The Best Guitar Amps for Metal

In the hard rock and metal worlds, where saturation reigns, there’s no substitute for an appropriately voiced guitar amp, and while the genres themselves have expanded and evolved over the years, the soul of a fiery distorted sound remains largely unchanged. So, when classic rock crunch isn’t heavy enough, it’s time to call in the high-gain cavalry. In this article, we’ll uncover some of the best guitar amps for metal—including heads, combos and pedalboard-style modelers—so you can proverbially take your sound up to eleven.

Pictured: EVH 5150III Iconic Series 40W Combo Amp Controls

Table of Contents

What Makes a Great Metal Guitar Amp?
Heads, Combos, Digital Modelers: Which Metal Amp Solution is Right for Me?
Comparing the Best Guitar Amp Heads for Metal
The Best Guitar Amp Heads for Metal
   EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Tube Amp Head
   Marshall JCM800 Modified 100W Tube Amp Head
   MESA/Boogie '90s Dual Rectifier 100W Tube Amp Head
   Orange Amplifiers Micro Dark 20W Hybrid Tube Amp Head
   Peavey invective.120 120W Tube Amp Head
Comparing the Best Combo Guitar Amps for Metal
The Best Combo Guitar Amps for Metal
   BOSS Katana-100 Gen 3 100W 1x12 Combo Amp
   EVH 5150 Iconic Series 40W 1x12 Combo Amp
   Marshall DSL40CR 40W 1x12 Combo Ampr
   MESA/Boogie Badlander 25 1x12 Combo Amp
   Orange Amplifiers Super Crush 100W 1x12 Combo Amp
Comparing the Best Digital Pedalboard Amps for Metal
The Best Digital Pedalboard Amps for Metal
   Fender Tone Master Pro Multi-Effects Processor
   Line 6 Helix Multi-Effects Processor
   Line 6 POD Express Black Effects Pedal
   IK Multimedia TONEX Multi-Effects Processor
   Universal Audio UAFX Knuckles '92 Rev F Dual Rec Amplifier Pedal
Crank Up the Gain With the Best Amps for Metal
People Also Ask ...

What Makes a Great Metal Guitar Amp?

Fundamentally, a quality amplifier for metal is one with a deep well of gain on tap. Unlike old-school, “clean” tube amp designs, most of a high-gain head or combo’s distortion comes from the preamp section. This not only increases the amount of gain available but also helps keep volume manageable by not necessarily needing to drive the power amp into breakup for the level of dirt you’re after.

With contemporary preamp circuits, you can achieve fully saturated, organically compressed distortion at bedroom levels. And you can still turn it up, when appropriate, to unleash natural valve overdrive on top of a screaming preamp section. Of course, solid-state and modeling amplifiers offer consistent sound at any volume, so there’s a choice to be made there—more on that in the next section.

Pictured: Peavey invective.120 Amp Head JJ6L6GC Power Tubes

Tonally, the ideal amplifier also remains articulate and defined under high gain. Through a combination of tight lows, aggressive mids and detailed highs—sculpted to taste by the individual player—metal amps inherently retain the percussive power of riffs and the clarity of intricate chord voicings. Similarly, an accelerated transient response preserves pick attack and lends players a controlled, responsive sound and feel.

Together, these traits are cornerstones of hair-raising hard rock and metal guitar tone, whether you’re a rhythmic riff machine, scorching-hot shredder or both.

Heads, Combos, Digital Modelers: Which Metal Amp Solution is Right for Me?

The first step in your tone-seeking journey starts with deciding whether you prefer tube, solid-state or digital modeling amps, as well as whether you skew toward heads and speaker cabinets, all-in-one combos or pedalboard processors. There’s no right or wrong choice here—the sound you want is out there somewhere, and it certainly doesn’t matter where you find it, so long as you’re creatively satisfied in the end.

Many players consider tube heads and combos the pinnacle of guitar amps, and there’s plenty to be said for their richness, warmth and dynamic responsiveness—the latter of which makes you feel truly connected to the instrument and amplifier. The majority of classic metal amps—including the Marshall JCM800, MESA/Boogie Mark and Rectifier Series and Peavey/EVH 5150, among others—are tube-driven designs.

Pictured: Orange Amplifiers Micro Dark 20W Tube Hybrid Amp Head

With a head, you have the option of selecting a speaker cabinet pairing, with 2x12 and 4x12 (“half stack”) styles typically being the most popular among guitarists. Plus, once you’ve found your favorite cab, you can start collecting additional heads down the line.

