GuitarDistortedRiff
The End of Heartache Guitar Tone Settings — Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage · 2000s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Caparison TAT Special (Adam Dutkiewicz signature) or Caparison Horus (Joel Stroetzel)
Pickups
Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB (bridge humbucker) or EMG 81 (bridge, depending on player and year)
Amp
Peavey 5150 head into VHT 4x12 with P50E speakers OR Framus Dragon head into Mesa 4x12 with Celestion Vintage 30s
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2003-2004 for 'The End of Heartache' album. Both Adam D and Joel used a blend of Peavey 5150 and Framus Dragon amps for rhythm tracks. No evidence of live or post-2010 digital rigs for this recording. No evidence of additional amp-based effects or cab changes for the riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids4.5
Bass6
Gain9
Reverb0
Treble6.5
Presence6
Effects Chain
- Maxon OD808 Overdrive · overdrive
- Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor · noise_gate
Guitar → Maxon OD808 → Boss NS-2 → Peavey 5150 or Framus Dragon head → 4x12 cab
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- aggressive palm muting
- high-gain saturation
- chunky low end
- razor-sharp high end
- articulate pick attack
- compressed and focused
- minimal ambience
- modern metalcore rhythm