Best modern metal distortion pedals

Name: Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro II Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal
Brand: Amptweaker

Steve Romanoski

Last Updated: Oct 10, 2022

In this article, we've compiled the best modern metal distortion pedals you can find on the market today. We've analyzed about 105 of modern metal distortion pedals and selected the 23 top options by Elixir, Phenyx Pro. Check out what we recommend in 2023.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1

Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro II Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

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Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro II Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

#TOP 1

#TOP 2

Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

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Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

#TOP 2

#TOP 3

Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal

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Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal

#TOP 3

Top 23 Best modern metal distortion pedals Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro II Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

Amptweaker

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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

Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

BOSS

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High-gain Disttion Pedal with Low/High Col Mix Controls Stard/Custom Modes

#TOP 3

Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal

Proco

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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 4

MXR M75 Super Badass Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal

MXR

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True bypass
Full and highly responsive spectrum distortion with a 3-band EQ to fine-tune your sound
All analog circuitry
Bundle includes 2 patch cables (6"), 9-volt power supply, and 6 assorted Dunlop picks

#TOP 5

Boss ML-2 Metal Core Distortion Pedal

BOSS

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Disttion Guitar Pedal with Low High Settings Metal Construction

#TOP 6

JOYO Distortion Effect Pedal Modern Metal Tone High Gain Amp Simulators All-in-one Pedal

JOYO

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Features

Unique pedal--With built-in adjustable noise gate knob, developed specifically for the Chopper-Z, to keep your signal noise-free and tight.
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.
Charming pedal--Metal aluminum alloy case and high quality precision components making it solid and durable, moreover, its innovative R-series ambience LED lights delivers a feeling of charming.
All-in-one pedal-The JOYO Chopper-Z is a simple, all-in-one solution for guitarists looking for modern metal tone live and in the studio. Use it to instantly transform clean tones into a high gain monster or as an all-in-one solution for recording.
Precise pedal--Chopper-Z is a high gain amp simulations, meanwhile, it features 412 cabinet modulation and Flexible & Usable 3-band EQ, adding a new flavor to your existing distortion tone.

#TOP 7

HOTONE High Gain Metal Distortion Pedal Guitar Effects Pedal Skyline Djent Modern (DJENT)

HOTONE

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Features

True Bypass Footswitch keeping your Guitar Sound Neat and Uncolorated
Working with 9V Center Negative Regular Pedal Power Supply(Not Included)
Perfect Choice for Djent & Metalcore Distortion
Analog Modern Hi-Gain Distortion with 3-Mode Tone Shaping
Aggressive Mode comes with Enhanced Low End and Presence, Neutral Mode offers a Flatter Sound with more Balanced EQ; Smooth Mode makes the Tone Smoother and Warmer

#TOP 8

Abasi Pathos Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal (ABASIPATHOS)

Abasi

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Features

High-grade components selected for their superior sound and response, with a soft-touch footswitch will last for years
Musically-tuned EQ shelves and mid control, as well as potent gain and level controls
Encompass the functionality of several dirt boxes in one; be it a push to a driven amp, a full-on distortion channel in front of a clean amp, or a boost in front of a digital modeler
“Smooth” and “edge” voicings range from emotive crunch all the way to scorching, yet controlled distortion and sustain
Crafted in the USA by Tosin Abasi in conjunction with Brian Wampler and designed to retain the feel of an American-style tube amp channel

#TOP 9

Overdrive Electric Guitar Effects Pedal Handmade

Nefelibata

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Features

100% SATISFACTION - We provided you with product warranty service . Our customers are our NO.1 priority . If you find any product problems after receiving the goods , such as damage , the number of goods is incorrect , please contact the seller immediately . We will solve it for you within 24 hours and provide you with exclusive services
SOUND - NEFELIBATA Overdrive Electric Guitar Effects Pedal is set with Two Frequency Clipping Modes by an NOR(NORMAL)/SP(SPECIAL) mini toggle , plus the ingeniously configured TONE,DRIVE and OUTPUT controls, Achieve Wide Range of Overdrive Tones from Retro to Modern,Provides a fast tuning and wide range of overdrive tones that enhance the natural sound of your Electric Guitar and amp sets to offer you more options of tones when playing and recording.
CONTROLS - GAIN: This knob adjusts Overdrive intensity;OUTPUT: This knob adjusts overall volume of effect;TONE: Turn this knob clockwise for more treble response;NOR(NORMAL)/SP(SPECIAL) SWITCH: SP for compressed Overdrive tone, NOR for non-compressed Overdrive tone;FOOT SWITCH: This toggle effect on ( (Blue LED on) or bypass ( Blue LED off).
BEST GIFTS FOR ELECTRIC GUITARISTS - Overdrive Pedal is equipped with beautiful packaging boxes,it is a special gift for guitarists and music lovers enthusiast , and can also be used as Birthday , Christmas , Stocking Stuffer , New Year , Black Friday , Valentine's and other holiday gifts.
DESIGN/BUILD - Ours Overdrive pedal is a fully handmade and very versatile pedal , the shell is made of thick die-cast aluminum , Is rock solid and it is equipped with a True Bypass straight-through mechanical foot switch an NOR/SP mini toggle and 3 high-quality CNC aluminum alloy knobs , Each knob's scale position can let you Find the precise Overdrive tones .

#TOP 10

JOYO Modern Metal High Gain Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

JOYO

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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 11

EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal

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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 12

Donner Distortion Pedal

Donner

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[Durable Guitar Distortion Pedal] Aluminum-alloy classic, stable and strong.
[True bypass Guitar Pedal] True bypass provides transparent tone. LED indicator shows the working state.
[Notice] DC 9V Adapter power supply. (Not Included).
[Inspired by Classics and More] Dark Mouse distortion pedal is made to bring you the real underground rock scene. Sweet overdrives, grinding rhythms and roaring solos.
[2 Modes] Classic: Produce a classic, warm distortion sound with some fuzz feel. Hyper: Perform a more powerful sound with more edges and bottoms.

