Best distortion pedals for death metal

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Sep 24, 2022

In this article, we've compiled the best distortion pedals for death metal one can find on the market today. We've analyzed about 80 of distortion pedals for death metal and selected the 43 top options by Liyafy, Vivlex. Read on to find out what exactly made us pick these ones.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro II Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal
#TOP 1
Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro II Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal
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Stagg BX-METAL BLAXX Series Three Mode Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal
#TOP 2
Stagg BX-METAL BLAXX Series Three Mode Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal
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Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal
#TOP 3
Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal
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Top 43 Best distortion pedals for death metal Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro II Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

Amptweaker

Features

  • The Tight Metal Pro II redefines rock/metal tone
  • The very definition of total sonic brutality
  • Tight Metal Pro II now includes Depth Finder and DeFizzerator built in
  • Perfect for live and studio
#TOP 2

Stagg BX-METAL BLAXX Series Three Mode Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

Stagg

Features

  • 9V DC power supply required (not included)
  • Die-cast metal housing
  • Metal mode switch Hi Boost, Boost Cut, Lo Boost
  • Heavy duty on/off footswitch
  • Controls for distortion, tone, and volume
#TOP 3

Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • High-gain Disttion Pedal with Low/High Col Mix Controls Stard/Custom Modes
#TOP 4

Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Distortion Guitar Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Disttion Stompbox with 3-b EQ
#TOP 5

Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal

Proco

Features

  • Use the RAT 2 as a boost for solos and get the extra kick you need
  • Used as a primary distortion, it excels at arena rock rhythm tones and soaring leads
  • Nails that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive
#TOP 6

Boss MT-2W Waza Metal Zone Distortion Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal with 2 Modes
  • 3-band EQ
  • Premium Buffer
#TOP 7

Metal Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

Pyle

Features

  • HIGH QUALITY CIRCUIT DESIGN: This pedal utilizes high-quality electronic components and optimal circuit design, all inside a reliable aluminum alloy casing. Play heavier genres with this pedal and bring out a rich and distorted tone for your guitar
  • CONTOUR, VOLUME, AND DIST KNOBS: This pedal features easy control knobs for adjusting your tone. Utilize the contour knob to adjust the tone color to your liking, the volume knob to adjust the volume, and the dist knob to adjust the distortion gain
  • TRUE BYPASS FOOTSWITCH: With a true bypass function, you can connect your instrument directly to your amp while also bypassing the effects' circuits, allowing the original tone of the instrument to be retained and giving you a better feel
  • INCLUDES POWER ADAPTER: This metal distortion pedal comes with a 9V DC AC Adapter and velcro for convenient and easy installation on your pedalboard. The maximum dimensions of this pedal is 3.7” x 1.7” x 1.9” inches
  • EXTREME AND CLASSIC MODE: Featuring a two-way tone switch, you can easily change your tone to your preference. Switching changes it between extreme and classic whereas extreme allows for a much harder sounding tone while classic offers a lighter one
#TOP 8

Mooer Rage Machine, metal distortion pedal

MOOER

Features

  • True bypass
  • Wide variety of heavy metal style distortion tones
  • Very small and exquisite
  • Full metal shell
#TOP 9

Boss ML-2 Metal Core Distortion Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Disttion Guitar Pedal with Low High Settings Metal Construction
#TOP 10

Death By Audio Apocalypse Distortion & Fuzz

Death By Audio

Features

  • Sweepable EQ Filter
  • 5 Different Fuzz Effects
  • Standard -9VDC Operation (not included)
  • True Bypass
#TOP 11

Keytars Heavy Metal Distortion Dist Pedal Holy War Analong Heavy Pedal

Keytars

Features

  • 3 Working modes: Lo Boost: Boost a narrow band of high frequencies a little bit.Boost Off : No boost is engaged. Hi Boost: A higher amount of boost is engaged
  • TRUE BYPASSTrue bypass provide transparent tone.LED indicator shows working state.
  • High Quality: True bypass provide transparent tone, durable and sturdy. LED indicator shows the working state.
  • Powerful Function: Entirely gaining and boosting the distortion degree of metal. distortion pedal has special and strong distortion effect.
  • Note Please: Keytars Holy War Pedal is put stock and we are sending new stock soon, if interest, there are the same Koogo Holy War in my store, you will like it!
#TOP 12

