Metallica Live Shit Seattle -1989- -320 Kbps- Choscar -
The Live Shit: Binge & Purge box set presented Seattle ’89 on three CDs (or two VHS tapes, later DVD). However, the mastering was a point of contention. The audio was compressed, slightly rolled off in the highs, and the crowd noise was often ducked to emphasize the band. It sounded “produced” — not necessarily bad, but lacking the raw, roomy punch of a great live document.
Enter the Choscar transfer. Named after the uploader or encoder (a legend in early 2000s torrent communities like Demonoid, MetalTracker, and Guitars101), this rip promised two things:
The result? A live album that breathes. You can hear the rumble of Jason’s bass during the “Orion” interlude. You can distinguish between Kirk’s wah pedal and the room echo. And during quiet moments like “The Unforgiven” (not yet written — wait, that’s 1991; I mean “Fade to Black” here), the crowd’s anticipatory silence is palpable.
Artist: Metallica Source: Choscar Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
If 1988’s …And Justice for All was the sound of Metallica building the monolithic architecture of technical thrash metal, this bootleg—captured at the Seattle Coliseum on February 28, 1989—is the sound of that structure catching fire and collapsing on top of the crowd.
For the mp3 hunter lurking in the darker corners of the internet, finding a rip labeled "Choscar - 320 Kbps" is the digital equivalent of striking gold. In the world of bootlegs, where lineage is often murky and audio fidelity is usually an afterthought, this specific source offers a pristine, front-row assault that defies its "unofficial" status.
The Audio First, the technicals. At 320 Kbps, the compression artifacts are virtually non-existent. The Choscar source provides a surprisingly wide stereo field. The drums are booming and dynamic—quite the contrast to the dry, brick-walled production of the studio Justice. James Hetfield’s rhythm guitar cuts through with a chainsaw buzz that feels dangerous, while Jason Newsted’s bass—often buried on the official live releases—actually rumbles here, providing the gut-punch low-end the songs desperately need.
The Performance This is Metallica at the absolute peak of their "hungry beast" era. They are six months away from the Black Album, still angry, still complex, and still playing with a chip on their shoulder the size of a boulder.
The setlist is a thrasher’s dream. The band rips through the labyrinthine structures of "…And Justice for All" and "Harvester of Sorrow" with a ferocity that feels almost militaristic. But the true highlights come in the sheer endurance on display. The transition from the breakneck "Battery" into a hauntingly clean "The Unforgiven" (still new at the time) showcases a band mastering dynamics.
Kirk Hammett’s solos are ripping, if occasionally sloppy in that charming, wah-drenched late-80s way. But the star of the show is James Hetfield. His voice is in its prime—deep, aggressive, and commanding. When he bellows "EXIT LIGHT!" during "Fade to Black," you can hear the entire Coliseum vibrate back at him.
The Verdict The "Seattle 1989" show has long circulated as a fan favorite, often traded on cassette tapes with muffled sound. This Choscar 320 Kbps version elevates it from a historical curiosity to an essential live document. It captures the band in their final moments as an underground titan before they became the biggest rock band on the planet.
It is raw, it is loud, and thanks to the high-bitrate clarity, it remains the definitive way to experience the Justice tour without buying a ticket. Essential listening.
Standout Tracks:
Blog Title: Reliving the Monster: Why “Metallica Live Shit Seattle 1989 (Choscar 320kbps)” is the Ultimate Bootleg
Posted by: The Thrash Vault Date: October 26, 2023
There are official live albums, and then there are religious experiences. For decades, Metallica’s Live Shit: Binge & Purge box set (featuring the Seattle ’89 and San Diego ’92 shows) was the gold standard for capturing the band in their prime. But for those in the know—the tape traders, the forum dwellers, the bitrate snobs—the holy grail isn’t the official CD. It’s the Choscar bootleg.
And not just any Choscar. We’re talking the 320 kbps transfer of Seattle, August 29th, 1989.
If you’ve never heard this specific version, pull up a chair. You’re about to understand why Justice-era Metallica has never sounded meaner.
Metallica's 1989 performance in Seattle was a memorable event for those in attendance. For the rest, bootlegs like the "Live Shit Seattle" recording provide a glimpse into the band's live energy and prowess during one of their most pivotal tours.
