Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Metallica's 1988 Album: Newsted's Bass Buried by Legacy

1/14/2025

46 7

Summary

Story summary

Metallica's iconic 1988 album …And Justice For All is infamous for its nearly inaudible bass, a choice that left bassist Jason Newsted voiceless during mixing. Producer Flemming Rasmussen hinted it was a deliberate move to stir Newsted, while Bob Rock later acknowledged that Newsted's sound was overshadowed by the legacy of the late Cliff Burton, impacting his presence in the band.

1 of 1

Story summary

Metallica's iconic 1988 album …And Justice For All is infamous for its nearly inaudible bass, a choice that left bassist Jason Newsted voiceless during mixing. Producer Flemming Rasmussen hinted it was a deliberate move to stir Newsted, while Bob Rock later acknowledged that Newsted's sound was overshadowed by the legacy of the late Cliff Burton, impacting his presence in the band.