JOYO Distortion Pedal R Series Heavy Metal Dist Between American and British

JOYO

Features

  • Before playing, please make sure the guitar is fully connected with the pedal. in order to make JOYO pedals work properly and avoiding unexpected noise, we recommend you to purchase an extra JOYO original power adapter, or choose the other reliable brands and make sure it meets the working current requirement of single pedal.
  • JOYO is over decade of brand reputation, provide worry-free after-sale service. with the most popular budget pedals, amplifiers, wireless systems, controllers, metronomes, tuners winning the love of global guitarists and inspiring people's music dreams.
  • "GAIN" Knob and "VOLUME" Knob, both are of dynamic balance, adjust the "GAIN" knob while don't adjust the VOL, the signal from the circuit will adjust automatically, ensuring the volume is the same as before.
  • JOYO UZI distortion pedal, designed for heavy metal, it's characterized by High-Gain. with a "BIAS" knob, switch easily between American Distortion and British Distortion.
  • Whole new appearance and the iconic ambience lights bring out futuristic and retro styles, displaying a perfect fusion, will make our soul happy whether are jamming in the bedroom, studio or on the stage.
#TOP 13

Behringer HM300 Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

Behringer

Features

  • Disttion Pedal f Electric Guitar
#TOP 14

TC Electronic DARK MATTER DISTORTION Phenomenal Distortion Pedal

TC Electronic

Features

  • Voicing switch - for an awesome shift in bass response
  • True Bypass - zero loss of tone
  • Gain, Level, Bass and Treble controls - total control of your distortion sounds
  • item package weight: 11.6 ounces
#TOP 15

Donner Metal Distortion Guitar Pedal

Donner

Features

  • [Notice] Package includes: Donner Giant Metal distortion pedal and owner manual. Power supply is NOT included.
  • [True bypass] True bypass provides transparent tone. LED indicator shows the working state.
  • [Metal Distortion] Entirely gaining and boosting the distortion degree of metal, has the special and strong distortion effect.
  • [Durable] Whole aluminium-alloy classic, stable and strong.
  • [Hi Boost] The improvement of the high frequency of the pedal makes the heavy tone-color and difficult skills perform in a clearer level. Hi boost provides the most expressive metal sound.
#TOP 16

Boss MT-2-3A 30th Anniversary Metal Zone Distortion Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Disttion Guitar Effects Pedal with 3-b Semi-parametric EQ
#TOP 17

JOYO Modern Metal High Gain Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

JOYO

Features

  • Classic padal--JOYO R Series calssic design and innovative LED ambience lights. Dimension (10.9cm*6.7cm*4.8cm),weights only 248g, takes little space in your pedalboard.
  • Service Promise--directly sold by JOYO Technology, who is with over 14 years of experience in customer service,products research and development, JOYO received great reputation all over the world among the guitarists, we would satisfy you at the first time when receiving your request.
  • Multiple tones pedal--With a toggle switch, you can select three diffrent crunchy distortion as per your preference.
  • Interesting pedal--JOYO R-17 Dark Flame is a high gain distortion pedal. In order to make the pedal work properly and quietly, we do recommend JOYO 9V DC pedal power supply with noise reduction technology.
  • 3-Band EQ pedal--Three knobs LOW, MID and HIGH to adjust corresponding frequency Bass,Mid and Treble, providing various tones for guitarists.
#TOP 18

EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal

EX

Features

  • Uses a standard 9-volt negative tip power supply, or add a daisy chain to run multiple pedals from the one power supply source. (Adapter not included).
  • True-Bypass with powerful analog circuitry, housed in a compact, die-cast box. 1/4 inch input and output jacks and an AC adapter input on the top of the unit.
  • The EX-Inferno death metal distortion pedal is designed for total metal mayhem.
  • A three-stage guitar metal pedal boost toggle switch allows for total control of brutal chugging, screaming howls and massive attack for lead and rhythm playing.
  • Fine tune the metal guitar pedal overall balance with the level, tone and distortion control knobs. Dial up shrill metal leads, deep punchy distortion or total metal chunk.
#TOP 19

