Metallica’s Producer Shares Insights into the Making of Their Latest Album: A Peculiar Beginning

Throughout their illustrious career, Metallica has teamed up with a series of remarkable producers, each contributing their unique touch to the band’s sound. From Flemming Rasmussen, who played a pivotal role in albums like “Ride the Lightning” and “Master of Puppets,” to Bob Rock, who propelled the group into global stardom with “The Black Album,” and Rick Rubin, who joined their journey with “Death Magnetic” in 2008, these producers have left their mark on the band’s legacy.

One such producer, Greg Fidelman, entered the Metallica scene with “Death Magnetic” in 2016 and returned to helm their latest offering, “72 Seasons.” In a recent interview with Tone Talk, Fidelman shed light on the unusual inception of Metallica’s first album in seven years, a project that mirrored the challenges many artists faced during the pandemic.

Fidelman recalled the album’s initial stages, which took place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The band grappled with the new norm of remote work, much like many others in the music industry. “The beginning of that record was really strange,” Fidelman remarked, emphasizing the unique circumstances that defined this particular album’s creation. In March 2020, Metallica was set to work on a rendition of “Nothing Else Matters” for a Disney film, just as the pandemic lockdowns were beginning.

While this project was ultimately shelved, drummer Lars Ulrich was determined to channel their creative energy into something meaningful. Despite not being a technical expert, he was enthusiastic about the idea of setting up a makeshift recording studio with the band’s equipment. Fidelman explained, “We’ll make the drum setup, we’ll put two guitars, two half-stacks, a bass amp and a little keyboard, we’ll make everything up and get a little Pro Tools rig.” The band’s knowledge of Pro Tools was limited, but it proved surprisingly useful, particularly with Lars’ sons, who frequently played music with their friends during family jam sessions. As a result, they could easily hit the record button and capture their jam sessions.

The spark for a new project ignited when Metallica decided to create an acoustic version of “Blackened.” This initial endeavor paved the way for more ambitious ideas. Fidelman and Ulrich discussed refining their creative process and working on new songs. This marked the beginning of a unique and exciting musical journey, as they explored new ways to create music remotely. Despite initial frustrations associated with remote work, the band managed to generate approximately 15 solid ideas through Zoom meetings.

Following the “Helping Hands” benefit concert and auction held at Metallica HQ, the band finally reunited in the same room, reinvigorated and ready to tackle the work ahead. Fidelman noted the eagerness and excitement that permeated the group, making it a seamless transition to start working together.

Despite the hurdles and interruptions, such as the band’s post-lockdown live shows and collaborations with “Masterclass,” the creation of “72 Seasons” progressed more swiftly than its predecessor. Fidelman acknowledged that it took about two and a half years from the project’s inception to its completion. He also emphasized that, as with any undertaking involving Metallica, the process was marked by its own pace and rhythm, reflecting the band’s unique working style.

In summary, the making of Metallica’s “72 Seasons” was a journey filled with unexpected turns and challenges, shaped by the peculiar circumstances of the pandemic. Yet, through determination, creativity, and a shared passion for music, the band and their producer overcame these hurdles and delivered a new album that is sure to captivate their fans worldwide. As Fidelman aptly put it, “Like everything with that band, things sometimes take a long time,” but the final result is a testament to their enduring dedication to their craft.