Which Metallica member played bass on the studio recording of The Black Album?

Jason Newsted played bass on the studio recording of Metallica's The Black Album.

Newsted joined Metallica in 1986 after the death of bassist Cliff Burton and remained the band's bassist during the 1991 album sessions. The album's personnel credits list him on bass alongside James Hetfield on guitars and vocals, Lars Ulrich on drums, and Kirk Hammett on lead guitar.

Producer Bob Rock helped bring the bass into clearer focus during the sessions. The stronger bass presence was especially notable because Newsted's playing had been difficult to hear on ...And Justice for All, the band's previous studio album. Newsted said he aimed to create a genuine rhythm section without competing with the drums or guitars.

A later lineup change can cause confusion: Robert Trujillo became Metallica's bassist in 2003. Cliff Burton played on the band's first three studio albums, but not The Black Album. Newsted's contribution belongs specifically to Metallica's 1991 era.