TonesMatch
Halo On Fire — Metallica1 / 2
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Halo On Fire Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica

Metallica · 2010s+ · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
ESP Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, used on Hardwired...To Self-Destruct sessions)
Pickups
EMG JH Het Set (active humbuckers)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark V (studio recording, Hardwired...To Self-Destruct era)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 2016. James Hetfield tracked rhythm/riff sections with his ESP Iron Cross and EMG JH pickups into a Mesa/Boogie Mark V, as confirmed by interviews about the album's sessions. No evidence of live rig or alternate amps for the studio riff tone.

Amp Settings

Mids
4.5
Bass
5
Gain
7
Reverb
1.5
Treble
7
Presence
6

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • chunky palm-muted chugs
  • modern high-gain saturation
  • articulate and aggressive attack
  • clear note separation under gain
  • focused low end without muddiness
  • slightly scooped mids for clarity
  • minimal ambience, dry rhythm sound
  • no audible modulation or delay
  • metal riffing with precise pick attack

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source lists exact knob settings for 'Halo On Fire' riff section; amp and EQ settings estimated based on typical Metallica Mark V usage and Mesa/Boogie manual recommendations for tight, high-gain rhythm.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedals or modulation/time-based effects on the riff section; tone is dry and direct.
  • ⚠️Guitar and pickup model confirmed for album era, but not explicitly stated for this exact song in sources.
  • ⚠️Settings are inferred from genre, era, and known Metallica studio practices for rhythm tone.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. For 'Halo On Fire,' Metallica used a modernized version of their classic scooped rhythm tone: high gain, tight bass, heavily scooped mids, and bright, cutting treble/presence. The reverb is nearly dry, matching their typical production style for tight, articulate riffing.

Sources