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Deathcrush — Mayhem1 / 2
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Deathcrush Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Mayhem

Mayhem · 1980s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Standard (sunburst, late 1970s/early 1980s, as seen in period photos)
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (likely stock, passive, uncovered in some photos)
Amp
Marshall JMP 1987 Mk II Super Lead 50w Head (1976-77) with Master Volume Mod, Marshall 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12M Blackback speakers
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1987; all gear confirmed for Deathcrush era via Equipboard and period photos. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section. No evidence of amp-based effects used.

Amp Settings

Mids
4.5
Bass
5.5
Gain
8.5
Reverb
0
Treble
7.5
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • Arion SMM-1 Metal Master · distortion
  • Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer · overdrive

Gibson Les Paul → Arion SMM-1 Metal Master → Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer → Marshall JMP 1987 Mk II Super Lead 50w → Marshall 4x12 (Celestion G12M Blackback)

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Tone Character

  • chainsaw-like distortion
  • raw and abrasive
  • lo-fi and gritty
  • tight and percussive attack
  • scooped but present mids
  • buzzsaw saturation
  • minimal clarity, intentionally harsh
  • no audible reverb or delay
  • aggressive palm muting
  • classic black metal rhythm

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct amp knob settings found in sources; settings estimated based on Marshall JMP, genre, and era.
  • ⚠️Pedal order inferred from multiple sources; no studio photo of exact pedalboard for Deathcrush session.
  • ⚠️No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in riff section; only distortion/overdrive pedals confirmed.
  • ⚠️Pickup choice inferred from typical black metal rhythm usage and tone characteristics.
  • ⚠️If alternate gear or settings are found in future interviews or studio logs, update accordingly.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Mayhem's 'Deathcrush' features an extremely raw, abrasive, and trebly tone typical of early Norwegian black metal. Euronymous used high gain, scooped mids, tight bass, and lots of treble/presence for a harsh, cutting sound, with no reverb for a dry, primitive feel.

Sources