming in as the shortest song on the record,“Holier Than Thou” might also be the heaviest.With a driving tempo, the song kicks off with full-speed riffs that could open a mosh pit nearly immediately. Metallica held nothing back on this track, striving for a rage-fueled and aggressive delivery, and the result is an instant headbanger.

If the instrumentation isn’t enough to get you hooked, look to the defiant lyrics of the track. Hetfield sings of all those who seek to judge him, calling them out for their actions with the lines, “Little whispers circle around your head / Why don’t you worry about yourself instead?”

8Through The Never

A Two-Stepping Classic

The fast-paced driving riffs of “Through the Never” are bound to get your heart racing, and in the best way possible. It’s clear why this track is a fan-favorite for headbangers, packed with an energetic drum beat and extensive guitar solo that kicks up the rhythm. This is one of the songs bound to break a crowd into a mosh pit, and with good reason; the energy is irresistible. Lyrically, “Through the Never” contemplates the idea of the place of humankind in the universe as a whole, sticking true to the existential tone of many Metallica songs.

7Of Wolf And Man

Where Fantasy Meets Metal

Rather than telling a tale from experience,“Of Wolf and Man” is a fantastical spin on a metal song.Often overlooked in the track list, the song pushes boundaries when it comes to experimentation, both sonically and lyrically. With a gripping guitar riff driving the introduction, the song builds to an erupting chorus.

“Of Wolf and Man” was ahead of its time.

This track also contains one of the most catching bass riffs of the entire record, elevating the listening experience further. Of course, it wouldn’t truly be a Metallica song without a killer guitar solo, and this feature on “Of Wolf and Man” rounds out the track as a near perfect. It’s safe to say “Of Wolf and Man” was ahead of its time.

The Underrated Underdog

Despite its name, which has sparked recent controversy among listeners,“Don’t Tread on Me” is an incredibly underrated track.Portraying a simple but strong message, Metallica crafted one of the most unique songs on the record with this patriotic anthem. Though its lyrics are much more straightforward than the typical Metallica song, “Don’t Tread on Me” has one of the most creative instrumental melodies of the band’s entire discography.

With its dark guitar riffs paired with a rattling drum beat, the track is an anthem of power. As the song progresses, an intricate guitar solo carries the bridge to a final chorus, and I find this one of the most interesting moments on the record as a whole.

A Headbanging Reflection

The second song on a record always has a massive impact on listeners when hearing an album for the first time, and"Sad But True" lives up to the expectation.Following an intro like “Enter Sandman” is a tough feat, yet this song comes to follow with its undeniably catchy riffs and brooding lyricism.

Released as the final single on the album, “Sad But True” lyrically explores the concept of a person’s “shadow self” or darker side of the psyche. The progression of the song takes on an internal battle between the two sides of one’s self and, ultimately, the darker of the two taking on a victory of control.

4The Unforgiven

A Riff-Driven Anthem

Ultimately one of Metallica’s most famous songs,“The Unforgiven” is a metal ballad that has earned its praise.The track was collectively written by members James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Lars Ulrich, further exploring Hetfield’s struggle with religion.

As with “The God That Failed”, the song lyrically explores the impact of his mother’s death on his religious views. In “The Unforgiven,” he begins to question if religion is truly real at all. Not only is this lyrically one of the most beautiful songs from Metallica, but also a somber, emotionally impactful ballad in its instrumental progression.

3Nothing Else Matters

The Original Rock Power Ballad

The six-minute ballad that is Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” is easilyone of the most touching momentson the band’s fifth record. Taking on a slow progression, the somber guitar tone is immediately entrancing. This track stands as one of the most unique moments on the record, drastically different from the upbeat and energetic tracks preceding it.

“Nothing Else Matters” is a love song, and it could not have been executed any better.

For many, “Nothing Else Matters” ranks as a top favorite from The Black Album, and it is clear why. What comes as the most surprising from this song, however, is the subject matter. That’s right: “Nothing Else Matters” is a love song, and it could not have been executed any better.