TC Electronic EYEMASTER METAL DISTORTION Skull-Pounding Metal Distortion Pedal

TC Electronic

Features

  • "Built-like-a-tank" Metal chassis
  • Bone-crushing metal distortion Pedal
  • Roll in huge amounts of gain to take your tone over the top
  • Highly responsive 2-knob interface  
  • True bypass for ultimate signal integrity
#TOP 20

Rowin Analog Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

Rowin

Features

  • 3 way toggle switch allows you to choose from a hi boost, low boost and off boost
  • Please note this pedal NOT include power adptor. Need a DC 9V power supply with negative in the center to power up. Pleae buy it separately at Rowin Music store. Thank you.
  • Additional shaping is achieved using the gain and tone controls. You can use the Lo and off boost positions to get a great rhythm tone. In this position play with the tone and gain knobs to recreate tones from your favorite bands or uniquely create your own sound. Then switch it into Hi-Boost for a face melting solo.
  • SOLID CONSTRUCTIONMade of high-quality zinc alloy, durable and sturdy.
  • TRUE BYPASSTrue bypass provide transparent tone.LED indicator shows working state.MINI SIZESmall and exquisite,can save a lot of space on pedal board.
#TOP 21

AZOR Heavy Metal Distortion Guitar Pedal Effect 3 Modes Controls

AZOR

Features

  • Mini styleSmall, light weight and exquisite.Enduring, light-weighted Aluminumalloy chassis .
  • HEAVY METAL GUITAR PEDALAZOR Heavy Metal Pedal is a newly developed distortion pedal to give that classic heavy metal distortion distribution sound
  • 2 - way selector switchExtreme/Classic,allows a subtle variation from the more compressed classic tone to the more open modern extreme sound.
  • Power source9V DC adapter center negative(no power adapter included)
  • 3 CONTROLSWith 3 functional knobs (VOL/DIST/MID) gives you all the tone options needed to reproduce heavy metal distortion sound and that identifiable classic rock distortion
#TOP 22

VSN Analog Heavy Pedal Guitar Metal Distortion Effect Pedals Holy War Guitar Metal Case

VSN

Features

  • Distortion Effect: Entirely gaining and boosting the distortion degree of metal. distortion pedal has special and strong distortion effect.
  • 3 Working modes: Lo Boost: Boost a narrow band of high frequencies a little bit./Boost Off : No boost is engaged./Hi Boost: A higher amount of boost is engaged
  • Easy Carry:This pedal has a small size body, light weight, suitable for out side gigs,powered by a DC 9V adapter (Could buy one at VSN Music).
  • Solid Quality: True bypass provide transparent tone, durable and sturdy. LED indicator shows the working state.
  • One Year Warranty"VSN Music" is a professional manufacturer of guitar pedal effects. If you receive an unsatisfactory product, please contact us for a solution.
#TOP 23

MXR M116 Fullbore Metal Distortion Pedal w/4 FREE Cables

MXR

Features

  • Scoop Switch boost the highs and lows while the EQ stays active
  • Internal Gate Trigger control lets you set the Noise Gate's sensitivity
  • Three band EQ with sweepable mid frequencies
  • Tight, fast, switchable Noise Gate for syncopated metal riffage
  • Includes 4 Cables!
#TOP 24

JOYO JF-17 Extreme Metal Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

JOYO

Features

  • Maximum gain pedal delivers crushing metal sound.
  • 6 control knobs, independent EQ controls, allowing you to achieve metal, rock and punk sounds.
  • The boost switch is best used on your neck pickup with the control between 9 'o' clock and 10 'o' clock.
  • Dial in the perfect sound with the 3-band EQ controls.
  • Aluminium-alloy housing classic stoving varnish finish, stable and strong.
#TOP 25

