If you're a fan of death metal, you know that a good distortion pedal is an essential component of your sound. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That's why we've put together this guide to help you navigate the world of distortion pedals and find the best one for your needs.
First and foremost, it's important to consider the type of distortion you want. Do you prefer a more classic, vintage sound, or are you looking for something more modern and aggressive? This will help narrow down your options and ensure you find a pedal that matches your style.
Next, consider the build quality and durability of the pedal. If you're going to be using it frequently, you want to make sure it can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Look for pedals made with high-quality materials and sturdy construction.
Another important factor is versatility. While you may be primarily using the pedal for death metal, it's always nice to have the option to experiment with different sounds and styles. Look for pedals with multiple settings and adjustable parameters to give you more creative control.
Of course, price is always a consideration. While you don't necessarily need to break the bank to get a great distortion pedal, investing in a high-quality option can make a big difference in your sound. Consider your budget and look for pedals that offer the best value for your money.
Finally, don't be afraid to do your research and read reviews from other musicians. This can give you valuable insight into the pros and cons of different pedals and help you make an informed decision.
By considering these key points, you can find the best distortion pedal for death metal and take your sound to the next level.
10 Best Distortion Pedal For Death Metal
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1. Ex-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal

The EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal is a premium guitar effects pedal that is designed to deliver an intense and aggressive sound for metal guitarists. This pedal is a three-stage boost toggle switch that provides total control of brutal chugging, screaming howls, and massive attack for lead and rhythm playing.
With its level, tone, and distortion control knobs, the EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal allows for fine-tuning of the overall balance of the guitar's sound. This pedal can dial up shrill metal leads, deep punchy distortion, or total metal chunk.
The EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal features powerful analog circuitry, and it comes housed in a compact and sturdy die-cast box. The pedal also features true bypass functionality, ensuring that there is no signal loss when the pedal is bypassed. This feature also helps to maintain the integrity of the guitar's tone.
The EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal is incredibly easy to use. It features 1/4 inch input and output jacks and an AC adapter input on the top of the unit. This pedal uses a standard 9-volt negative tip power supply, which is not included in the package. However, users can add a daisy chain to run multiple pedals from one power supply source.
Overall, the EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal is a must-have for any metal guitarist looking to achieve a powerful and intense sound. The pedal's rugged construction, precise control, and true bypass functionality make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their metal guitar playing to the next level. So, if you want to stay ahead of the game, get your hands on the EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal today!
2. Joyo Extreme Metal Jf-17 Distortion Pedal With 3-Band Eq And Gain Boost For Electric Guitar – Bypass

The JOYO Metal Distortion Pedal is a versatile and powerful effect for electric guitar players looking to achieve a range of metal, rock, and punk sounds. With adjustable 3 band EQ and a sweep Mid-Freq knob, this pedal provides a strong low frequency and clear, transparent high frequency that can be shaped to meet the player's needs.
The pedal features six control knobs, including "High", "Mid", "Low", "Boost", "Level", and "Drive", which allow players to fine-tune their tone and achieve the desired level of distortion. The independent EQ controls make it easy to achieve the perfect sound, whether playing heavy metal or classic rock.
The JOYO Extreme Metal distortion guitar pedal is most at home with the gain set at 12 'o' clock or higher, providing brilliant hard rock tones. However, with the gain set at around 9 'o' clock using a bridge position humbucker, players can achieve excellent classic rock tones.
JOYO is a trusted brand with over a decade of experience producing budget pedals, amplifiers, wireless systems, controllers, metronomes, and tuners that have won the love of global guitarists and inspired people's music dreams. However, to ensure proper operation and avoid unexpected noise, players should make sure their guitar is fully connected with the pedal and use an extra JOYO original power adapter or another reliable brand that meets the working current requirement of a single pedal.
In conclusion, the JOYO Metal Distortion Pedal is an excellent choice for guitar players looking to achieve a range of metal, rock, and punk sounds. With its adjustable 3 band EQ and sweep Mid-Freq knob, this pedal provides a strong low frequency and clear, transparent high frequency that can be shaped to meet the player's needs. With its trusted brand reputation and affordable price point, the JOYO Metal Distortion Pedal is an excellent addition to any guitarist's pedalboard.
3. Tc Electronic Eyemaster Metal Distortion: High-Gain Pedal For Crushing Metal Tones.

