Metallica

…And Justice for All

First released1988

And Justice for All was recorded at One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles between February and August 1988, with the album produced by Metallica in collaboration with engineer Flemming Rasmussen, who had also worked on Master of Puppets. The recording featured notably loud and aggressive guitar tones achieved through extensive layering and processing, with Kirk Hammett recording numerous guitar tracks to create the album's dense sonic texture. A distinctive technical characteristic of the album is the notably reduced bass presence in the final mix, which became a subject of discussion among fans and engineers for years afterward. The album marked the band's first full-length recording without bassist Cliff Burton, who had died in 1986, with Jason Newsted stepping into the role during these sessions. The production took place during a period of significant commercial pressure following the success of Master of Puppets, and the album's raw, heavy sound reflected the band's intent to create their heaviest work to date.