Robert Trujillo has confirmed that he will take part in the recording of Metallica’s new album “72 Seasons” for the first time.
The legendary bassist was speaking as part of a new interview when he confirmed that he would make his Metallica vocal debut on the band’s upcoming LP, namely on a track called “You Must Burn!”
“When I joined Metallica, I had never sung in my life. So the fact that I can now support backing vocals is cool,” he told So What!.
“For the first time in my life, I will sing on a Metallica record and support James. I’m very proud of it. This is probably the first time James and [co-producer] Greg [Fidelman] have really entrusted me with this position on a record of this level.”
He went on to explain how this opportunity came about.: “I was going to play bass for a bit, but then [Fidelman] said: “I want you to sing on a couple of things too.” “Really?” I was a little nervous.
“Luckily for me, this part really fits my comfort zone, so to speak… This part lends itself to my character, my voice, and it goes very well with the moment and the bass breakdown. So it’s cool that James and I were able to play and create this particular breakdance, and then I’ll sing too.”
According to Trujillo, “You Must Burn!” started as a jam between him and the other members and has the same atmosphere one would expect from a Tim Burton movie. It will be released as part of the band’s upcoming 11th studio album, which will be released on April 14.
“72 Seasons” marks the first complete collection of new thrash icons material since their 2016 album “Hardwired… To Self-Destruct”. The record was produced by Greg Fidelman, as well as founding members James Hatfield and Lars Ulrich.
The album lasts over 77 minutes and includes twelve tracks, including three already released singles.
Back in November, the band released the single “Lux Æterna”. This was followed by “Screaming Suicide” in January and, most recently, “If Darkness Had A Son”, which debuted earlier this month. Before the release of the latter, Metallica teased the track on TikTok by sharing an 80-second instrumental performance in which each member joined the performance one by one.
Earlier this month, it was also announced that the pioneers of thrash had acquired their own vinyl production plant. This happened after the four acquired a controlling stake in Furnace Record Pressing in Virginia. The company has previously pressed for many reissues for Metallica, including their fan favorites “Kill ‘Em All”, “Ride The Lightning” and “Master Of Puppets”.
“72 Seasons” will be released on April 14 on the label of the band Blackened Recordings, you can pre-order here.
Metallica will also team up with Trafalgar Releasing to organize a worldwide release listening party. It will take place in cinemas and include a full performance of the album, as well as exclusive comments from the band – tickets can be purchased here.