On the other hand, combo amps are plug and play. The model you choose will already have a tonally congruent speaker, or speakers, inside, so you don’t have to worry about also purchasing a cab. They’re more portable, and certain combos are lower wattage than their counterpart heads, making them a little friendlier in the volume department.

Still, tube amplifiers continue to be relatively pricey, they require maintenance over the years and they tend to be heavy (that’s weight-wise, in this case, but high-gain tube amps are undoubtedly heavy tone-wise, too).

Solid-state amps differentiate from tubes in that they use transistors to generate their sound. In a sense, you get cleaner, more consistent tones at any volume, without the natural, unpredictable distortion that occurs with overdriven valves.

From a sonic standpoint, some players describe the solid-state sound as “sterile” compared to tubes, though their string-to-string separation is usually top-notch—even with distortion. From a practical standpoint, solid-state amps are lighter weight and easier to carry than tube amplifiers, as well as less expensive.

Pictured: EVH 5150III Iconic Series 40W Combo Amp I/O's

Finally, this brings us to digital modeling, which continues trending upward as a convenient solution for players who desire utmost versatility from their rig. Modelers emulate the sound of classic amps and effects using DSP, allowing you to audition dozens of amplifiers and create complex signal chains for top-to-bottom tone creation.

Floorboard-style modelers are great for gigging because of their stompbox-like layout, and you can take a direct output straight to front of house (FOH). If you’d like to still play through a passive speaker cabinet like a traditional amp, you’ll need a dedicated power amplifier for your modeler. You could also opt for a powered full range, flat response (FRFR) speaker as an alternative—we have a large selection of both passive and powered speakers to pair with any amplifier.

There’s a lot to unpack here, and if you’re still unsure which way to go, feel free to peruse our curated list of some of the best guitar amps for metal and see if anything “speaks” to you. After all, the hunt is half the fun.

Comparing the Best Guitar Amp Heads for Metal

If you want to feel like a rock star, the timeless appeal of amp heads and speaker cabinets cannot be understated. Here you’ll find a handful of top picks for the best amplifier heads geared toward metal.

Amplifier	Type	Wattage	Weight	Price*	Tonal Characteristics
EVH 5150III 50W EL34	Tube	50W	35 lb.	$1,449.99	Thick, Brown Sound-esque high gain with clear, present midrange
Marshall JCM800 Modified	Tube	100W	45 lb.	$3,299.00	Punchy British roar and aggression
MESA/Boogie ’90s Dual Rectifier	Tube	100W	41 lb.	$3,499.00	Harmonically rich, bass-heavy, spongy American high gain
Orange Amplifiers Micro Dark	Hybrid	20W	1.72 lb.	$199.00	British-flavored high gain suited for creamy overdrive or crushing distortion
Peavey invective.120	Tube	120W	48 lb.	$2,299.00	Wildly versatile tones ranging from crystal cleans to classic rock crunch to hellish high gain

Pricing as of March 2025*

The Best Guitar Amp Heads for Metal

Pictured: Peavey invective.120 Amp Head

EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Tube Amp Head

Why It Shreds: The EVH 5150III tube head captures the inimitable soul of Eddie Van Halen’s famous Brown Sound, with more saturation, additional harmonic complexity and improved sustain.

Things to Consider:

• Clean, Crunch and Lead channels
• Headphone output for silent practice
• Onboard effects loop

 

Shop Now: EVH 5150III EL34 50W Tube Guitar Amp Head

The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 tube amp succeeds Eddie Van Halen’s iconic signature Peavey 5150 from 1992, which itself was inspired by the Soldano SLO-100. Ferocious high gain is the name of the game, and the 5150III captures a sound similar to Van Halen’s late-’70s tone derived from a Marshall Plexi. Influences aside, the EVH 5150III has its own distinct voice, defined by sparkling cleans on channel one; dark, spongy overdrive on channel two; and full-blown liquid saturation on channel three. The 5150III takes hot-rodded, British-tinged American gain to the next level and is a top-rated amp at Guitar Center, earning 4.56 stars out of 5 on 36+ reviews.

If combos with a bit less headroom are more your speed, the EVH Iconic Series 15W 1x10 and 40W 1x12 amplifiers are also available.

