Check out Taylor Swift bassist Amos Heller adding some thundering bass to METALLICA’s “Blackened”
When he’s not captivating massive crowds with Taylor Swift‘s pop anthems from the stage, Amos Heller, the bassist of the group, unleashes an entirely different side of his musical prowess by delivering a raw and powerful take on METALLICA classics.
Brace yourself as Heller injects new life into the bass-less anthem “Blackened,” unleashing an utterly aggressive fingerstyle performance that takes no prisoners.
Heller says: “I don’t think I would be a musician if it wasn’t for thrash metal, and I don’t think I would love thrash if I hadn’t listened to it every day of my freshman year riding to school in my brother’s car with …And Justice For All blazing out of the speakers.”
“This album is an oddity… a killer metal album with no bass on it. So I put some bass on it. The modern tone I went for might not be the most era-specific, but it felt like a good fit to me. This song was a real challenge, and I love playing it. Enjoy.”
Born with an innate passion for music, Amos Heller‘s journey began in the embrace of his family’s musical heritage. Raised in a musically rich environment, Heller‘s curiosity for sonic exploration was ignited at a young age. As he found himself drawn to the rhythm section, the bass guitar became his canvas for creative expression.
Heller‘s path to prominence was paved with dedication and an unyielding commitment to mastering his craft. This dedication led him to Berklee College of Music, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for what would become a prolific career. Armed with formal training and an insatiable hunger for growth, Heller embarked on a journey that would soon see him making waves in the music scene.
His journey intersected with pop sensation Taylor Swift, who would go on to become one of the biggest names in the industry. Becoming Swift‘s bassist wasn’t just a gig; it was a chance for Heller to infuse his unique musical sensibilities into a genre that he had seamlessly transitioned into. From sold-out stadiums to global tours, his basslines became an integral part of Swift‘s chart-topping hits, adding depth and rhythm to her melodies.
But Heller‘s musical versatility isn’t confined to pop realms. Beyond the glitz and glamour, he’s showcased his prowess in unexpected territories. A true testament to his musical flexibility, Heller‘s agile fingers have breathed life into METALLICA classics, deftly navigating their intricate basslines with a touch of aggression that adds new dimensions to familiar tunes.
Amos Heller‘s story isn’t just about the stages he’s graced or the notes he’s played. It’s about his dedication to music as a language of connection, an art form that transcends boundaries and speaks directly to the hearts of audiences worldwide. From the early days of exploring rhythms to the grand stages of global tours, Heller’s journey exemplifies the power of unwavering passion and the magic that happens when talent meets determination.
Beyond the accolades and accomplishments, Amos Heller remains a constant learner, a seeker of new sonic horizons, and an artist who continuously evolves his craft. With each pluck of the strings, he adds another chapter to his musical autobiography – a story of rhythm, resonance, and an unbreakable bond with the heartbeat of music itself.