• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

A. Focx Productions

Making Your Music Come Alive

  • Home
  • About
  • Mastering
  • Mixing
  • Digital Editing
  • Producing
  • Media Samples
  • Blog
  • News
  • Body of Work
  • Clients
  • Contact

News

Mixing Metallica for Guitar Hero: Metallica

· Mar 29, 2025 ·

Guitar Hero: Metallica Mixing Engineer

One of the highlights of my career as a professional mixing engineer was working on Guitar Hero: Metallica. I had the opportunity to mix the Metallica recordings featured throughout the game.

Before this project, I contributed mixes to both the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises. Therefore, working with one of the most influential bands in rock and metal history was especially rewarding.

Mixing the Metallica Catalog

Every track required detailed attention to the original multitrack recordings. I balanced instruments, enhanced clarity, preserved dynamics, and shaped each mix for maximum impact.

Additionally, I optimized every song for the interactive gaming environment. My goal was to preserve the power and authenticity of Metallica while ensuring the music performed seamlessly during gameplay.

Behind the Sessions

Many fans have asked which songs I worked on for Guitar Hero: Metallica. For that reason, I have shared documentation from the project that identifies the tracks and their original album sources.

These are the songs I mixed as part of this landmark release. The project provided a unique opportunity to work with some of Metallica’s most recognized recordings.

A Career Highlight

Projects like Guitar Hero: Metallica demonstrate the importance of professional music mixing. Great mixes help create immersive audio experiences across entertainment platforms.

Ultimately, this project remains one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my career.

A.Focx Productions for Mixing & Mastering of “Guitar Hero: Metallica” By Anthony Focx www.anthonyfocx.com
A.Focx Productions for Mixing & Mastering of “Guitar Hero: Metallica” By Anthony Focx www.anthonyfocx.com
Certified Platinum Award plaque for Mixing & Mastering of “Guitar Hero: Metallica” By Anthony Focx www.anthonyfocx.com
Certified Platinum Award plaque for Mixing & Mastering of “Guitar Hero: Metallica” By Anthony Focx www.anthonyfocx.com

 

Ace Frehley – Anomaly | Mixed and Mastered by Anthony Focx

· Sep 15, 2024 ·

Released on September 15, 2009, Anomaly marked the long-awaited return of legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. It was his first solo studio album in nearly 20 years. The album combined hard-hitting guitar riffs, memorable melodies, and classic space-rock influences.

I served as the mixing and mastering engineer for Anomaly. My goal was to preserve Ace Frehley’s signature guitar tone. I also wanted to deliver a powerful and modern listening experience. The goal was to create a modern, impactful listening experience while maintaining the classic analog feel that defines Ace’s music.

Upon release, Anomaly received strong support from rock fans around the world, debuting at #27 on the Billboard 200, making it one of the highest-charting solo releases of Ace Frehley’s career. The album also charted across multiple Billboard rock categories and has continued to attract listeners worldwide, generating more than 5 million Spotify streams and ongoing engagement across streaming services and video platforms.

The production was praised for its clarity, punch, and balance between classic rock authenticity and contemporary audio quality. More than a decade after its release, Anomaly remains a fan favorite and an important chapter in Ace Frehley’s solo catalog, introducing new listeners to his music while continuing to resonate with longtime fans.

It was a privilege to contribute to a project that remains a standout release in Ace Frehley’s career and a valued credit within my portfolio of professional rock mixing and mastering work.

 

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Mixing Engineer | Anthony Focx

· Jun 29, 2024 ·

One of the highlights of my career as a professional mixing engineer was working on Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. I mixed all 32 songs featured in the game.

As part of my work with the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises, I worked directly from Aerosmith’s original multitrack recordings. My goal was to create mixes optimized for interactive gameplay while preserving the band’s signature sound.

Each song required a detailed mixing process. I balanced instruments, preserved the character of the original recordings, and created high-quality game stems. Additionally, I focused on maintaining the energy and excitement of Aerosmith’s legendary performances.

I wanted players to experience the music as authentically as possible. At the same time, I ensured each song performed seamlessly within the Guitar Hero environment.

Working with music from one of the most successful rock bands of all time remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith became one of the franchise’s best-selling releases. It sold millions of copies worldwide and introduced Aerosmith’s music to a new generation of fans. Furthermore, the game helped expand the reach of both the Guitar Hero brand and Aerosmith’s legendary catalog.

