Metallica hit back at 'Death Magnetic' CD quality claims

Metallica

Band's manager speaks out about the debate

Sep 25, 2008
15 Comments
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Metallica's co-manager Cliff Burnstein, has hit back at claims that the CD version of the band's new album is of poor audio quality.

Fans have reported that the CD version of Metallica's 'Death Magnetic' was not as high quality as the 'Guitar Hero' version.

During the debate Ted Jensen, the engineer who mastered the album, distanced himself from the CD version. However, Burnstein has since claimed that the fan uproar has been exaggerated.

Burnstein claimed that fan reaction to the CD album had been "overwhelmingly positive".

He told the Wall Street Journal: "There's something exciting about the sound of this record that people are responding to."

Hear a 'Death Magnetic' CD and 'Guitar Hero' comparison by heading to the NME.COM Metallica album story now.

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Comments (15)

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Soundedd

Sep 25, 2008

When the qualitys poor, the qualitys poor

The Felony

Sep 25, 2008

The albums Mr Rubin produces are generally loud, which is what Metallica wanted. Californiacation is probably one of the loudest songs ever. It's ok to have a loud album if it is done properly, from what I have heard it is. There hasn't been any dynamic range in any contemporary songs since the early 90s, now with mp3s itâ€™s even worse, so I don't know what the fuss is a bout. This seems like a slightly sophisticated topic for NME to be writing about...

The Felony

Sep 25, 2008

The albums Mr Rubin produces are generally loud, which is what Metallica wanted. Californiacation is probably one of the loudest songs ever. It's ok to have a loud album if it is done properly, from what I have heard it is. There hasn't been any dynamic range in any contemporary songs since the early 90s, now with mp3s itâ€™s even worse, so I don't know what the fuss is a bout. This seems like a slightly sophisticated topic for NME to be writing about...

yellowjacket

Sep 25, 2008

This is just damage control due to the fact that the album's sound is crap which I find hard to believe since Metalica's job is making music which is all about sound........The producer of the album mentioned something about he had little control over the sound by the time he got to the album, something about the songs being blocked or something?

rufoid

Sep 25, 2008

Jesus. If its quieter, turn it up. If its rubbish, dont listen to it. Simple as. At least it isnt St Anger.

mozafan

Sep 25, 2008

as oppose to those incredibly well produced Kaiser Chief albums eh Soundedd

ianshepherd

Sep 25, 2008

He'll regret that comment about the sound. Anyone listening to the YouTube video can tell it doesn't sound exciting, it sounds dull, flattened and distorted to hell.

Chilango Power

Sep 25, 2008

This is one of the most idiotic excuses I've ever heard (and believe me, I have heard many). There seems to be no plan to remaster and replace the record, no credible explanation of why the record sounds like it does, nothing. If the record has sold well, it is not because of its sound quality, but because many people like Metallica. If there were two versions of the record (one with the sound it has and one with the GH sound) I'm ready to bet that the latter would sell a lot better. I am tired of dishonest merchants.

Soundedd

Sep 25, 2008

of course mozafan :)

gazhat

Sep 25, 2008

........the bootleggers will soon re-release the de-clicked Guitar Hero version....

theStarry

Sep 26, 2008

'Coming soon: new special edition Deasth Magnetic complete with proper sound'Call me cynical, but im willing to bet that a few months down the line when most people who are likely to buy this have already done so, it will then be mastered properly and re-issued thus sucking the remaining financial seed from naive rock fan. Damn im cynical..

Raggapunk

Sep 26, 2008

Quit moaning ya bastards!It's a quality album ;)

mozafan

Sep 26, 2008

Agreed Raggapunk, only had it on in the car so far, but there are some quality tunes on it, at least it beats St Anger

PURPLETEZZA

Sep 26, 2008

I bought the new CD and got 1/2 way through second track before I could not listen any longer. Bass, drums distortion is real bad. Listen to ....And Justice For All and remind yourself of the real Metallica high production value and dynamics. So returned CD and got money back. Have ordered vinyl, hopefully a better master with full dynamics, not compressed. Last resort pay more $$$ and download guitar hero version. What a pity.