Marshall JCM800 Modified 100W Tube Amp Head

Why It Shreds: Introduced in 1981, the Marshall JCM800 dominated the ’80s hard rock and metal landscape and became a platform for DIY modifications—now available straight from the factory.

Things to Consider:

• Equipped with gain boost, mid-shift (midrange boost) and tight (low cut) mods
• Single channel with high- and low-sensitivity inputs
• Handcrafted at the Marshall factory in Bletchley, England

Shop Now: Marshall JCM800 Modified 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

 The Marshall JCM800 Modified 100W tube head is a faithful recreation of the original 2203 circuit, whose high-gain capabilities mesmerized headbanging guitarists throughout the 1980s and beyond. Amp techs took to modifying the existing hardware to squeeze even more juice out of it, with popular additions including a gain boost for gnarlier overdrive, a midrange push for extra snarl and a low-end cut for tighter, punchier saturated sounds. Now, the JCM800 Modified comes pre-equipped with those enhancements, for a tonal range as suited to thrash as it is to djent.

The Marshall Studio Classic 20W 1x10 combo is another contemporary version of the legendary JCM800 2203, in a smaller format minus the mods.

MESA/Boogie '90s Dual Rectifier 100W Tube Amp Head

Why It Shreds: MESA/Boogie’s original Dual Rectifier defined the sound of 1990s alternative rock and metal.

Things to Consider:

• Two channels with Clean, Vintage High Gain and Modern High Gain modes
• Variac switch optionally reduces voltage for a spongier feel
• Built-in series effects loop

Shop Now: Mesa/Boogie '90s Dual Rectifier 2-Channel 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

The MESA/Boogie ’90s Dual Rectifier tube head is a remake of the iconic first revision from 1992. The Dual Rectifier’s entirely unique voice—with its scooped midrange, thundering lows and searing highs—inspired a new generation of guitarists in grunge, nu metal and even pop punk. In addition to the amplifier’s distinct sound, it had a way of inspiring and empowering players with its squashy, elastic gain structure, which felt somewhat forgiving in the hands. The reissued ’90s Dual Rectifier pays tribute to a pivotal circuit in amplifier history, while also taking time to improve its clean sounds for the current era.

Want to learn more about MESA/Boogie’s offerings? Check out our in-depth guide on How to Choose the Best MESA/Boogie Guitar Amplifier.

Orange Amplifiers Micro Dark 20W Hybrid Tube Amp Head

Why It Shreds: Distilled from the popular Dark Terror and Dual Dark amps, the Orange Micro Dark is a ridiculously compact dynamo for clean and mean tones.  

Things to Consider:

• Tube preamp section features one 12AX7 valve
• Solid-state output section
• One-knob frequency shaping

Shop Now: Orange Amplifiers Micro Dark 20W Tube Hybrid Amp Head

Bigger doesn’t always mean better, and the Orange Amplifiers Micro Dark 20W hybrid tube head is living proof. At only 6.5" long, this pint-sized powerhouse offers authentic tube preamp saturation through a single channel with Volume, Shape and Gain controls. There’s an onboard effects loop to make it a pedalboard-friendly companion, in addition to a headphone output with a CabSim circuit emulating the authentic sound of a 4x12 Orange speaker enclosure. This output can be utilized for silent practice, direct recording or straight-to-FOH live sound. Guitar Center customers rave about the Orange Micro Dark, awarding it 4.77/5 stars from 79+ reviews.

Peavey invective.120 120W Tube Amp Head

Why It Shreds: Designed in collaboration with Periphery’s Misha Mansoor, the Peavey invective.120 supplies a supremely versatile array of sounds and features for the bleeding-edge guitarist.

Things to Consider:

• Microphone Simulated Direct Interface (MSDI) for direct recording or a FOH feed
• Two remote-switchable effects loops and two 9VDC power jacks for pedals
• Built-in noise gate and boosts

Shop Now: Peavey invective.120 120W Tube Guitar Amp Head

The Peavey invective.120 tube head is a monster amp for metal, rock, country, jazz, blues and more. It incorporates a crystalline clean channel with its own dedicated boost and three-band EQ, where players can quickly find a host of sonic variety for lower-gain genres. Metalheads will gravitate toward the Crunch and Lead channels featuring Peavey 6505-style gain, which is enough for everything from cool classic rock to contemporary progressive tones. One Guitar Center reviewer—Anand from Mesa, Arizona—wrote, “This is the amp you want if you play anything from ’90s thrash, 2000s nu metal and metalcore to modern djent and prog metal.”