The TC Electronic EYEMASTER METAL DISTORTION is a skull-pounding metal distortion pedal that is designed to take your tone over the top. This bone-crushing pedal features a highly responsive 2-knob interface that allows you to roll in huge amounts of gain for insane distortion effects.
The EYEMASTER METAL DISTORTION pedal is built with true bypass technology, which ensures ultimate signal integrity. This means that when the pedal is disengaged, your guitar signal passes through the pedal without any alteration, ensuring that your tone remains pure and unaffected.
The pedal is housed in a "built-like-a-tank" metal chassis, which makes it durable and rugged enough to withstand the rigors of life on the road. The metal chassis also helps to protect the internal components of the pedal from damage, ensuring that it will last for years to come.
The EYEMASTER METAL DISTORTION pedal is perfect for guitarists who are looking for a powerful and aggressive distortion sound. Whether you're playing heavy metal, hard rock, or any other genre that requires a high-gain distortion sound, this pedal is sure to deliver.
The pedal's simple 2-knob interface makes it easy to dial in the perfect amount of distortion for your playing style. The first knob controls the amount of gain, while the second knob controls the level of the output signal. This allows you to adjust the amount of distortion without altering the overall volume of your guitar signal.
In conclusion, the TC Electronic EYEMASTER METAL DISTORTION is a top-of-the-line distortion pedal that delivers bone-crushing metal tones with ease. Its true bypass technology, rugged metal chassis, and simple 2-knob interface make it a must-have for any guitarist who is serious about their tone.
4. Azor Heavy Metal Distortion Guitar Pedal Effect 3 Modes Controls True Bypass Aluminium-Alloy

The AZOR Heavy Metal Distortion Guitar Pedal Effect is an essential tool for guitarists who crave the classic heavy metal sound. This pedal delivers the perfect amount of distortion and grit that will take your playing to the next level.
The pedal features three functional knobs (VOL/DIST/MID) that offer complete control over your tone. The VOL knob allows you to adjust the overall volume of your sound, while the DIST knob helps you dial in the perfect amount of distortion. The MID knob offers a range of mid frequencies to help you sculpt your sound even further. With these three knobs, you can create a wide range of tones and textures, from classic rock distortion to modern, extreme sounds.
The 2-way selector switch (Extreme/Classic) provides an additional level of versatility. This switch offers a subtle variation from the more compressed classic tone to the more open modern extreme sound. This gives you even more options to tailor your sound to your preferences, making this pedal one of the most versatile on the market.
The AZOR Heavy Metal Distortion Guitar Pedal Effect has a compact and durable design that makes it easy to transport and use. Its mini-style design makes it small and lightweight, while the enduring, light-weighted aluminum alloy chassis ensures it can withstand the rigors of heavy use. This pedal is built to last, and you can rely on it to deliver the sound you want every time you use it.
The pedal is easy to power and can be powered by a 9V DC adapter with center negative polarity (no power adapter included). This means you can easily power it up and get to playing, without having to worry about complicated power requirements or compatibility issues.
In conclusion, the AZOR Heavy Metal Distortion Guitar Pedal Effect is a must-have for any guitarist who wants to achieve the classic heavy metal sound. With its customizable tone, versatile sound, compact and durable design, and easy power requirements, this pedal is a great choice for guitarists of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, this pedal will help you achieve the sound you want and take your playing to the next level.
5. Digitech Ddm Death Metal Analog Distortion Pedal

The Digitech DDM Death Metal Analog Distortion Pedal is a powerful tool for guitar players seeking to add an extra layer of distortion and crunch to their sound. This pedal features a range of controls that allow for precise adjustments to the tone and output level of your guitar signal, giving you complete control over your sound.
The Level control boosts the output level of your guitar signal, allowing you to dial in just the right amount of volume and gain. The Low, Mid, and High controls adjust the boost and cut of bass, midrange, and high frequencies, respectively. This gives you the ability to sculpt your tone to your exact specifications, whether you're looking for a heavy, chunky sound or something more nuanced and dynamic.
One of the key features of the Digitech DDM Death Metal Analog Distortion Pedal is its dual outputs. The Amp output is designed for direct connection to a guitar amplifier, while the Mixer output features Cabinet Emulation circuitry, allowing you to connect directly to a mixing board or recording device. This flexibility makes the pedal a versatile tool for both live performance and studio recording.
In addition to its wide range of controls and outputs, the Digitech DDM Death Metal Analog Distortion Pedal is built to last. It features a rugged metal chassis and high-quality components, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of heavy use and transport. Whether you're a touring musician or a bedroom shredder, this pedal is built to deliver reliable performance day in and day out.
Overall, the Digitech DDM Death Metal Analog Distortion Pedal is a powerful and versatile tool for any guitar player seeking to add extra grit and distortion to their sound. With its precise controls, dual outputs, and rugged construction, it is a reliable and long-lasting investment that will help you achieve your desired tone for years to come.
6. Professional Distortion Guitar Pedal With 3 Modes For Electric Guitar True Bypass.