Pandora's Box Studio for Mixing & Mastering of “Guitar Hero: Aerosmith” By Anthony Focx www.anthonyfocx.com
Certified Platinum Award plaque for Mixing & Mastering of “Guitar Hero: Aerosmith” By Anthony Focx www.anthonyfocx.com
Certified Platinum Award plaque for Mixing & Mastering of “Guitar Hero: Aerosmith” By Anthony Focx www.anthonyfocx.com
Brad Whitford Anthony Focx at Pandora's Box Studio for Mixing & Mastering of “Guitar Hero: Aerosmith” By Anthony Focx www.anthonyfocx.com

Mastering Daughtry’s Single “Pieces”

· Apr 4, 2024 ·

I’m proud to share my work as the mastering engineer for Daughtry’s hit single “Pieces,” released as a radio single, video version, and digital iTunes release.

“Pieces” showcases the emotional songwriting, powerful vocals, and dynamic production that helped establish Daughtry as one of the most successful rock acts of the era. During the mastering process, the focus was on preserving the song’s emotional impact while delivering the clarity, depth, and consistency needed for radio, digital platforms, and commercial release.

Since its release, “Pieces” has generated more than 10 million streams across major platforms and continues to resonate with listeners worldwide. The single achieved significant commercial success, reaching #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 while also earning a Top 10 position on the Rock charts, further solidifying its place among the band’s most recognized songs.

It was an honor to contribute to a release that connected so strongly with audiences and became an important part of Daughtry’s catalog. I’m grateful to have played a role in bringing this powerful song to listeners around the world.

#Daughtry, #Pieces, #ChrisDaughtry, #RockMusic, #AlternativeRock, #BillboardHot100, #RockCharts, #MusicProduction, #MasteringEngineer, #AudioEngineer, #MixingAndMastering, #ProfessionalMastering, #AudioMastering, #MusicIndustry, #RecordingStudio, #StudioLife, #MusicCredits, #SpotifyStreams, #RockFans, #RadioSingle, #MusicBusiness, #ProducerLife, #MasteredByAnthonyFocx, #AnthonyFocx, #AFocxMixingAndMastering, #ProfessionalAudio, #MusicRelease, #RockProduction, #HitSingle, #Songwriting

Jason Newsted’s Metal EP Mixing and Mastering

· Jan 8, 2024 ·

Jason Newsted Metal EP Mixing and Mastering

Jason Newsted Metal EP mixing and mastering was a project I was proud to be part of as the recording, mixing, and mastering engineer for the debut EP from Newsted.

Released on January 8, 2013, through Chophouse Records, Metal marked the return of former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted to aggressive thrash and speed metal. Fans quickly embraced the release for its powerful riffs, raw energy, and classic heavy metal attitude.

Recording, Mixing, and Mastering

I recorded all the music at Creation Lab Studio, and mixed, and mastered the EP in Nashville. My goal was to capture the intensity of the performances while delivering clarity, punch, and impact.

At the same time, I wanted to preserve the authenticity and old-school spirit that made the project resonate with longtime metal fans.

The Jason Newsted Metal EP mixing and mastering process required careful attention to every detail. Each song featured aggressive guitar work, powerful rhythms, and dynamic performances.

Additionally, the production balanced classic thrash metal influences with modern audio quality. This approach helped the EP stand out among contemporary metal releases.

Chart Success

The response from fans was immediate. Metal reached #1 on the iTunes Heavy Metal Charts and debuted at #62 on the Billboard 200.

Furthermore, the EP sold approximately 6,200 copies during its first week. These accomplishments demonstrated the strong demand for Jason Newsted’s return to heavy music.

Lasting Impact

More than a decade later, the EP continues to attract listeners worldwide. The songs generate ongoing streams and remain favorites among fans of thrash metal, speed metal, and classic heavy metal.

As a result, Metal has earned a lasting place in Jason Newsted’s post-Metallica catalog.

Looking back, the Jason Newsted Metal EP mixing and mastering project remains one of the highlights of my career. It was an honor to help bring this release to life and contribute to a project that continues to connect with metal fans around the world.

To learn more about my professional recording, mixing, and mastering services, visit the Samples page or Contact page on my website.

 

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Go to Next Page »

Copyright © 2026 · Monochrome Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in