Distortion · Metal

Best Distortion Pedals for Metal Guitar (2026)

Metal distortion pedals need tight, controlled low end, enough saturation for sustained lead playing, and a character that works equally well into a clean amp and into the front of an already-driven amp. These are the pedals that have defined metal tone from 80s thrash through to modern djent-adjacent high gain.

#1 ProCo RAT2#2 Boss MT-2 Metal Zone#3 Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal#4 MXR Fullbore Metal
#1

ProCo RAT2

ProCo · Distortion

The ProCo RAT is the most versatile metal distortion pedal — its gain range covers blues crunch all the way to thrash-level saturation, and the Filter control (a unique low-pass filter, not a standard Tone knob) allows precise control of the high-frequency harshness that comes with high gain. Used by countless metal and hard rock guitarists as both a standalone gain source and an amp-pushing boost.

Metal settings on this unit:

Distortion9
Filter6
Volume5

Maximum gain with darkened Filter to manage fizz — the RAT2 at Distortion 9 produces a compressed, saturated fuzz-adjacent character that is more harmonically dense than conventional metal pedals. Filter at 6 removes the upper treble buzz that becomes unpleasant at high Distortion. A noise gate after the RAT2 is essential at these settings — the RAT's high gain creates significant noise floor between notes.

Strengths

  • Wide gain range — from overdrive through to full metal saturation in one pedal
  • Filter control is a high-frequency attenuator, reducing harshness at high gain settings
  • Works into any amp, including clean solid-state platforms for a complete gain source

Worth knowing

The RAT's clipping character is hard and aggressive — it doesn't clean up significantly with guitar volume reduction. More of a "fire and forget" distortion than a dynamic, responsive pedal.

Buy at Gear4MusicBuy at ThomannBuy at AndertonsFull settings guide →
#2

Boss MT-2 Metal Zone

Boss · Distortion

The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone is the high-gain distortion of budget metal rigs worldwide. Its 5-band active EQ (Bass, Mid Frequency, Mid Level, Treble) gives more tonal control than most distortion pedals at any price. At high Distortion settings it produces the mid-scooped, compressed saturation of classic 90s metal production. The separate Mid Frequency control lets you target exactly where the scoop or boost sits.

Metal settings on this unit:

Dist7
Level6
Low6
Mid Freq3
Mid3
High6

Classic scooped metal — Mid Freq in the lower range (~400Hz), Mid cut to 3 for the characteristic scooped character. Keep Low at 6, not higher, to retain chord clarity on downtuned riffs. A noise gate after the MT-2 is essential at Dist 7+. For leads, temporarily push Mid to 7 for cut-through.

Strengths

  • 5-band EQ with separate Mid Frequency and Mid Level — more tonal control than comparable pedals
  • High gain ceiling — capable of extreme saturation for modern metal and djent-adjacent styles
  • Budget price point — the most accessible route to usable metal distortion

Worth knowing

Default voicing is heavily mid-scooped — great for rhythm in isolation but can disappear in a live band mix. Keep Mid Level at 5 or above in a live context to maintain presence.

Buy at Gear4MusicBuy at ThomannBuy at AndertonsFull settings guide →
#3

Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal

Boss · Distortion

The Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal is a cult classic for one specific reason: the "Swedish Death Metal" chainsaw tone (all knobs maxed into a cranked amp) is a specific sonic character that no other pedal produces. Used by Entombed, Dismember, and the entire Stockholm death metal scene. At more moderate settings it's also a genuinely useful rock and heavy metal distortion with an unusual two-section EQ.

Metal settings on this unit:

Dist10
Level5
Low10
High10

All controls at maximum — this is the specific setting used by Entombed, Dismember, and Carnage on the defining Swedish death metal recordings. The HM-2 into a clean amp at this setting produces the "chainsaw" character that cannot be replicated by any other pedal or amplifier combination. Into a Marshall or HH amp (as originally used) for the exact Stockholm sound.

Strengths

  • The defining sound of Swedish death metal — unreproducible by any other pedal
  • Two separate EQ sections (Low and High cutoff plus 4-band presence) for unusual tonal control
  • Discontinued by Boss in 1992 — cult-classic status with reissues available

Worth knowing

The all-knobs-maxed chainsaw tone is its most famous setting but also its most extreme. Consider whether you actually need that specific sound before chasing this pedal.

Buy at Gear4MusicBuy at AndertonsBuy at GuitarGuitarFull settings guide →
#4

MXR Fullbore Metal

MXR · Distortion

The MXR Fullbore Metal is the most practical metal distortion at a budget price — a noise gate integrated into the pedal eliminates the need for a separate gate. This is a genuinely useful feature for metal where high gain produces significant hum and noise between riff sections. The Scoop control adds or removes the classic metal mid-scoop without individual band adjustment.

Metal settings on this unit:

Gain8
Level5
Bass5
Mid5
Treble6
Gate4

High Gain, Gate engaged for noise control between riffs, EQ balanced. The built-in gate is the Fullbore's practical advantage over other metal distortions — no additional noise gate pedal needed for most applications.

Strengths

  • Built-in noise gate — removes the need for a separate gate pedal in a metal setup
  • Very high gain ceiling for extreme metal and modern downtuned applications
  • Scoop control adds or removes mid-scoop as a single knob without individual EQ band adjustment

Worth knowing

The integrated gate is useful but less adjustable than a standalone Boss NS-2. For players who need precise gate control (Hetfield-style tightly-chopped palm muting), a dedicated gate is more flexible.

Buy at Gear4MusicBuy at AndertonsBuy at GuitarGuitarFull settings guide →

What to Look for in a Metal Distortion

Avoid distortion pedals with excessive low-end — bass-heavy distortion turns to mud in a band context. The most effective metal distortion pedals have some form of bass control or inherent tightness. EQ controls are essential. Consider stacking: a moderate distortion pedal into a slightly driven amp often sounds more musical than either alone at maximum gain.

FAQ

Metal Distortion — Common Questions

The ProCo RAT is the most versatile metal distortion pedal — it covers heavy blues through thrash at different gain settings. For heavier modern metal, the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone or MXR Fullbore Metal provide the more aggressive character the genre demands.

Amp gain generally sounds better for its dynamic response and natural compression. However, distortion pedals are essential when the amp doesn't have enough gain, for consistent tone across varying room volumes, or when recording direct without an amp.

Yes — a mild boost or overdrive before a high-gain amp is a classic metal technique. A Tube Screamer at Drive 0 before a 6505+ tightens the low end and adds compression without increasing the overall distortion character.