Metallica's self-titled 1991 album, commonly referred to as "The Black Album," turned 30 years old on August 12, 2021, and Stanley joined other musicians in celebrating the group's milestone. "How could you not be a Metallica fan?" he asked in an interview with Classic Rock Magazine, per Louder Sound. Stanley says former KISS drummer Eric Carr, who died in 1991, introduced the band to Metallica in its early years.
According to Stanley, The Black Album is "what did it" for him. "'Enter Sandman' — that song really flicked a switch, it changed something." And although he credits the song for helping Metallica expand its audience, he also praised their independence. "But the most important thing when you are a band or a creative person is to do what you want. Kudos to Metallica for that," he told Classic Rock Magazine. "Where they've gone since The Black Album, and factoring in their beginnings, is nothing less than amazing. Their appeal became massive, in capital letters, because it crossed boundaries. That's always a great plus."
Metallica is reissuing The Black Album next month as a deluxe box set in honor of its 30-year milestone.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qL7Up56eZpOkunCBl3FrbWxfnby4ecqiqqxloJbCrXnSrZinpJWuerOxwKWjsmWWmrKtv4yamaitpGK6psDApaOim5Fk