GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Samarithan Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Candlemass
Candlemass · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson SG Standard
Pickups
Gibson humbuckers (likely stock, late 70s/early 80s spec)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 (with Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'Epicus Doomicus Metallicus' (1986). Gear inferred from period-accurate live photos and band interviews; no direct studio documentation. No evidence of pedals or effects beyond amp distortion and possible amp reverb.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass7.5
Gain7.5
Reverb1
Treble6
Presence5.5
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Tone Character
- thick and saturated
- mid-heavy and powerful
- dark, brooding low end
- tight palm-muted chugs
- sustained power chords
- clear note definition
- amp-driven distortion
- slightly scooped but not extreme
- no audible modulation or delay
- classic doom metal heaviness
Notes & Caveats
- No direct studio documentation for 'Samarithan' recording session; gear inferred from live photos, era, and genre.
- No specific amp knob settings found; settings estimated based on typical Marshall JCM800 usage in 1980s doom metal.
- No evidence of pedals or effects used on the studio recording; no audible modulation, delay, or wah in the riff section.
- Pickup choice inferred from typical doom rhythm tone and live footage.
- Reverb setting is estimated as low, based on typical JCM800 use and dry studio production.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Candlemass's 'Samarithan' riff features a thick, saturated doom metal tone typical of late-80s Swedish metal: high gain, huge bass, and moderate mids for weight, with treble and presence kept in check for a dark, massive sound. The recording is very dry, with little to no reverb, matching the genre's production style.