# Metallica Mixer Admits Burying Bass Was Stupid

> Metallica's mixer recalls thinking it was stupid to bury bass on '...And Justice for All'.
- Title: Metallica Mixer Admits Burying Bass Was Stupid · Loudwire
- Summary: Metallica's mixer recalls thinking it was stupid to bury bass on '...And Justice for All'. Steve Thompson, who mixed Metallica's '...And Justice for All'…
- Keywords: steve thompson, metallica, ...and justice for all, bass, mixing, lars ulrich, jason newsted, metallica mixer, music, Mixer, Admits, Burying
- Source: Loudwire — https://loudwire.com/metallica-mixer-bass-and-justice-for-all
- Published: 2026-10-07T13:57:29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: steve thompson, metallica, ...and justice for all, bass, mixing, lars ulrich, jason newsted, metallica mixer, music
## Steve Thompson
Steve Thompson, the engineer who mixed Metallica's ...And Justice for All, said he 'thought it was stupid' to bury the bass on the album.

> thought it was stupid
## Why No Bass?
According to producer Flemming Rasmussen, Metallica asked to turn down the bass during mixing because they couldn't hear their parts as loudly as they wanted.

> turn down the bass
## Lars' Decision
Lars Ulrich told the producer to take the bass down so they could just hear the drums and guitars.

> take the bass down
## Jason Newsted's View
Kirk Hammett said Jason Newsted's bass tone interfered with James Hetfield's rhythm guitars, leading to the bass being turned down.

> bass tone interfered
## Why It Was Stupid
Thompson believed Jason Newsted's bass parts were a great marriage with James Hetfield's rhythm guitars, but Metallica wanted no bass in the mix.

> great marriage
## Key takeaway

Steve Thompson, who mixed Metallica's '...And Justice for All', said he thought it was stupid to bury the bass on the album.