Metallica’s Transition to Axe-Fx: Challenges and Evolution of Their Rig

In a recent discussion about the evolution of Metallica’s guitar rigs, Kirk Hammett’s longtime guitar tech, Justin Crew, shed light on some of the challenges that arose when the iconic band made the switch to Fractal digital amps.

Metallica, one of the world’s most prominent metal bands, has been embracing digital technology for a substantial period. As Kirk Hammett mentioned a few months ago, the band realized that digital amps were the missing piece they had been searching for. The shift to digital technology has undoubtedly not compromised the quality of their performances.

Justin Crew, who has been a part of the Metallica crew since around the time of the infamous 1996 “parking lot” gig at Tower Records in San Jose, discussed the evolution of their guitar rigs in a recent interview with Doug Doppler Music. He reminisced about the early days, stating that they used TriAxis amps, rack-mounted rectifier heads, a Bradshaw pedalboard, a Whammy pedal, and a Strategy 400 to power the ISO cabinets. Over time, they transitioned to Randall Egnater amps with plugin modules and eventually adopted the Fortin Meathead amp, modified for Kirk Hammett.

The real transformation occurred when Metallica made history by being the first band to perform on all seven continents during the 2013 “Freeze ‘Em All” show in Antarctica. It was then that the band transitioned to Fractal digital amps, which offered consistency and reliability. The Fractal technology allowed them to maintain identical sound profiles for each band member. This was especially beneficial during tuning sessions, ensuring that the sound was consistent when they walked on stage with in-ear monitors. The digital amps also had a significantly lower noise floor.

However, the transition to Fractal digital amps presented unexpected challenges. Justin Crew revealed that they initially struggled to recreate the warmth of the Iso cabinets found in traditional tube amps. It took time to emulate that specific quality within the Fractal system. James Hetfield, the band’s frontman, noticed a discrepancy in the sound despite their efforts, stating that it still had “that annoying thing” about it compared to the Iso cabinet.

Justin and his colleague, Chad Zaemisch, eventually had a revelation: they didn’t need to replicate the past; they could aim for something better. This realization marked a turning point for both of them. They understood that they had to let go of the notion that the new technology had to mimic the old one. It was an “eureka” moment, leading them to new possibilities.

Justin recounted an instance when they attempted to match the sound of “72 Seasons” more closely with Kirk’s preferences. However, upon hearing the recording, the producer, Greg Fidelman, pointed out that while it sounded great on its own, it didn’t quite fit within the mix. This feedback prompted them to adjust their approach and strive for a sound that would blend seamlessly with the overall mix.

In summary, Metallica’s transition to Fractal digital amps marked a significant shift in their sound, bringing consistency and reliability to their performances. While it presented challenges initially, the band and their tech crew found creative solutions to achieve the best possible sound for their music. This journey reflects the band’s dedication to evolving their rig and maintaining a high standard of performance.