The highly rated Peavey invective.MH Mini 20W head is a top choice for those seeking the sound of its big brother in a smaller format. Also available is the invective.112 20W 1x12 combo.

Comparing the Best Combo Guitar Amps for Metal

Combo amps are a streamlined alternative to heads, generally packing similar sound and features as their counterparts in an all-inclusive cabinet with a speaker. In general, combos are a good choice for portability, and they make for solid bedroom amplifiers, too.

Amplifier	Type	Wattage	Channels	Speaker(s)	Price*	Features
BOSS Katana-100 Gen 3	Modeling	100W	4	Custom BOSS 12"	$399.99	6 amp types, 15 onboard effects, 60 BOSS Tone Studio effects
EVH 5150 Iconic Series	Tube	40W	2	Custom EVH 12" Celestion	$929.99	Reverb, noise gate, +10dB boost
Marshall DSL40CR	Tube	40W	2	12" Celestion V-Type	$729.99	Reverb
MESA/Boogie Badlander 25	Tube	25W	2	12" Celestion Creamback 65	$2,029.00	CabClone IR Direct Interface
Orange Amplifiers Super Crush	Solid-state	100W	2	12" Celestion G12K-150	$749.00	Reverb

Pricing as of March 2025*

The Best Combo Guitar Amps for Metal

Pictured: EVH 5150III Iconic Series 40W Combo Amp

BOSS Katana-100 Gen 3 100W 1x12 Combo Amp

Why It Shreds: The BOSS Katana-100 is a flexible modeling combo amplifier designed to be your one-stop shop for live performance, recording and everyday practice—and it comes with a killer Brown mode for lush high-gain rock/metal.

Things to Consider:

• Six Tube Logic-modeled amps: Acoustic, Clean, Pushed, Crunch, Lead and Brown
• Five simultaneous effect blocks with three variations each
• Save your favorite patches across four channels and two layers (for a total of eight)

Shop Now: BOSS Katana Gen 3 100W 1x12 Guitar Combo Amp

Combining the sonic versatility of digital modeling with the intuitive operation of a regular combo amp, the BOSS Katana-100 is a stage- and studio-ready rig inviting players to explore its tonal possibilities. Six different amp emulations utilize Tube Logic technology to mimic the true characteristics of valves, and each type boasts an alternate variation for up to 12 total sounds. You can flesh out an entire signal chain with Booster, Mod, FX, Delay and Reverb blocks, and unlock up to 60 additional effects through the free BOSS Tone Studio remote editing app.

Here at Guitar Center, the BOSS Katana-100 Gen 3 is a top-reviewed combo amp for metal and more, pulling in a formidable 4.94/5 stars on 16+ ratings.

EVH 5150 Iconic Series 40W 1x12 Combo Amp

Why It Shreds: The EVH 5150 Iconic Series 40W combo brings a classic high-gain sonic signature to players at an obtainable price.  

Things to Consider:

• Green and Red channels with respective Overdrive and Burn voicings
• Global presence and resonance knobs to fine-tune highs and lows
• Two 6L6 power tubes and two ECC83 preamp tubes

Shop Now: EVH 5150III Iconic Series 40W 1x12 Combo Amp

If you crave the lush, liquid high gain only an Eddie Van Halen-approved amp can provide, the EVH 5150 Iconic Series 40W 1x12 combo delivers. Two channels and four voices take you from clean to crunch, and from distorted to destroyed (in the best possible way). On the Red channel, a built-in noise gate keeps the extraneous hiss from its white-hot gain under control, while onboard reverb adds ambience to mellow chord passages and ripping leads. Using the included footswitch, you also have the option of engaging up to 10dB of boost to help your solos soar above the mix.

Tony from Austin, TX, shared their experience with the Iconic Series 5150 combo in a 5-star Guitar Center review: “I have the EVH 5150III 6L6 and EL34, which are great amps, but I kept hearing how aggressive and raw the older block-letter 5150 sounded … I was hoping the Iconic captured that, and I have not been disappointed … It doesn’t even have to be cranked to sound great!”

Marshall DSL40CR 40W 1x12 Combo Amp

Why It Shreds: The Marshall DSL40CR has the trappings of an all-around combo for blues, indie, alternative, rock and metal.

