In 2013, Jason Newsted emerged with his band Newsted and their debut album, Heavy Metal Music, showcasing a comfortable embrace of his own musical journey.

Recruited from the ranks of Phoenix thrashers Flotsam And Jetsam to fill the void left by the late Cliff Burton in Metallica back in 1986, Jason Newsted embarked on an extraordinary, sometimes tumultuous, path as the band’s bassist. Over a decade after his departure from Metallica, Newsted sat down with Metal Hammer to reflect on his tenure with the world’s biggest metal band and discuss his latest venture.

The morning after a triumphant performance at Download Festival with his new band, Jason Newsted, though a bit weary, exudes enthusiasm when discussing his eponymous project. He emphasizes the significance of Newsted as his first band that he has personally assembled from scratch. Despite a career spanning over three decades with notable acts like Flotsam And Jetsam, Metallica, Voivod, and others, Newsted expresses a sense of innocence and wonder in this new endeavor.

Newsted’s musical direction is a deliberate homage to his roots, delivering a collection of classic biker metal anthems that pay tribute to the genre’s founding icons. His influences, prominently displayed on the album, reflect his admiration for bands like Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden—the very bands that shaped his musical upbringing.

The choice to title the EP Metal and the LP Heavy Metal Music underscores Newsted’s straightforward approach and unwavering commitment to the genre. Having spent significant years with Metallica, he understands the universal appeal of heavy metal and aims to convey clarity in his musical intentions.

With Newsted’s dynamic sound and spirited performances, one might speculate that he was always destined to lead his own band. His occasional turns as a vocalist during his Metallica days garnered acclaim, leaving fans eager for him to step into the spotlight as a frontman.