“Every second time I hear it, I go, ‘F**k, that’s so great.’ The other times it sounds like the worst demo I’ve ever heard”: Metallica producer on St. Anger
Flemming Rasmussen, a producer who worked on some of Metallica’s biggest records, has reflected on the legacy of their infamous St. Anger album, and his love-hate relationship with it.
The album, released in 2003, saw Metallica take a new sonic approach compared to their usual thrash style. Reviews from critics were mixed at the time, but its percussion was particularly slammed by fans, especially the snare tone.
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The record was produced by Bob Rock, who also filled in on bass as Jason Newsted departed and Robert Trujillo was yet to join. Rasmussen had previously worked with the band on Ride The Lightning, Master Of Puppets, and …And Justice For All. He recalls hating the record to begin with, but his opinions have since changed a little over time.
In an interview with Daniel Sarkissian on YouTube, Rasmussen explains (via Ultimate Guitar), “Every second time I hear it, I go, ‘Fuck, that’s so great.’ They dare do something new, not just doing what they’ve always done. And then, the times in between, I go, ‘It sounds like the worst demo I’ve ever heard.’ So it’s, it’s kind of like that.”
He adds, “Sometimes, I take it off after the first ten seconds, and other times, I listen to it to the end. Because it’s pretty demanding listening to. That snare sound is fucking annoying as hell, right?” Despite this, he doesn’t quite agree with all the hate Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich receives.
“People can hate as much as they like. It’s become like a national sport for some. Yeah, he was not the world’s best drummer, but for Metallica, he is. And he evolved. He’s gotten better and better, shit happened. From here to here, there was a huge development. Musically and technically, he’s really, really good.”
Watch the full interview below:
Metallica remain on tour in support of their latest album, 72 Seasons. Tickets are still available.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
