Forty-three years ago today, a song was released that was so stunning that it continues to be studied and celebrated decades later. Metallica’s 1983 track “(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth” even topped a prestigious list of the greatest bass guitar solos ever recorded that was decided on by bassists.
Metallica’s ‘(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth’ Was Released 43 Years Ago Today, on July 25, 1983
Metallica frontman James Hetfield with bassist Cliff Burton in a dynamic live moment.Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images
After previously releasing several demos in 1982, Metallica released its debut album, Kill ‘Em All, on July 25, 1983. The release featured several iconic songs that are still considered among the band’s best tracks ever, including “The Four Horsemen” and “Seek & Destroy.” In addition, the fifth song on the track list of the legendary album was “(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth.”
Credited to Metallica’s legendary bassist Cliff Burton, “(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth” is an instrumental track that is just over four minutes long. Essentially one long bass solo, Burton dominates every second of the track even once his bandmates join in. An odyssey of sorts, Burton’s virtuoso playing on the song pulls listeners in to take the journey with him. Still stunning more than four decades after it was recorded, it is truly tragic that the world was deprived of Burton’s artistry when he suddenly passed away in 1986.
Who Ranked Metallica’s ‘(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth’ the Greatest Bass Solo of All Time?
In January 2024, Guitar World published its ranking of the “20 greatest bass solos of all time.” That article was written by Nick Wells, the former editor of Bass Guitar magazine from 2009 to 2011, whose profile on the website also lists him as a bass player. Additionally, it featured input about some of the entries by iconic bassists like Duff McKagan and John Entwistle. That article named the Metallica song “(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth” at No. 1.
The article quoted Metallica’s current bassist, Robert Trujillo, describing what made Cliff Burton such an amazing musical artist. “Cliff used his instrument as a melodic force. His approach was ‘I’m gonna play what I feel, and if you don’t like it, screw you!’ And that was the bottom line.”
The Full List: Guitar World’s 20 Greatest Bass Solos of All Time
20. Dennis Coffey – ‘Scorpio’ (1971) – Bassist: Bob Babbitt
19. George Duke – ‘Reach For It’ (1978) – Bassist: Byron Miller
18. Dream Theater – ‘Dance of Eternity’ (1999) – Bassist: John Myung
17. Jr. Walker and the All Stars – ‘Mutiny’ (1966) – Bassist: James Jamerson
16. Mastodon – ‘Teardrinker’ (2021) – Bassist: Troy Sanders
15. Al Jarreau – ‘Our Love’ (1985) – Bassist: Nathan East
14. Paul Simon – ‘You Can Call Me Al’ (1986) – Bassist: Bakithi Kumalo
13. John Patitucci – ‘My Summer Vacation’ (1993) – Bassist: John Patitucci
12. Red Hot Chili Peppers – ‘Aeroplane’ (1995) – Bassist: Flea
11. Dirty Loops – ‘Baby’ (2014) – Bassist: Henrik Linder
10. Marcus Miller – ‘Scoop’ (1995) – Bassist: Marcus Miller
9. Guns N’ Roses – ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ (1987) – Bassist: Duff McKagan
8. Stanley Clarke – ‘School Days’ (1976) – Bassist: Stanley Clarke
7. Mr. Big – ‘Addicted to That Rush’ (1989) – Bassist: Billy Sheehan
6. Jeff Beck – ‘Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers’ (2007) – Bassist: Tal Wilkenfeld
5. Victor Wooten – ‘Norwegian Wood’ (1997) – Bassist: Victor Wooten
4. Jaco Pastorius – ‘Portrait of Tracy’ (1976) – Bassist: Jaco Pastorius
3. Donny Hathaway – ‘Voices Inside (Everything is Everything)’ (1972) – Bassist: Willie Weeks
2. The Who – ‘My Generation’ (1965) – Bassist: John Entwistle
1. Metallica – ‘(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth’ (1983) – Bassist: Cliff Burton
Next: 1995 Track Ranked the ‘Most Difficult Guitar Solo to Play’ of All Time
This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Jul 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.