Metallica has once again made music history as the RIAA awarded the band multiple new certifications, marking several new landmarks. The iconic self-titled album, known as The Black Album (1991), has officially reached 20x platinum status in the U.S., making it one of only fourteen albums ever to earn a double diamond certification. This milestone places it as the thirteenth highest-selling album of all time in the United States. Meanwhile, the band’s 1986 classic Master of Puppets has now been certified 8x platinum, a boost that was no doubt helped by its viral resurgence thanks to Stranger Things in 2022, and 2024’s Fortnite experience.
Alongside these two landmark albums, Metallica received updated certifications for numerous releases and singles as of May 28, 2025. For instance, Live Shit: Binge & Purge has made a new milestone at 21x platinum, “Fade to Black,” at 9x platinum, “Hardwired” – gold, Kill ‘Em All – 4x platinum, “Master of Puppets,”- 3x platinum, “Ride the Lightning,” – gold, “Seek and Destroy” – platinum,” and “The Unforgiven” – 2x platinum. Check out the complete list of milestones here.