JOYO High Gain Distortion Pedal

JOYO

Features

  • With a full range of EQ adjustment and tone control, from a little blues rock crunch to an all out snarling distortion this is one versatile pedal.
  • Before playing, please make sure the guitar is fully connected with the pedal. in order to make JOYO pedals work properly and avoiding unexpected noise, we recommend you to purchase an extra JOYO original power adapter, or choose the other reliable brands and make sure it meets the working current requirement of single pedal.
  • JOYO High Gain Distortion guitar pedal, get the kind of hard distortion used by the bands you love-from the crunch of AC/DC to the heavy metal of Metallica.
  • JOYO is over decade of brand reputation, with the most popular budget pedals, amplifiers, wireless systems, controllers, metronomes, tuners winning the love of global guitarists and inspiring people's music dreams.
  • When used with single coils at lower gain settings you'd have to make sure you hadn't stepped on your vintage overdrive. whole aluminium-alloy housing classic stoving varnish finish, stable and strong, with small LED flash indicator shows the working state.
#TOP 26

SONICAKE Distortion Pedal Distortion Guitar Pedal 3 Modes Normal

SONICAKE

Features

  • Distortion pedal 100% Analog British Sound Distortion takes you from Classic Marshall-Stack Crunch to High Gain Paradise
  • Tube-Amp-Like Dynamic Response brings Great Definition and Clarity from Warm/Smooth Playing to Cutting Lead Solos on the distortion guitar pedal
  • Working with 9V Center Negative Regular Pedal Power Supply(not included) For the distortion guitar effects pedal
  • The distortion guitar effects pedal 3-Mode Tone Shaping provides a Detailed Voicing Taste Tweaking
  • True Bypass Footswitch keeps a clean Signal Path on the distortion pedal
#TOP 27

Stax Guitar Metal Distortion Pedal Holy War Analong Heavy Pedal Circuitry Metal For Electric Guitar Classic 80's Metal Sound Mini Size With True Bypass

Stax

Features

  • Powerful Function: Entirely gaining and boosting the distortion degree of metal. Special and strong distortion effect.
  • Easy Carry: Small size body, light weight, suitable for outdoor gigs, powered by a DC 9V adapter(not included).
  • One Year Warranty"Stax" is a professional manufacturer of guitar pedal effects. If you receive an unsatisfactory product, please contact us for a solution.
  • Solid Quality: True bypass provides transparent tone, durable and sturdy. LED indicator shows the working state.
  • 3 Working Modes: Lo Boost: Boost a narrow band of high frequencies a little bit./Boost Off : No boost is engaged./Hi Boost: A higher amount of boost is engaged
#TOP 28

ISET Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal Mini Atom Single Effect For Electric Guitar Bass True Bypass

ISET

Features

  • The Volume knob simply allows for the output from this pedal to be easily changed by the user.
  • The Heavy Metal Pedal from Iset Music turns your clean guitar signal into a complete warzone of unique and intense distortion tones. There are insane levels of saturation, distortion and sustain that can be found all with the turn of a few simple knobs!
  • The Tone Knob changes the brightness of the pedal. Adding more tone by turning clockwise will bring out more clarity and high-end gain to your signal, while turning it counterclockwise will let those bass-y and mid range sounds shine through.
  • The Distortion knob allows for change in the overall fullness or tone of the effect’s over-driven sound. Turning the knob clockwise will make a louder, more saturated and full tone while turning the knob counter-clockwise will make for a great mild distortion effect.
  • The Toggle switch allows for a choice between 3 different settings for your pedal. Hi-Boost, having a bit less body and more treble, Boost-Off, having a more mid-range meaty tone, and Lo-Boost, giving a very full mid and deep tone. All 3 choices are great for different genres and effects for any player.
#TOP 29