#TOP 13

AZOR Heavy Metal Distortion Guitar Pedal Effect 3 Modes Controls

AZOR

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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 14

JOYO JF-17 Extreme Metal Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

JOYO

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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 15

JOYO High Gain Distortion Pedal

JOYO

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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 16

SONICAKE Distortion Pedal Distortion Guitar Pedal 3 Modes Normal

SONICAKE

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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 17

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

ISET

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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 18

Extreme Metal Pedal Effect Distortion Pedal

DOLAMO

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Distortion Effect:This is a very versatile Pedal, with Presence and Distortion control it's possible to go from a clean boost to classic rock crunch and modern heavier distortion.
Extreme metal distortion provides a strong low frequency and clear transparent high frequency, plays the rhythms and leads that cut through the mix.
True bypass minimize the tone loss.
Metal aluminum alloy case, high quality precision components.
Multifunction：The versatility comes from the 4 control knobs which give a huge range of tones, overdrive and distortion.

#TOP 19

Biyang "Metal End" High Gain Distortion Effects Pedal

Biyang

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#TOP 20

Sondery Metal Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

Sondery

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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 21

Horizon Devices Apex Preamp Modern Distortion Pedal For Electric Guitar

Horizon Devices

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Plug & play perfect modern metal tone with organic & analog amp feel.
Built-in by-passable cabinet simulation with adjustable microphone position.
Tight switch instantly adds punch and clarity to your tone, even when tuned low.
Built-in adjustable noise gate, developed specifically for the Apex Preamp, to keep your signal noise-free & tight.
Ultra flexible & usable EQ controls with mountains of gain on tap.

#TOP 22

pigtone Distortion Guitar Pedal

pigtone

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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.

#TOP 23

Extreme Metal Pedal Effect Distortion Pedal

DOLAMO

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Features

Extreme metal distortion provides a strong low frequency and clear transparent high frequency, plays the rhythms and leads that cut through the mix.
True bypass minimize the tone loss.
Distortion Effect:This is a very versatile Pedal, with Presence and Distortion control it's possible to go from a clean boost to classic rock crunch and modern heavier distortion.
Metal aluminum alloy case, high quality precision components.
Multifunction：The versatility comes from the 4 control knobs which give a huge range of tones, overdrive and distortion.

By Price

Essential Considerations to Keep in Mind When Searching for the Top modern metal distortion pedals

What distortion does James Hetfield use?

ProCo Rat. Going back to Metallica's earliest days, James had a classic ProCo Rat pedal as his main distortion. Combining it with his old Marshall amp head that got stolen, he had a pretty wicked tone, the kind that was typical for the 1980s thrash metal bands.

Is distortion or overdrive better for metal?

Distortion pedals typically fit in better with the needs of musicians who are interested in playing rock, metal, or heavy metal, while overdrive pedals are more commonly found in the use of country and blues musicians.

How do I get Metallica sound on my amp?

If you want to recreate Metallica's sound, you'll need an amp that can produce a high gain tone....Some common settings to get a saturated tone like Metallica's would be:

Gain: 8.
Treble: 6.
Mids: 3.
Bass: 6.
Presence: 6.
Depth: 6.

Does heavy metal use distortion?

The heavy metal guitar sound comes from a combined use of high volumes and heavy distortion.

Do James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett get along?

Therefore, the band's lead singer James Hetfield has been close with Hammett for a long time and knows what an extraordinary instrumentalist he is. While the frontman is one of the most celebrated guitar players of all time, seeing his bandmate playing the guitar the way he is made him confess something about Hammett.

What distortion pedal did Kurt Cobain use?

Boss DS-1 Distortion Kurt Cobain used a Randall solid-state head and 4x12 cab at the time, but for the album, Kurt used Endino's Fender Twin Reverb, and the only pedal he used was a Boss DS-1 Distortion.

Does Metallica use a Tube Screamer?

Metallica - Ride the Lightning Effects It's rarely noted, but Hetfield did use an Ibanez Tube Screamer pedal on Ride the Lightning. The green pedal was more of a boost than an overdrive; he wanted some extra distortion but didn't want to sacrifice the hard-hitting clarity of his rhythm technique.

What distortion did Kurt Cobain use?

BOSS DS-1 Kurt started off with the BOSS DS-1 (link to Amazon for price and details), which is one of the most popular distortion pedals of all time. In the albums Bleach and Nevermind, most of the distortion you hear is from a DS-1. At some point, Kurt switched from the DS-1 to the BOSS DS-2.

How do you get modern metal tone?

The easiest way to get a better metal tone is to increase the bass setting on your amp, use the bridge pickup on your guitar and use a distortion pedal instead of the gain setting on your amplifier. Using a guitar with active pickups will also help to improve sustain without increasing feedback.

What is BOSS equivalent to tube screamer?

Ibanez Tube Screamer vs Boss Blues Driver: features Both the Ibanez TS9 and Boss BD-2 share a trio of controls, and while they are labeled ever so slightly differently, they have the same functionality. Each pedal offers the player control over the Level, Tone, and Gain – what more do you really need?

Editor's Notes

Overall, our testing team spent 31 hours on the research before they come up with the compilation of the 23 best modern metal distortion pedals on the market. We've read 1782 reviews, on 17 different trusted resources and made this compilation of the customers' favorites. The selected products boast of the average rating of 197, and, we've also considered the price range: on average, these modern metal distortion pedals are available at $1841.

Written by

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.