Things to Consider:

• Vintage-inspired Classic Gain channel with Clean/Crunch button
• Modern-voiced Ultra Gain channel with OD1/OD2 button
• Selectable 20W or 40W power output

Shop Now: Marshall DSL40CR 40W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp

Featuring two channels and four voices, the DSL40CR 40W 1x12 combo offers signature Marshall sonics spanning decades, whether you need crisp cleans, edge-of-breakup crunch, arena rock overdrive or high-gain hysteria. With built-in digital reverb, a series effects loop, MIDI input and speaker-emulated output for direct recording, the DSL40CR behaves like a current-day tube combo, yet its voice is timelessly recognizable—and amazing for chunky metal riffs. At Guitar Center, the Marshall DSL40CR is one of our best-selling tube combos, averaging 4.42/5 stars after 136+ reviews.

MESA/Boogie Badlander 25 1x12 Combo Amp

Why It Shreds: Dual Rectifier DNA lies at the core of MESA/Boogie Badlander amps to give them a familiar sense of power and aggression with a refined tonal palette.    

Things to Consider:

• Two channels with three modes each (Clean, Crunch and Crush)
• Iconic American-style gain with a hint of British influence
• 25W output can be scaled down to 10W

Shop Now: MESA/Boogie Rectifier Badlander 25 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp

Years’ worth of player feedback on MESA/Boogie’s flagship Dual Rectifier resulted in the Badlander lineup, incorporating a tighter low end and less scooped midrange while preserving the massive sound and feel of MESA’s legendary gain structure. This 25W Badlander combo inherits that Rectifier-inspired voice but sings with a raw, gritty character all its own. One of the amp’s most unique features is the inclusion of a CabClone IR Direct Interface output, which simulates eight MESA/Boogie speaker cabinets for direct recording or cab-free live sound.     

MESA/Boogie also produces the 50W Badlander 50 combo, should you need more power and headroom.

Orange Amplifiers Super Crush 100W 1x12 Combo Amp

Why It Shreds: Orange considers their Super Crush combo to be “solid-state done right,” using top-tier analog circuitry to capture the warmth and responsiveness of valve amplifiers.

Things to Consider:

• Bright, vintage-inspired clean channel with high headroom
• Dirty channel utilizes four cascading gain stages to enter high-gain metal territory
• Direct XLR output with CabSim tech mimics the sound of an Orange 2x12 cabinet

Shop Now: Orange Amplifiers Super Crush 1x12 100W Guitar Combo Amp

The Orange Amplifiers Super Crush 100W combo boasts big, tube-like tone inspired by the iconic brand’s own valve amp offerings. Sporting a two-channel JFET preamp, the Super Crush recreates the dynamic sensitivity and harmonic complexity of tubes with the consistent performance of solid-state circuitry. Metal fiends will find the distorted channel delivers plenty of saturation for brutal high gain, but it also responds well to rolling back the guitar’s volume for crunchier tones, as needed. Guitar Center customers rate the Orange Super Crush 100 a flawless 5/5 stars, and 100% of respondents would recommend the combo amp to a friend. The Super Crush 100 is also available in head format.

Comparing the Best Digital Pedalboard Amps for Metal

For gigging guitarists and home recordists, it’s tough to beat the convenience and efficacy of multi-effects processors and amp-in-a-box pedals. These days, there’s no doubting the sonic authenticity of digitally emulated amplifiers and effects, and if you decide to take the plunge into pedalboard amps for metal, you can equip yourself with numerous models of the world’s best high-gain heads.

Amplifier	Type	Channels	IR Cab Sim	Price*	Features
Fender Tone Master Pro	Digital multi-effects floorboard processor	Up to 8 footswitch-selectable preset variations	Yes; 6,000+ IRs	$1,549.99	100+ amp and effects models
Line 6 Helix	Digital multi-effects floorboard processor	Up to 8 switchable snapshots per preset	Yes; 87 IRs	$1,499.99	112 amps, 274 effects
Line 6 POD Express Black	Digital multi-effects pedal	1	Yes; 7 IRs	$179.99	7 amps, 17 effects
IK Multimedia TONEX Pedal	Digital multi-effects pedal	Up to 3 switchable presets per bank	Yes; Volumetric Impulse Response (VIR) enabled	$399.99	Up to 150 Tone Model presets; onboard noise gate, EQ, compressor, delay, reverb and modulation
Universal Audio UAFX Knuckles ’92	Digital amp and cabinet simulator pedal	3	Yes; 3 onboard IRs and 3 bonus IRs through the UAFX Control app	$399.00	Noise gate, Tube Screamer-style overdrive

Pricing as of March 2025*

The Best Digital Pedalboard Amps for Metal

Fender Tone Master Pro Multi-Effects Processor

Why It Shreds: For metal enthusiasts, the Fender Tone Master Pro counts the first officially licensed EVH 5150III Stealth model among its 100+ amps and effects.

