It's all relative.
It bombed in the view of some fans and critics, but the album was released 20 years into their career and went double platinum in the US alone.
Those numbers are considered a hit album for any other musician, including brand new artists/bands.
So does this mean that Lamar bombed, Drake must be smiling knowingly to himself.
As for Hetfield, I don't know the circumstances of his psyche. The ancient cliche, " he's his own worst enemy" could apply to him. He's been sober now since the early 2010's, he moved out of San Jose and he dumped his wife. He does look much healthier now than he did in the early 10's.
The documentary is worth watching. I felt sorry for Jason Newsted, Cliff Burton is a tough act to follow. The doc is available on YT.