The Day That Never Comes Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 2000s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Studio recording for Death Magnetic (2008). Rhythm section likely played by James Hetfield on ESP Explorer with EMG 81/60, but Kirk Hammett also used ESP Flying V Korina for rhythm live and possibly in studio. Amps are confirmed by producer Greg Fidelman to be a blend of Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and Jose-modded Marshall Superlead. Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Keeley Mod+) used as boost. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the riff section. Settings estimated based on typical Metallica Death Magnetic era studio setup.
Amp Settings
Effects Chain
- Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Keeley Mod+) · overdrive
Guitar → Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Keeley Mod+) → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and Marshall Superlead (Jose modded, blended) → minimal amp reverb
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- aggressive palm muting
- high-gain saturation
- articulate pick attack
- compressed and focused
- chunky low end
- modern metal clarity
- minimal ambience
- slightly bright top end
Notes & Caveats
- No specific numeric amp settings for 'The Day That Never Comes' riff section found in sources; settings estimated based on Death Magnetic era Metallica studio rig and typical genre/amp use.
- ESP Flying V Korina and EMG 81/60 pickups confirmed for Death Magnetic era, but rhythm tracks may also feature James Hetfield's ESP Explorer; both use EMG 81/60.
- Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Keeley Mod+) confirmed for Death Magnetic sessions, but no evidence of time-based or modulation effects in riff section.
- No evidence of delay, chorus, flanger, or phaser in riff section; only high-gain rhythm tone with minimal reverb.
- Amp blend (Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and Jose-modded Marshall Superlead) confirmed by producer for Death Magnetic sessions.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. This song was recorded during Metallica's 'Death Magnetic' era, where James Hetfield favored a tight, modern high-gain tone with scooped mids, tight bass, and bright, aggressive treble/presence. The riff section is dry and punchy, matching classic Metallica amp settings but with slightly more gain and clarity than their 80s tones.