STEVE DI GIORGIO Says METALLICA’s ‘Justice’ Album Had A Negative Impact On The ’90s Metal Albums

In a new interview with D’Addario and Co., TESTAMENT bassist Steve Di Giorgio offered his perspective on how the early 90s alt-rock and grunge movement impacted metal bassists. He contends that the era, which dramatically changed rock music and sidelined hair metal, also presented unique challenges for bass players, possibly stemming from production trends exemplified by a famously problematic 80s metal album.

He said (as transcribed by Ultimate Guitar): “And then the ’90s hit, and this new standard [had] come out of bass players being pushed down, pushed to the back, mixed out of there. It was happening before [METALLICA‘s] ‘…And Justice for All,’ but that’s the famous example of the bass being turned off during the recording.”

“A combination of that album and then the time period and this style, the bass was getting to the point where it was like, embarrassing,” he continued. “That fueled me to play even more obnoxious and give it a reason to be back in the mix.”

Di Giorgio then shared words of inspiration for young bassists hoping to build a musical career.

“And I always encourage younger bass players — get your stuff down very well,” he said. “You get in the studio, and your stuff is really exposed. And if it’s not super clean, if it’s super tight, you’re gonna get pushed down. Bass just makes music heavier. And we play heavy metal, so it’s the key ingredient to make the music heavy. You know, get your shit down good, make sure you come super prepared, then you can fight for those decibels.”