Robert Trujillo has explained how Black Sabbath influenced his work on latest Metallica album Hardwired… To Self-Destruct.
It’s only his second studio outing with the band, even though he’s been a member since 2003 – but he says that he and producer Greg Fidelman had a very clear idea of what they wanted to achieve when it came to laying down bass tracks.
Trujillo tells Banger TV: “We explored the art of simplicity. Instead of doubling the guitar note for note, we went for a more simplistic approach, finding a rhythm that could find its balance with the riff.
“There’s certain moments where you’re going to double up, but then there’s certain pulses you can do to complement the rhythm guitar. We played around with that a lot.”
He continues: “I always try to think about my role as a bass player as like a heavy bag – having you feel the instrument.
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“That’s why I’ve always loved Black Sabbath’s music. You hear it and you feel it. It’s got a certain presence and a personality in the music.
“I tried to establish some of that with this new record.”
Meanwhile, Trujillo’s bandmate Kirk Hammett has appeared in a video explaining why his latest guitar pick has the shape and texture that it does – view the clip below.
Metallica appear on US TV show Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight (December 14) and play an intimate show at Hollywood’s Fonda Theatre tomorrow, with more dates to be added to their WorldWired global tour.
Metallica tour dates 2016-17 so far
Dec 15: Hollywood Fonda Theatre, CA
Dec 17: Oakland Fox Theater, CA
Jan 11: Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, South Korea
Jan 18: Beijing Le Sports Centre, China
Jan 20: Hong Kong AsiaWorld-Expo, China
Jan 22: Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore
Feb 03: Copenhagen Royal Arena, Denmark
Feb 05: Copenhagen Royal Arena, Denmark
Feb 07: Copenhagen Royal Arena, Denmark
Feb 09: Copenhagen Royal Arena, Denmark
Mar 01: Mexico City Foro Sol, Mexico
Mar 03: Mexico City Foro Sol, Mexico
Mar 25: Sao Paulo Interlagos Racetrack, Brazil
Mar 31-Apr 01: Buenos Aires Hippodrome San Isidro, Argentina
Apr 01-02: Santiago Parque O’Higgins, Chile
May 19-21: Rock On The Range festival, OH
Dave Mustaine reviews Metallica’s Hardwired… To Self-Destruct
