The Reason Behind the Attenuated Bass in Metallica's 'And Justice for All'
Metallica's And Justice for All is renowned for its intense and elaborate musical structure. However, a common point of discussion has been the attenuation of the bass on this album, particularly the contribution of Jason Newstead. Understanding why this happened involves delving into the musical decisions and influences of Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield under the circumstances surrounding the album's production.
The Original Sound and Its Availability
While the bass on And Justice for All is, by many standards, not as prominent as it might be, it's worth noting that a version with more balanced tonalities is available. Listeners can still hear the intended sound of Jason Newstead's bass by exploring the discography of the band. Fans of Metallica, in particular, can seek out the album And Justice for Jason, which offers the original mix with a fuller range for the bass guitar.
The Interview Insight
The details about the attenuation of the bass can be traced back to an interview with the sound mixer, who spoke about the process behind the mix. During this interview, it was revealed that Lars Ulrich, the band's drummer and a co-founder, specifically asked the mixer to tone down the bass. Lars, in the studio, progressively reduced the bass levels saying, "a little more" until he had "all the way down." The mixer regretted not saving the original master before making such drastic changes, highlighting the unrecoverable nature of these adjustments.
Band Dynamics and Decisions
The dynamic relationship between Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield played a significant role in the production of And Justice for All. They led the band, while the other members, particularly Jason Newstead, took a more supportive role. This dominance in decision-making, influenced by their personal lives, often dictated the band's approach to recording.
Following the tragic loss of Cliff Burton, Metallica was grieving and dealing with its untimely departure. Their emotional state and subsequent behavior reportedly led to less-than-friendly interactions with Jason Newstead. Recognizing this, Lars and James made the decision to reduce the bass guitar volume. Their reasoning was to draw attention to the bass drum in the mix, ensuring that it was heard prominently. This change was implemented by adjusting the settings to a point where the bass could sit more comfortably in the mix without overwhelming the bass drums.
Conclusion
The attenuated bass in And Justice for All was a deliberate choice, made to accommodate Lars Ulrich's vision and the overall sound mix. While it can be argued that this decision may have affected the balance and fullness of the album, the resulting music retains its intensity and complexity. For fans who wish to hear the original mix, alternative albums and mixes are available to satisfy their preferences.
To explore more about this topic, or to discover alternative mixes and fan interpretations, consider exploring Metallica's official discography and various discussions on music forums and review platforms. The nuances of band dynamics and production choices continually fascinate music enthusiasts, revealing the intricate layers behind the creation of iconic albums.