Things to Consider:

• Rugged, road-ready chassis and compact form factor
• Large full-color touchscreen for intuitive patch creation
• Four effects loops for comprehensive pedal integration

Shop Now: Fender Tone Master Pro Guitar Multi-Effects Processor

The Fender Tone Master Pro multi-effects processor is a top-to-bottom tone generator, perfect for fly rigs, weekly club dates, studio sessions, home practice or any scenario where you’d play electric guitar (or bass). Its stage-friendly preset system allows you to organize your favorite patches into Songs and Setlists for easy switching throughout a performance, and its exhaustive I/O offers all the connectivity you need to record, feed a FOH mixer or hook up additional pedals to further hone your sound. Connect to the Tone Master Pro Control app to remotely edit and save presets, as well as browse a community catalog of patches to infinitely expand your tone library.   

At Guitar Center, the top-rated Tone Master Pro multi-effects pedalboard unit scores 4.68/5 stars with 19+ reviews.

Be sure to check out our guide to The Best Multi-Effects Pedals of 2025 to learn more about the hottest multi-effects pedals available on the market today.

Line 6 Helix Multi-Effects Processor

Why It Shreds: The Line 6 Helix Floor multi-effects processor is the Helix family’s flagship model, offering thousands of tonal possibilities through precise HX Modeling technology.

Things to Consider:

• Routine firmware updates provide new amps, effects and cabinets
• Dual SHARC DSP chips provide serious processing horsepower
• Tour-grade construction with a built-in expression pedal

Shop Now: Line 6 Helix Multi-Effects Processor

The Line 6 Helix Floor multi-effects processor brings an astounding number of amplifiers, effects and cabinets to players hoping to consolidate their everyday rig. For high-gain enthusiasts, the current HX Modeling library includes emulations inspired by the Marshall JCM800, Friedman BE-100, Bogner Ecstasy, Peavey 5150, MESA/Boogie Dual Rectifier, PRS Archon, Diezel VH4, ENGL Fireball, Soldano SLO-100 and many more. The Line 6 Helix Floor multi-effects processor is a best-seller at Guitar Center, garnering 106+ reviews for an overall assessment of 4.45/5 stars.

Line 6 POD Express Black Effects Pedal

Why It Shreds: Tailored to high-gain metal players, the Line 6 POD Express Guitar pedal features seven hellish amp voices derived from HX family processors.

Things to Consider:

• Intuitive pedal format makes it easy to find sounds
• Onboard tuner, noise gate and looper
• USB-C interface for recording, monitoring and reamping

Shop Now: Line 6 POD Express Black Guitar Effects Pedal

The highly approachable, no-nonsense Line 6 POD Express Black pedal combines variety enough to never get bored of tweaking your ideal high-gain metal tone with the intuitive, hands-on functionality of a standard stompbox. Upon choosing one of seven amp models from a list of names like Slay, Anvil and Dirge, you can build an effects chain consisting of an additional distortion layer, boost, modulation and reverb/delay. From there, the pedal’s ALT button turns the effect dials into Gain, Bass, Mid and Treble controls for amp-like tone sculpting. Connect an expression pedal for volume control or up to two external footswitches for preset cycling and turning effects on/off.

IK Multimedia TONEX Multi-Effects Processor

Why It Shreds: IK Multimedia’s TONEX Pedal is your entry to an entire ecosystem of sound supported by AmpliTube 5 and TONEX MAX software for deep editing and control.

