Flemming Rasmussen Reflects on the Lack of Bass in Metallica’s ‘… And Justice for All’

Former Metallica producer Flemming Rasmussen has once again addressed the long-standing debate surrounding the conspicuous absence of bass on the band’s iconic fourth album, … And Justice for All. Despite the passage of time, Rasmussen remains baffled by the decision to minimize the contributions of newly recruited bassist Jason Newsted.

The Producer’s Perspective

In a recent interview with the Chilean radio station Futuro, Rasmussen recounted his experiences working on … And Justice for All. “Lars [Ulrich] has a thing that every time they’ve done an album, he comes and plays it to me,” he explained. “And he always hopes that I nod and say, ‘That’s a good lad.’ When he played me the album, I just looked at him and said, ‘What’s that?’ He said, ‘That’s the mix.’ I said, ‘No, it’s not. You forgot the bass.’ And there’s no bass on there.”

A Return to Metallica

This album marked the third collaboration between Rasmussen and Metallica, following the successful releases of Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. Initially, Rasmussen was unable to work on the album due to prior commitments, but after some persuasion from the band, he adjusted his schedule and flew to Los Angeles.

“By the time I got there, they already had some hotshot Los Angeles mixers, Steve Thompson and Michael Barbiero, to handle the mix,” he recalled. “Metallica listened to their work and were dissatisfied, insisting, ‘Where’s my drum sound? Where’s my guitar sound?’ Ultimately, Lars said, ‘Now take the bass down so you can just hear it.’”

Understanding the Mix Decisions

Rasmussen elaborated on the mixing process, revealing that the band requested further reductions in bass levels. “You can see it on YouTube,” he noted. “Steve Thompson has talked about this. They lowered the bass even more at Lars and James’ request. I’ve asked them why, and I still don’t know.”

Speculations on the Bass Absence

Rasmussen speculated that the lack of bass could be attributed to the band’s grief over the passing of former bassist Cliff Burton. “I think the reason they turned the bass down is partly because they were on tour with Van Halen and realized they didn’t have Cliff anymore,” he said. “They couldn’t relate to Jason’s sound.”

Additionally, Rasmussen suggested that the minimal bass mix might have been a form of hazing directed at Newsted. “What they hated about Jason was that he was such a Metallica fan,” he explained. “He always complied with their requests. I think they intentionally kept the bass down to irritate him, expecting him to ask for it to be turned up, which he probably never did.”

Rasmussen’s Praise for Newsted’s Work

Despite the final mix, Rasmussen expressed admiration for Newsted’s bass tracks. “As one of the few people who has heard the bass from … And Justice for All, I can say Jason did a hell of a job,” he affirmed. “The bass tracks are really good.”

A Silver Lining

While Rasmussen lamented the absence of bass, he acknowledged the unintended impact of the album. “In hindsight, I read that … And Justice for All is considered the number one album that inspired people to start their own bands,” he shared. “So, while it didn’t feature much bass, it has undoubtedly created more new bands than any other album. If you’re looking to start a band, just don’t be a bass player.”

Conclusion

Flemming Rasmussen’s reflections on … And Justice for All continue to resonate within the metal community. The absence of bass on the album remains a topic of debate, but it also serves as a testament to the powerful influence Metallica has had on aspiring musicians worldwide. Despite the controversy, the album’s legacy is undeniably significant.

FAQs

Why is there so little bass on Metallica’s ‘… And Justice for All’?

The low bass levels were a deliberate decision by the band during the mixing process, possibly influenced by their grief over the loss of former bassist Cliff Burton and the dynamics with new bassist Jason Newsted.

What was Flemming Rasmussen’s role in the album’s production?

Flemming Rasmussen was the producer for … And Justice for All, having previously worked with Metallica on their earlier albums.

How did the band react to the initial mixes of the album?

The band was dissatisfied with the initial mixes and insisted on changes, particularly regarding the drum and guitar sounds, leading to the controversial decision to reduce the bass levels.

What impact did ‘… And Justice for All’ have on new musicians?

The album is often cited as a major influence on aspiring musicians, with many considering it a catalyst for starting their own bands, despite its unconventional mix.