During a new interview with Metal Hammer, Rob Trujillo revealed that he is keen on supporting James Hetfield with vocal duties in Metallica. He also said that he was the official semi-solo vocal in ‘You Must Burn!’
The bassist shared his favorite song from their new album, ’72 Seasons.’ He chose it for personal reasons, saying:
“‘Inamorata’ is an amazing song, and we all feel it has classic potential, but I’m gonna have to go with ‘You Must Burn!’ That’s the first official semi-solo vocal moment for me in Metallica. Greg [Fidelman, producer] and James [Hetfield, frontman] gave me the freedom to present my vocal moment, where I was just trying to channel Ozzy – you may or may not hear that! I do really like that middle section, it feels like a very complete song and has the right power groove. That’s my desert island jam.”
Potential Expansion Of Vocal Role
When asked about potentially singing more for Metallica going forward, Trujillo replied:
“I’m always there for what the band need! I was expecting to just do gang vocal-type things, adding a bit of texture and presence to the recording, but I didn’t realize I’d get a semi-solo moment! I always do my best whatever I’m asked to do, though, man, and these are the moments you can cherish.”
The Call To Contribute Vocals
Speaking with the band’s online So What! publication in March, the musician recalled how he received the call from their producer for contributing to vocals with the following words:
“I was surprised when I got the call from Greg because I was coming up to play a little bass, but then he said, ‘I’m going to have you sing on a couple things, too.’ And I was, like, ‘Really?’ I got a little nervous. At the same time, I was very motivated. Fortunately for me, the part really does suit my comfort zone, so to speak.”
Trujillo also said that ‘You Must Burn!’ started as a jam session and felt like a Tim Burton movie. ’72 Seasons’ marked their first new album since 2016’s ‘Hardwired… To Self-Destruct.’ Next year, Metallica will tour Europe, the US, Canada, and Mexico to further promote their latest record.