If you're a fan looking to listen to the recording, ensure you're accessing it through appropriate channels that respect the band's rights and the effort that goes into music production.
The performance from August 29–30, 1989 Seattle Coliseum is widely regarded by fans and critics as Metallica's definitive live peak. Captured during the Damaged Justice Tour Metallica Live Shit Seattle -1989- -320 Kbps- Choscar
, this concert was later immortalized as a centerpiece of the legendary Live Shit: Binge & Purge box set released in 1993. Cultural and Historical Significance
This recording captures Metallica on the precipice of global superstardom, just before the "Black Album" era shifted their sound toward the mainstream. Musicianship
: The band is noted for being "tight, hungry, and aggressive," delivering complex thrash arrangements with a raw intensity that many argue was never matched in later years. The Damaged Justice Stage : The show featured the iconic Lady Justice statue
(Doris), which famously crumbled and "collapsed" during the performance of ...And Justice for All : It was the first time producer
saw the band perform live, an event that eventually led to their multi-platinum collaboration. The Live Shit: Binge & Purge Box Set
Originally released in a cardboard "road case," the box set was a massive collection of live media and memorabilia.
Metallica Live in Seattle '89: The Peak of Thrash Intensity If you’re a fan of heavy metal, you know that some performances aren't just concerts—they’re historical landmarks. The Metallica Live in Seattle 1989 show, famously captured as part of the Live Shit: Binge & Purge box set, is widely considered by fans to be the greatest performance of the band’s entire career. Why Seattle '89 is Legendary
Recorded at the Seattle Coliseum on August 29 and 30, 1989, this show caught Metallica at their absolute technical and physical peak. They were touring for ...And Justice for All, an album known for its complex, progressive thrash structures. In Seattle, they played that material with a ferocity that has rarely been matched since.
The Energy: This was "hungry" Metallica. James Hetfield’s vocals were at their most aggressive, and the chemistry between Lars, Kirk, and Jason Newsted was at an all-time high.
The Sound: High-quality versions of this show, such as those labeled "320 Kbps" or "Choscar" (a common tag in digital archiving circles), aim to preserve the raw, thundering audio of the original recordings.
Jason Newsted’s Presence: For many, this concert is the ultimate proof of Jason’s worth to the band. His backing vocals and stage energy provided a "grit" that defined this era. Creeping Death
The Infamous Bootleg: Metallica Live Shit Seattle -1989- -320 Kbps- Choscar
In the realm of music, particularly within the heavy metal genre, bootlegs have become an integral part of the culture. These unofficial recordings of live performances allow fans to experience and relive the raw energy of concerts, often providing a more authentic representation of an artist's or band's stage presence. Among the plethora of bootlegs circulating, one notorious recording stands out: Metallica's "Live Shit Seattle -1989- -320 Kbps- Choscar." This bootleg has gained significant notoriety and admiration among Metallica fans and bootleg enthusiasts alike, serving as a prime example of the enduring appeal of live music recordings.
The Concert
On July 1, 1989, Metallica performed at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, Washington, as part of their "Damaged Justice" tour. This tour supported their second studio album, "...And Justice for All," which had been released in September 1988. The Seattle show was highly anticipated, as Metallica had been gaining immense popularity and critical acclaim for their aggressive and technically proficient heavy metal music. The concert did not disappoint, featuring a setlist that spanned their early days to their more recent successes, including tracks from their latest album.
The Bootleg
The bootleg known as "Live Shit Seattle -1989- -320 Kbps- Choscar" captures a significant portion of this electrifying performance. Despite its somewhat cryptic title, which includes specifications about audio quality (-320 Kbps) and an individual referred to as "Choscar," this recording has been widely circulated and praised for its clarity and comprehensive coverage of the concert. The title itself hints at the underground nature of bootlegs, where audio quality and the source of the recording can significantly affect the listening experience.
Impact and Significance
The "Live Shit Seattle" bootleg holds a special place in the hearts of Metallica fans for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a snapshot of the band during a pivotal moment in their career, showcasing their musicianship and stage presence during the late 1980s. Tracks like "Harvester of Sorrow," "The Shortest Straw," and "One" highlight the band's ability to deliver intense, complex compositions live. Secondly, the bootleg demonstrates the strong connection Metallica had with their audience at the time. The recordings capture not only the band's performance but also the enthusiastic responses of the crowd, creating a sense of community among listeners who were not present at the concert.