MIMIDI Metal Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

MIMIDI

Features

  • Customer Satisfaction"MIMIDI" Is a professional manufacturer of guitar pedal effects. We always stand behind our products and it is our honor to satisfy our customers. 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. Free replacement or refund for any quality issue.
  • High Quality CircuitTrue bypass and advanced noise reduction circuit keeps your signal clean. Delivering a warm and natural sound. Please make sure the adapter is DC 9V.(Not Included, please purchase separately from our store)The misusage of power adapter will generate noise.
  • Exquisite GiftThis pedal is packed extremely well in a gift box. Pedal comes with a pre-sized Velcro and Owner's Manual. It can be comprehensively applicable for all music venues: hall, music concert, stage, studio, karaoke, etc. This is the best gift for any Guitarist or Bassist.
  • 2 Modes and Multifunction DesignExtreme sound like hell roar. Classic sound full of power, like jehad howl. Toggle switch to get different styles of distortion effect in 1 pedal; VOLUME knob (output volume),DIST knob (distortion amount) and CONTOUR knob (helps you reach the “Smile EQ”) for using in different scenarios. Each knob gives you a wide control range.
  • Perfect ConstructionDimensions: 92*38*33mm, weight 142g. Exquisite and portable. Aluminum alloy housing with oxidation paint, mini size easy for carrying, additional flat bar design to protect knob setting, bottom anti-slip silicone pad design makes pedal more stable.
#TOP 30

Iset Grim Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal

ISET

Features

  • The Tone Knob changes the brightness of the pedal. Adding more tone by turning clockwise will bring out more clarity and high-end gain to your signal, while turning it counter-clockwise will let those bass and mid range sounds shine through.
  • The Volume knob simply allows for the output from this pedal to be easily changed by the user.
  • The Heavy Metal Pedal from Iset Music turns your clean guitar signal into a complete warzone of unique and intense distortion tones. There are insane levels of saturation, distortion and sustain that can be found all with the turn of a few simple knobs!
  • The Distortion knob allows for change in the overall fullness or tone of the effect’s over-driven sound. Turning the knob clockwise will make a louder, more saturated and full tone while turning the knob counter-clockwise will make for a great mild distortion effect.
  • The Toggle switch allows for a choice between 3 different settings for your pedal. Hi-Boost, having a bit less body and more treble, Boost-Off, having a more mid-range meaty tone, and Lo-Boost, giving a very full mid and deep tone. All 3 choices are great for different genres and effects for any player.
#TOP 31

UZI Distortion Pedal

Horse

Features

  • Lifetime Promise: Unbelievably inexpensive two-knob setup, it's obviously simple to use. For any problem with this distortion pedal, just contact us for a perfect solution, we are always here and help!
  • Horse distortion pedal, designed for heavy metal, it's characterized by High Gain. with a BIAS knob, switch easily between American Distortion and British Distortion. It has a GAIN Knob and a VOLUME Knob, both are of dynamic balance, adjust the GAIN knob while don't adjust the VOL knob, the signal from the circuit will adjust automatically, ensuring the Volume is the same as before.
  • Easy Carry: Powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package), this Distortion pedal has a small size body, lightweight, suitable for outside gigs.
  • Whole aluminum-alloy housing classic stoving varnish finish, stable and strong, with small LED flash indicator shows the working state.
  • R series effect pedals deliver way more comprehensive tones and functions compared with other pedals. Pedal with bypass provides transparent tone, minimizes the tone loss to keep the tone quality.
#TOP 32

Sovvid Guitar Distortion Pedal

Sovvid

Features

  • True Bypass Design, Anti Skid Rubber: True bypass provide transparent tone. When the distortion effect pedal disengaged, true bypass switching maintains pure signal flow and minimize the tone loss to keep the tone quality. Humanized rubber pads on the backside is anti-slip which enhances the stability and avoids friction.
  • Excellent Gift, Quality Warranty: Thinking for the needs of musicians, Sovvid has provided premium gift of 9V power adapter and USB cable which other didn't provide. To guarantee the effect pedal quality, we have done 100% advance inspection before shipment. If you have any question for our pedal, please feel free to contact us.
  • Solid Material, Special USB Function: Sovvid guitar effects pedal is made of high-quality zinc alloy, which is more durable and sturdy than the normal aluminum pedal. And we designed a new USB Function, you can even connect the power bank to drive this pedal.
  • Powerful Tone Creating, Noise Reduction: Sovvid guitar distortion pedal developed with high quality electronic components and 2 layer circuit, it has excellent dynamic response and definition. With such upgraded design, in high gain settings, Sovvid pedals can reduce the buzzing noise and maintain sound natural which other distortion pedals often sound muddy when drive. Sovvid pedal with classic tones suit for all types of music. A very good replacement to DS-1.
  • Flexible Controls, Easy Carry: Our distortion pedals offers easy in/out and 3 function knobs. LEVEL (output volume), TONE (brightness of tone) and GAIN (degree of distortion). From the three knobs, many different sound colors can be coaxed. And this distortion guitar pedal has a small size body and exquisite, it can save a lot of space on pedal board and very suit for outside show.
#TOP 33