Things to Consider:

• Access 1,000+ Tone Models via TONEX MAX app
• Store up to 150 Tone Models at a time
• Crafted in Italy from road-worthy anodized aluminum and quality components

Shop Now: IK Multimedia TONEX Modeling Amp & Distortion Effects Pedal

The IK Multimedia TONEX Pedal takes a unique approach to multi-effects processing and tone building. At the heart of the TONEX Pedal are Tone Models—emulations of everything from a single effect to a complete rig with an amp, virtual pedalboard and speaker cabinet. The included TONEX MAX software is a standalone application and plug-in for editing and creating Tone Models, where you can also access ToneNET to download thousands of community presets or upload your own. TONEX MAX comes with 1,100 Tone Models to get you started, and we’re confident there are at least a few high-gain patches among them. The ever-expanding nature of the IK Multimedia TONEX Pedal makes it an intriguing piece of kit for adventurous tone chasers.

Universal Audio UAFX Knuckles '92 Rev F Dual Rec Amplifier Pedal

Why It Shreds: Universal Audio’s analog modeling prowess brings authentic Dual Rec-inspired tones to your pedalboard in the UAFX Knuckles ’92 amp sim stompbox.  

Things to Consider:

• Clean, Orange and Red channels
• Built-in noise gate and TS-style overdrive
• UK V30, CA V30 and White 75 cabinet models

Shop Now: Universal Audio UAFX Knuckles '92 Rev F Dual Rec Amplifier Effects Pedal

The Universal Audio UAFX Knuckles ’92 Rev F Dual Rec amplifier pedal captures the ubiquitous high-gain roar of 1990s punk, alt rock and metal with uncanny accuracy. This amp in a box comes with a togglable overdrive circuit to push the virtual front end harder, firming up lows, making mids more assertive and adding a touch more grind to the tone—it’s capable of spongy, old-school dirt or impossibly rigid prog metal gain. There’s also a noise gate to clean up the “mess” made from bold, brash saturation, or perform percussive, stutter-stop type riffs. From here, three types of cabinet/microphone combinations solidify your ideal sound. Plus, you can unlock deeper layers of customization through the UAFX Control app, like swapping tube types, choosing power modes (bold or spongy), and perfecting noise gate and overdrive parameters.

Learn more about the development of the UAFX Knuckles amp pedal in our exclusive interview with Tore Mogensen, UAFX senior product manager. Also be sure to check out our Guide to Universal Audio's UAFX Pedals for a rundown of their current pedal offerings.

Crank Up the Gain With the Best Amps for Metal

Wherever your quest for the highest of the high-gain metal tones takes you from here, we hope this carefully crafted list has given your journey direction. Choosing one of the best guitar amps for metal—an absolutely essential part of the tonal equation—will fast-track your way to overdriven opulence. Beyond just technical specifications, the right amp should put a devilish grin on your face the moment you hit your first power chord, so try not to lose sight of what inspires you to play at the end of the day. There’s no single “best” amp—only the best one for you.

While you’re at it, check out our guide on the Best Metal Guitars of 2025 to fill out your stable. If you’re happy with your axe but it could use a sharpening, read up on the Best Guitar Pickups for Metal and give yourself a fresh sonic edge.

Don’t forget—your local Guitar Center store is a great place to check out any gear you have your eye on. You can also query our Gear Advisers via online chat or over the phone, and they’d be more than happy to make sure the gear you’re after is the right fit.

Pictured: Peavey invective.120 and Orange Amplfiiers Micro Dark Amp Heads

People Also Ask ...

Are solid-state amps better for metal?

One of metal’s most influential guitarists—Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell—played solid-state Randall amplifiers throughout most of his career, including the RG100 and Century 200. So, there’s certainly a precedent for solid-state amps being great for metal guitar tones, namely due to their inherent clarity and definition. Still, tube amps—and to some extent these days, their digitally emulated facsimiles—remain most prevalent.

What amp settings are best for metal?

Starting with the master volume at a comfortable level and all tone-shaping parameters at noon—gain, treble, middle, bass, presence, resonance, etc.—and then tweaking to taste is the way to go. An amp’s sound can vary drastically just based on the physical space it occupies, and what’s “5” on one amp might be “10” on another. When in doubt, your amplifier’s manual may diagram a handful of settings to try.

Which amp does Metallica use?

Metallica’s James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett have played many amps over the years. After his beloved modded ’70s Marshall Super Lead was stolen, Hetfield became an early adopter of the MESA/Boogie Mark IIC+, circa 1984–85. Crunchberries, as it was nicknamed, can be heard on the rhythm tracks for Master of Puppets, and it was toured extensively during the era. Metallica has also been known to employ the MESA/Boogie Triple Rectifier and Diezel VH4, among others.