Furthermore, the existence and popularity of such bootlegs raise interesting questions about music distribution, copyright law, and the relationship between artists and their fans. While Metallica, like many other bands, has officially released live albums and videos over the years, bootlegs like "Live Shit Seattle" fill a niche by offering unpolished, raw experiences that official releases often cannot replicate. The Live Shit: Binge & Purge box set
Conclusion
The "Live Shit Seattle -1989- -320 Kbps- Choscar" bootleg stands as a testament to Metallica's enduring impact on the heavy metal scene and the broader music world. It represents a moment in time when the band was on the cusp of global stardom, delivering performances that were both destructive and musically sublime. For fans and collectors, this bootleg serves as a cherished artifact, allowing them to experience the raw power and excitement of a Metallica concert in the late 1980s. As with many bootlegs, its significance extends beyond the music itself, touching on issues of music culture, fan engagement, and the complex interplay between artists, fans, and the law. Despite the passage of time, the "Live Shit Seattle" bootleg remains a celebrated and widely shared document of Metallica's live prowess.
The humid air inside the Seattle Center Coliseum August 1989
didn't just smell like sweat and cheap beer; it smelled like a shift in the universe. In the front row, a teenager named
gripped the barricade, his knuckles white. He wasn't just there to watch a concert; he was there to witness the "Damaged Justice" tour at its absolute peak.
As the tape of "The Ecstasy of Gold" began to roll, the crowd became a single, pulsing ocean. When the first crushing notes of "Blackened"
hit, Choscar felt the sound in his teeth. This wasn't the polished, radio-friendly version of the band the world would see later—this was at their most dangerous, technical, and relentless. Throughout the night, Choscar watched James Hetfield command the stage like a drill sergeant, while Lars Ulrich nearly demolished his kit. During the frantic bridge of "Master of Puppets," Choscar reached out, his hand grazing the neck of Kirk Hammett's
ESP guitar. In that moment, the raw energy of the performance felt like it was being burned onto a mental hard drive. Decades later, that legendary night was preserved in the "Live Shit: Binge & Purge" box set. But for those who listen to the digital archives, the name
remains a digital ghost in the metadata—a nod to the fans who kept the fire of that 1989 Seattle performance alive long after the echoes in the Coliseum faded. Binge & Purge
The Infamous Metallica Live Shit: A Look Back at the Seattle 1989 Concert
For fans of the iconic heavy metal band Metallica, the name "Live Shit: Banned in L.A." is synonymous with one of the most notorious concerts in rock history. However, before the band embarked on that fateful tour, they performed a series of shows that would lay the groundwork for the chaos that was to come. One such concert took place on August 29, 1989, in Seattle, Washington, and it's this show that we'll be revisiting today.
The Rise of Metallica in the Late 1980s
By the late 1980s, Metallica had already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene. With their 1986 album "...And Justice for All" receiving critical acclaim and commercial success, the band was on an upward trajectory. They had also undergone significant changes in their lineup, with the tragic loss of lead guitarist Cliff Burton in 1986, and the subsequent addition of Jason Newsted on bass.
The Seattle 1989 Concert: A Night to Remember
The August 29, 1989, show at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle was part of Metallica's "Damaged Goods" tour, which supported their upcoming album "...And Justice for All". The band, consisting of James Hetfield (vocals, rhythm guitar), Kirk Hammett (lead guitar), Jason Newsted (bass), and Lars Ulrich (drums), took the stage in front of a packed crowd of enthusiastic fans.
The Setlist: A Mix of Old and New
The setlist for the Seattle show featured a mix of tracks from their earlier albums, such as "Kill 'Em All" and "Ride the Lightning", as well as newer material from "...And Justice for All". Some of the notable tracks performed that night included:
The Recording: A Bootlegged Classic
The Seattle 1989 concert was recorded by a fan and circulated among metalheads in various formats, including cassette tapes and CDs. The recording that's been making the rounds online is a 320 kbps MP3, often referred to as "Metallica Live Shit Seattle -1989- -320 Kbps- Choscar". This bootleg has become a cherished possession among fans, offering a raw and unbridled look at Metallica's live performance during this period.
