GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Angel Of Death Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Slayer
Slayer · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
B.C. Rich Bich (circa 1986, black, as seen in live footage from the era)
Pickups
DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers (likely, based on typical B.C. Rich Bich specs and era, but not 100% confirmed for this exact guitar)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1986. Gear confirmed for 'Reign in Blood' sessions and live footage from the era. No evidence of pedals or effects used for the riff section; distortion is from the amp. No effects loop or additional processing for rhythm/riff tone.
Amp Settings
Mids4
Bass6
Gain8.5
Reverb0
Treble7.5
Presence6.5
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- aggressive palm muting
- razor-sharp attack
- scooped midrange
- high-gain saturation
- crushing heaviness
- articulate note separation
- minimal ambience
- fast, precise rhythm
- dry, immediate response
Notes & Caveats
- No explicit amp knob settings found for 'Angel Of Death' studio recording; settings estimated based on Marshall JCM800 usage in 1980s thrash metal and typical genre/era conventions.
- Pickups are inferred based on typical B.C. Rich Bich specs and era, not directly confirmed for Hanneman's exact guitar.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used for the riff section; all distortion is from the amp. No reverb or time/modulation effects audible or cited for the riff.
- If alternate gear or settings are found in future primary sources, update accordingly.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Slayer's 'Angel of Death' features a highly saturated, aggressive 80s thrash tone with scooped mids, tight bass, and biting treble, typical of Marshall JCM800s boosted with pedals; the tone is dry with no reverb, and presence is set high for clarity and attack.