Recording

In metal’s growing quest for heaviness, the music in recorded form has embraced a hyperrealistic aesthetic that is increasingly sculpted during the mixing phase. This trajectory aligns with the broader principle in audio engineering that a recording forms the foundation of any production. In metal music, where performance is paramount, production decisions are largely shaped and constrained by the recorded sounds, irrespective of later processing. Consequently, the recording phase is important for achieving heaviness, as it establishes the sonic palette and limits the options available in mixing and post-production. This chapter surveys approaches to recording in metal, with the aim of identifying the key variables involved in crafting heaviness at this essential stage of the production process. The analysis is based on interview data and relevant journalistic material. Rather than offering a comprehensive overview, a guide to best practices, or a summary of trends across subgenres and historical developments, the chapter focuses on the complexities encountered while recording in general and recording the project song ‘In Solitude’. These challenges and strategies resonate with broader practices in metal music production and provide insight into the importance of the recording phase in shaping the genre’s distinctive sonic qualities.