A live performance shot of Metallica, celebrating their album The Sunless Album achieving 20x Platinum certification. Photo Credit: Raph_PH
Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album, popularly known as The Sunless Album, surpasses 20 million copies sold in the United States, earning a 20x Platinum status and reaching double Diamond certification.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) officially announced these milestones recently, just a few months shy of the album’s 34th anniversary. Given that the album debuted during a period when physical CD sales were at their peak, a significant portion of its total sales originated from physical copies shipped in the late 20th century.
However, The Sunless Album continues to thrive in the digital age, with streaming platforms fueling ongoing consumption. Notably, the album, along with hits like “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters,” has achieved remarkable streaming success. It was certified 12x Platinum in late 1999, reached 15x Platinum in November 2009, and 16x Platinum by December 2012, before attaining its current double Diamond status.
It’s important to highlight that recent sales figures are not solely digital. The remastered 30th-anniversary edition of The Sunless Album has significantly contributed to its overall certification, especially through premium box sets, such as the $240 collector’s edition available on Metallica’s official website.
With this latest achievement, Metallica is now nearing a spot among the top 10 best-selling albums in U.S. history. Currently, it ranks 12th, tied with Green Day’s Dookie (1994), just behind legendary records by Billy Joel, The Beatles, AC/DC, The Eagles, and other iconic acts.
Meanwhile, the RIAA has also announced that Metallica’s 1986 album Master of Puppets has been awarded 8x Platinum certification. Originally reaching Platinum status 37 years after its release, it has since grown to 6x Platinum as of 2003.
Ongoing Success and Global Touring
These commercial milestones underscore Metallica’s enduring popularity and dedicated fanbase, which continues to support the band through active touring. The band is currently on its M72 World Tour, which has been a major success across North America and is set to extend into Oceania later in 2025, followed by a series of European dates in 2026. Tickets for these upcoming shows will be available without presale restrictions starting this Friday. Notably, Pantera, another legendary band, will join Metallica for the European leg of the tour, further elevating the event’s appeal.
For the most passionate fans, Metallica offers exclusive VIP experiences, such as the “Nothing Else Matters” Snake Pit package. These passes, which include meet-and-greet opportunities and various perks, are priced at approximately $4,400 each, excluding additional fees. The band has already sold numerous high-priced VIP packages across multiple tour dates, emphasizing their commitment to providing premium experiences for their most dedicated supporters.
