Bruce Dickinson believes that Metallica’s “Black Album” helped to push metal into the mainstream

Many regard Metallica’s 1991 album commonly known as “The Black Album” as the metal album, that helped to push metal music into the mainstream.

This sentiment is now shared by Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, who went to say on Classic Rock magazine’s interview:

“Ourselves, Judas Priest and Pantera all reached a crossroads where we had the chance to really step up to the next level. But none of us had the balls to do it. Metallica did, though. You have to give them huge credit for grabbing the opportunity when it came up, taking the risk and deservedly reaping the enormous rewards. You cannot underestimate their achievement with [The Black Album]. It was very effective. It undoubtedly did help push metal into the mainstream,” he assured, though adding that Iron Maiden wouldn’t ever create an album with that blueprint. We could never do an album like that, because we’re not that under control, and we don’t want to be,” he explained. “With us, the wheels would fall off the bus and we’d end up firing the producer!”

“The Black Album” just turned twenty years old this year, which is celebrated by Metallica with special releases.