Jason Newsted’s Stance on Bass Remixing for Metallica’s …And Justice for All

As Metallica approaches the potential reissue of their landmark album, …And Justice for All, to commemorate its 40th anniversary, former bassist Jason Newsted has made it clear that he does not support remixing the album’s bass tracks. Known for its iconic status and classic tracks like “One” and “Harvester of Sorrow,” the album’s sound has sparked extensive discussion, particularly regarding the almost inaudible bass contributions from Newsted himself.

The Legacy of …And Justice for All

Released in 1988, …And Justice for All is often regarded as a defining moment in heavy metal history. Despite its critical acclaim and commercial success, one of the most debated aspects of the album is the mixing of Newsted’s bass, which is notably low in the mix. This has led to a deep dive into Metallica’s sound choices, alongside other controversies such as the pinging snare drum on St. Anger and the internal struggles showcased in the documentary Some Kind of Monster.

Newsted’s Perspective on Remixing

In a recent interview with Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation, Newsted articulated his feelings about the potential remixing of his bass work. He expressed a firm belief that the original sound should remain untouched. “Nah, man. No. It’s what it is. I don’t think that you should go back and mess with things like that,” he stated. Newsted acknowledged that while fans have speculated about what the album could sound like with more prominent bass, he personally does not invest time in these hypothetical scenarios.

Reflecting on His Experience

With over three decades passed since the album’s release, Newsted has come to terms with its legacy. “What I’ve come to with all this… is that if it hadn’t been so f—ing bizarre then we probably wouldn’t be talking about it 35 years later with any kind of interest,” he remarked. His experience with the album was initially one of frustration; upon hearing it for the first time, he was “f—ing livid” because he felt he played exceptionally well. However, he later recognized that the band mixed the album in a manner that aligned with their artistic vision.

The Origins of the Mixing Choices

Interestingly, Newsted pointed out that Lars Ulrich had a preference for a specific sound mix even in the band’s early days. He recalled that Ulrich wrote “Turn bass down on stereo” on the original cassette tape of their 1982 demo, No Life ‘Til Leather, suggesting that the drummer’s preference for a bass-light mix was established long before …And Justice for All.

The Unique Sound of Metallica

In the interview, Newsted also compared the dynamic between Ulrich and frontman James Hetfield to other iconic rock duos, asserting that he and guitarist Kirk Hammett served as the “embellishment” of their partnership. He humorously dubbed …And Justice for All the “largest-selling garage duo album of all time,” highlighting the unconventional nature of its production.

Conclusion

As the conversation around a potential reissue of …And Justice for All heats up, Jason Newsted’s steadfast stance against remixing his bass parts serves as a reminder of the album’s unique place in music history. Its legacy continues to resonate, not just for its songs but also for the discussions it inspires among fans and musicians alike. The choice to leave the original mix intact may preserve the authenticity of Metallica’s groundbreaking work.

FAQs

Why is Jason Newsted against remixing the bass on …And Justice for All?

Newsted believes that altering the original mix would undermine the album’s historical significance and integrity, stating, “It’s what it is.” He prefers to leave the album as it was originally intended.

What notable songs are featured on …And Justice for All?

The album includes legendary tracks such as “One” and “Harvester of Sorrow,” which have become staples in Metallica’s discography.

What is the significance of the bass in …And Justice for All?

The album is infamous for having Jason Newsted’s bass parts mixed very low, which has become a point of contention and discussion among fans and critics over the years.

What did Lars Ulrich write on the No Life ‘Til Leather demo?

Ulrich wrote “Turn bass down on stereo,” indicating his preference for a sound mix that favored the drums and guitars over the bass.