The Donner Distortion Guitar Pedal, Morpher Distortion, is a high-gain distortion pedal that delivers a crossover between the MI Crunch Box and Suhr Riot. It is an ideal choice for those who are into hair metal, glam metal, and pop metal. The pedal features 3 distortion modes that provide richer playability, a wide dynamic range, and high definition. The three modes are natural, tight, and classic crunch, making it suitable for both shredding and riffing.
The Donner Morpher is built with a durable aluminium-alloy classic design that is stable and strong, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of live performances and recording sessions. Moreover, it comes with a true bypass that provides a transparent tone, ensuring that the guitar's original sound is not altered. The LED indicator shows the working state, allowing users to quickly identify if the pedal is on or off.
The Donner Morpher runs on 9V DC power supply, which is not included in the package. It is also backed by a 1-year warranty, giving users peace of mind knowing that they are getting a high-quality product that is built to last.
Overall, the Donner Distortion Guitar Pedal, Morpher Distortion, is an excellent choice for musicians who want to add a touch of 80s metal to their sound. With its high-gain distortion, three distortion modes, and durable design, it is sure to be a reliable and versatile addition to any guitarist's pedalboard.
Best Distortion Pedal For Death Metal FAQs
Are there any affordable distortion pedals that are suitable for playing death metal?
Yes, there are many affordable distortion pedals that are suitable for playing death metal. Some popular options include the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone, the Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff, and the MXR Fullbore Metal. These pedals offer a range of tones and settings that can be adjusted to achieve the desired level of distortion and gain for playing death metal. Additionally, many of these pedals offer features such as mid-range boost and EQ controls that can help sculpt the tone to match the specific needs of the player. While there are certainly more expensive distortion pedals available that may offer additional features and higher quality components, these affordable options can still provide an excellent sound for those on a budget. It is important to experiment with different pedals and settings to find the right sound for your playing style and equipment.
Can a multi-effects pedal be used for death metal distortion, or is a dedicated distortion pedal necessary?
Yes, a multi-effects pedal can be used for death metal distortion. Many multi-effects pedals have a wide range of distortion and overdrive effects that can be used to achieve the heavy, aggressive sound commonly associated with death metal. However, dedicated distortion pedals may offer more customization and control over the tone, as well as a more specific and defined sound. Ultimately, the choice between a multi-effects pedal and a dedicated distortion pedal will depend on personal preference, budget, and the specific needs of the musician. It's recommended to experiment with both types of pedals to determine which one best suits your playing style and desired sound.
What are some examples of death metal guitarists who use particular distortion pedals, and how can I replicate their sound?
There are several death metal guitarists who use particular distortion pedals to achieve their signature sound. For example, Trey Azagthoth of Morbid Angel uses the Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal for his tone, while Chuck Schuldiner of Death used the MXR Distortion+ and Boss DS-1 pedals.
To replicate their sound, it is important to start with the right equipment. Choose a high-gain amplifier with a 4×12 cabinet and a guitar with humbucker pickups. Next, select the pedal(s) used by the guitarist you want to emulate and adjust the settings to match their tone. Experiment with different combinations of pedals and settings to find the right sound for you.
It is also important to note that the guitarist's technique and playing style play a significant role in their overall sound. Therefore, it is essential to practice and develop your skills to achieve the full potential of your gear.
What are the top distortion pedals recommended for achieving a death metal tone?
There are several distortion pedals on the market that can help achieve a death metal tone. Here are some top recommendations:
1. Boss MT-2 Metal Zone: This pedal is a classic choice for metal guitarists, with a wide range of distortion tones and EQ controls.
2. Pro Co Rat 2: The Rat is a versatile distortion pedal that can produce heavy, aggressive tones with plenty of sustain.
3. MXR Fullbore Metal: This pedal is designed specifically for metal, with a powerful EQ section and plenty of gain on tap.
4. Wampler Sovereign: The Sovereign is a boutique pedal that offers a wide range of distortion tones, from classic rock to modern metal.
5. Blackstar HT-DISTX: This pedal is a high-gain monster, with a wide range of distortion tones and a built-in noise gate to help control feedback.
Ultimately, the best distortion pedal for achieving a death metal tone will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. It's important to try out different pedals and find the one that works best for you.
What specific features should I look for in a distortion pedal to get the best death metal sound?
To achieve the best death metal sound from a distortion pedal, you should look for specific features, such as high gain, mid-range frequency control, and a tight low-end response. High gain allows for heavy distortion and sustain, while mid-range frequency control enables you to shape the tone and cut through the mix. A tight low-end response ensures that the bass notes remain clear and defined, even at high levels of gain. Additionally, a noise gate can be useful for reducing unwanted noise and feedback. Other features to consider include true bypass, multiple EQ options, and a built-in boost. It's also essential to select a pedal from a reputable manufacturer with a proven track record of producing quality distortion pedals designed for metal music.