From thrash metal to a more toned down yet heavy sound, the Black Album from Metallica was released 25 years ago this week, launching the San Fransisco band from stars to superstars. It was also the album that separated old school Metallica fans from a new breed of fans.

Here’s a few facts about the Black Album:

  1. It was the first collaboration of four albums produced by Bob Rock and after it was finished, neither Bob or the band said they would work together again.
  2. The album cost $1 million dollars to make and was remixed three times before its release.
  3. Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Jason Newsted  went through divorces, potentially because of the making of the album.
  4. The finished product yielded six hit singles, including “Enter Sandman,” “Sad But True,” “The Unforgiven,” “Don’t Tread On Me,” “Nothing Else Matters” and “Wherever I May Roam.”