Koogo Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal Holy War Effect Pedals

Koogo

Features

  • 3 Working modes -- Lo Boost: Boost a narrow band of high frequencies a little bit.Boost Off : No boost is engaged. Hi Boost: A higher amount of boost is engaged..
  • Full metal shell, stable and strong. Well built quality.
  • Entirely gaining and boosting the distortion degree of metal. Koogo PDS-3 distortion pedal has special and strong distortion effect.
  • "Koogo" is a professional manufacturer of guitar pedals. If you receive an unsatisfactory product, please contact us for a solution.
  • True bypass provide transparent tone, LED indicator shows the working state
#TOP 34

SAPHUE Crunch Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal Gain/Volume/Tone Knob High Low Frequency Effect Pedals

SAPHUE

Features

  • Integrated Noise Reduction: Developed with the code to reduce noise swells common with Crunch distortion circuit, you get the quietest effect possible with this distortion pedal.
  • Pure Signal: True bypass switching maintains pure signal flow when the diatortion pedal disengaged. Dedicated Volume & Dist & Tone knobs allow for precise effect tailoring.
  • Easy Carry: This distortion pedal has a small size body, light weight, suitable for out side gigs,powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package).
  • Lifetime Promise: Unbelievably inexpensive two-knob setup,it's obviously simple to use. For any problem with this distortion pedal, just contact us for a perfect solution, we are always here and help!
  • Solid Quality: Aluminium alloy body makes this distortion pedal safe to transport.
#TOP 35

Extreme Distortion Metal Pedal

Horse

Features

  • Easy Carry: Powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package), this guitar effect pedal has a small size body, is lightweight, suitable for outside gigs.
  • Pure Signal: True bypass switching maintains pure signal flow when the Vintage Overdrive pedal disengaged. Dedicated Drive & Volume &Tone knobs allow for precise effect tailoring.
  • Horse Extreme Metal Distortion pedal with a powerfully adjustable 3 band EQ and sweep Mid-Freq knob, provides a strong low frequency and clear, transparent high frequency. Play the rhythms and leads that cut through the mix.
  • Lifetime Promise: Unbelievably inexpensive two-knob setup, it's obviously simple to use. For any problem with this distortion pedal, just contact us for a perfect solution, we are always here and help!
  • Solid Quality: The whole guitar pedal is made of aluminum alloy and is classic, stable and strong. The aluminum alloy body makes this Overdrive pedal safe to transport.
#TOP 36

Pocket Metal Guitar Pedal

AKLOT

Features

  • Pure SignalExcellent tone electric guitar effect pedal with true bypass provide transparent tone,minimize the tone loss to keep the best tone quality
  • Lifetime PromiseUnbelievably inexpensive three-knob setup,it's obviously simple to use. For any problem with this distortion pedal, just contact us for a perfect solution, we are always here and help!
  • Integrated Noise ReductionHorse Pocket Metal to get huge metal distortion sounds from this mini-sized pedal, sculpt your sound with the mid adjustment knob to bring you instant inspiration.
  • Easy CarryPowered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package),this Analog Delay pedal has a small size body, light weight, suitable for out side gigs.
  • Solid QualityThe whole Analog Delay guitar pedal is made of aluminum alloy and classic, stable and strong. Aluminium alloy body makes this Delay pedal safe to transport.
#TOP 37