The Live Shit: Banned in L.A. Legacy
Fast-forward to 1990, and Metallica embarked on the ill-fated "Live Shit: Banned in L.A." tour, which would become infamous for its destructive and chaotic nature. The band's antics, which included rampant partying, hotel room trashing, and on-stage shenanigans, would go down in history as some of the most outrageous in rock 'n' roll.
The Impact of Metallica's Live Shows
Metallica's live performances have always been a cornerstone of their success. Their ability to deliver high-energy shows, complete with intricate musicianship and a commanding stage presence, has earned them a reputation as one of the greatest live acts in metal. The Seattle 1989 concert, in particular, showcases the band's growth and maturity during this period, with a setlist that highlights their expanding musical range.
Conclusion
The "Metallica Live Shit Seattle -1989- -320 Kbps- Choscar" recording offers a fascinating glimpse into the band's live performance during a pivotal moment in their career. While the "Live Shit: Banned in L.A." tour would ultimately overshadow this period, the Seattle show remains an essential piece of Metallica's history. For fans and collectors, this bootleg recording is a treasured artifact that captures the raw energy and excitement of Metallica's live shows during the late 1980s.
Key Takeaways
Recommended Listening
For fans interested in exploring more of Metallica's live performances, we recommend checking out:
About Metallica
Metallica is a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1981. The band consists of James Hetfield (vocals, rhythm guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), Kirk Hammett (lead guitar), and Robert Trujillo (bass). With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Metallica is one of the most successful metal bands of all time, known for their aggressive sound, intense live performances, and enduring influence on the metal genre.
Listen to the reversed tape loop at the start. In low bitrates, this sounds like mud. In 320 Kbps Choscar, the eerie reverse echo is crisp. When the band hits the main riff, the stereo separation between Hetfield (left) and Hammett (right) is razor sharp.
Let’s set the stage. August 1989. The ...And Justice for All tour. Jason Newsted is still the “new guy,” playing so hard his fingers bleed to prove he belongs. The songs are impossibly fast, impossibly complex, and the stage setup—the Lady Justice statues, the smoke, the hanging coffins—is pure, dark theater.
The official Live Shit DVD/CD captured this night, but the mix was… polished. The bass was turned down (classic), and the crowd noise was ducked to make it a “product.”
The Choscar bootleg is the anti-product.
The live recording of Metallica’s performance in Seattle during the Damaged Justice tour in 1989 is widely considered the definitive document of the band’s peak. Released as part of the Live Shit: Binge & Purge box set, the Seattle ‘89 show captures Metallica at a transformative moment in heavy metal history. At this point, the band had achieved massive commercial success with ...And Justice for All without sacrificing the raw, aggressive speed that defined their thrash metal roots.
The intensity of the Seattle performance is largely driven by the band’s technical precision and sheer physical energy. James Hetfield’s vocals are at their most guttural and commanding, serving as the rhythmic anchor alongside his relentless down-picking guitar style. Lars Ulrich’s drumming, often a point of debate in later years, is remarkably crisp and fast here, providing a frantic but controlled foundation. This era also marked the full integration of bassist Jason Newsted, whose backing vocals and high-energy stage presence added a layer of heaviness that complemented the intricate lead work of Kirk Hammett.
The setlist functions as a "greatest hits" of the thrash era, featuring sprawling, complex compositions like "Blackened" and the title track of Master of Puppets. The 1989 recording is particularly famous for its clarity and the "wall of sound" production, which allowed fans to hear the intricate layers of the Justice album performed live with a warmth often missing from the original studio record. The "320 Kbps" technical specification mentioned in digital circles highlights the demand for high-fidelity versions of this show, as fans seek to preserve the sonic punch of the original analog experience.
Culturally, Seattle '89 represents the end of an era. Shortly after this tour, Metallica would transition into the more streamlined, radio-friendly sound of the "Black Album," which catapulted them to global superstardom but shifted their musical identity. Consequently, the Live Shit Seattle recording remains a sacred relic for "old school" fans. it is a high-speed, uncompromising snapshot of a band that had conquered the underground and was about to redefine the mainstream on their own terms.
If you are looking to dive deeper into this specific era, I can help you by:
Comparing the Seattle '89 setlist to their 1992 San Diego performance. The result
Explaining the technical gear James and Kirk used to get that specific high-gain tone.
Analyzing why the bass is more audible on this live recording than on the ...And Justice for All studio album.