Digitech DDM Death Metal Analog Distortion Pedal

DigiTech

Features

  • Mid adjusts boost and cut of midrange frequencies. High adjusts boost and cut of high frequencies.
  • Dual Outputs. The Amp output is for connecting directly to a guitar amplifier. The Mixer output features Cabinet Emulation circuitry for connecting directly to a mixing board or recording device.
  • Low adjusts boost and cut of bass frequencies. High adjusts boost and cut of upper harmonics.
  • Level boosts the output level of your guitar signal.
#TOP 38

Behringer HD300 Heavy Distortion Pedal

Behringer

Features

  • Disttion Pedal f Electric Guitar
#TOP 39

Blackstar LT Metal Distortion Electric Guitar Effects Compact Stompbox Pedal (LT-Metal)

Blackstar

Features

  • Introducing LT Electric Guitar Pedals Blackstar’s award-winning, valve-driven HT Pedals are a key part of the company’s success and grace the pedalboards of the professional and amateur players around the globe. Now Blackstar introduces a series of 5 compact pedals, consisting of boost, overdrive and distortion tonally derived and inspired by our award-winning HT Pedals range
  • Buffered Bypass Each compact pedal features high integrity buffered bypass and silent switching
  • Patent-applied-for Clipping Circuit The patent-applied-for clipping circuit delivers amazing valve-like tonal performance, valve-like responsiveness for a wide variety of playing styles
  • ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) This fully interactive control allows you to infinitely adjust the response of the tone control network between any of the traditional voicings. In addition, the LT DIST offers the lowest cost option ever for players who want to get their hands on Blackstar’s patented ISF control
  • Battery or Mains Powered Perfect for pedalboard integration, LT Pedals can be powered via one 9V PP3 Battery or optional mains adapter
  • Rugged Construction Featuring a rugged metal construction for durability, LT pedals are perfect addition to any amateur or professional musicians pedalboard
  • 9V Battery Powered Patent-Applied-For clipping circuit that matches the tone and response of our valve pedals Gain, Level and Tone controls, plus patented ISF control
#TOP 40

Sondery Metal Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

Sondery

Features

  • Made of reliable high-quality aluminum alloy with a beautiful art design on the top, and diamond cut along the edge; anti-skid rubber pad on the backside for stability and friction prevention
  • LED status indicator; user manual included; no batteries needed, powered by an AC adapter (NOT included) delivery, 9V DC, internal negative, external positive - VERY IMPORTANT!
  • 3 modes of Solo, Turbo and Normal, easily switch to different positions to distortion the device for one-of-a-kind pedal sound. True bypass hardware switching
  • Measures 3.7 by 1.9 by 1.66 inches / 94 by 42 by 48 millimetres; backed by Sondery 1-year limited warranty
  • Metal distortion guitar effect pedal gives a warm, smooth and wide range of vintage distortion sound. 3 Controls by Volume, Filter and Distortion
#TOP 41

Pocket Metal Guitar Pedal

Horse

Features

  • Lifetime Promise: Unbelievably inexpensive two-knob setup, it's obviously simple to use. For any problem with this distortion pedal, just contact us for a perfect solution, we are always here and help!
  • Three-knob use: Dedicated Volume & DIST & MID knobs allow for precise effect tailoring. Volume is for adjusting the volume of the sound, DIST is for adjusting the amount of the distortion, MID is for adjusting the intermediate frequency.
  • Solid Quality: The whole Analog Delay guitar pedal is made of aluminum alloy and is classic, stable and strong. An aluminum alloy body makes this Delay pedal safe to transport.
  • Excellent Tone: Horse Pocket Metal to get huge metal distortion sounds from this mini-sized pedal, sculpt your sound with the mid adjustment knob to bring you instant inspiration. Excellent tone electric guitar effect pedal with true bypass provide transparent tone, minimize the tone loss to keep the best tone quality
  • Easy Carry: Powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package), this Analog Delay pedal has a small size body, lightweight, suitable for outside gigs.
#TOP 42

Koogo Super Distortion Pedal Killer Distortions Pedals Ultra Extra Orignal Modes Powerful Dist Effect

Koogo

Features

  • Toggle between three voicing: Original – Extra or Ultra
  • Tone knob – add bass or treble to you tone; Level knob – adjust the output volume of the effected sound; Distortion knob – set the amount distortion to your tone
  • Here at Koogo, we pride ourselves on costumer satisfaction. If you receive an unsatisfactory product, please contact us for a solution.
  • Perfect pedal for classic rock, modern rock, and heavy metal.
  • True bypass switching – no tone lost when pedal is off or on; L.E.D. indicator shows when pedal is off or on; Aluminum housing at a pedalboard friendly size.
#TOP 43

pigtone Distortion Guitar Pedal

pigtone

Features

  • ModesIt has five function knobs ,LEVEL(output volume),GAIN(degree of distortion),TREBLE(high frequency),MID(mid frequency) and BASS(low frequency),different rotary buttons can be applied to different scenarios,you can set it according to the actual needs.
  • Classic Distortion tonewhether it is Popular, Rock music, its performance is all very talented.True bypass provide transparent tone. When the distortion effect pedal disengaged, true bypass switching maintains pure signal flow and minimize the tone loss to keep the tone quality.
  • Wide Applicability Suited for most kinds of distortion tone, from vintage low gain to modern high gain. Keep the characteristics of the tones that the guitar naturally produces.
  • Whole aluminium-alloyThe guitar effect pedal is made of high-quality zinc alloy, which is more durable and sturdy than ordinary aluminum pedals, with small LED flash indicator shows the working state.
  • Notice: there is not power adapter included, you need to buy one.

Selecting the Perfect distortion pedals for death metal - What to Consider Beforhand

How do you get a good metal tone?

How to improve guitar tone for metal:
  1. Use high quality gain (with amp or pedal)
  2. Use either scooped amp settings or tighter bass.
  3. Use the bridge pickup.
  4. Add some pedals (distortion and compression are useful)
  5. Use a high gain amp.
  6. Pick a guitar designed for metal.

What pedals does Megadeth use?

A Sustainer, a Mesa-Boogie Dual Rectifier and an Equalizer pedal is a popular guitar preset of Megadeth. So, setting up the knobs of the Sustainer, the Mesa-Boogie Dual Rectifier and the Equalizer pedal as the way they are shown below, is another excellent way to get the guitar tone of Megadeth.

What distortion did Van Halen use?

MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal.

Did Jimi Hendrix use distortion?

A key component to achieving a Hendrix tone is fuzz distortion. Hendrix used a Fuzzface pedal to add more dirt and drive to his amp. Fuzz distortion is very different to typical distortion or overdrive pedals. If you don't have a fuzz pedal you'll find it very hard to achieve a decent Jimi Hendrix tone.

What distortion pedal does Metallica use?

As previously mentioned, the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus solid-state amp is the main source for Metallica's clean tones, both live and in the studio. To emulate its beautiful, washy chorus effect, Matt and Rabea chose a chorus pedal each, with the desire to closely imitate the JC-120's wonderful sound.

Does Eric Clapton use a distortion pedal?

To my knowledge, Eric Clapton does not – nor has he ever – used overdrive or boost pedals. This is most likely because he instead relies on the mid-boost circuit built into his guitar.

What pedal does Kirk Hammett use?

Kirk has been using Dunlop wah's for his entire career. The wah sound is so associated with him that he eventually got his own signature wah pedal, the Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Wah. It's inspired by the classic Dunlop Cry Baby Wah, but has some cool graphics to make it unique.

How do you get heavy metal tone?

The Quick Answer. To achieve a good metal tone, have your amp settings on high for bass and gain, mid-low for the mids setting and mid-high for the treble setting. The key to achieving a good metal tone is high gain, high sustain and lot's of low-end (bass). Remember, this is just a starting point.

Editor's Notes

To find the best of the best, we've analyzed 50 different options of distortion pedals for death metal available out there. Our editors have collected over 1939 customer reviews and shortlisted the 43 best distortion pedals for death metal according to the pros and cons most buyers stated. The selected options have an average rating of 374 and are available at $2673 on average.

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Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.