What guitar did Varg Vikernes use on Jesus Tod?

Varg Vikernes used an Ibanez Destroyer guitar on "Jesus Tod." This guitar's bright, aggressive pickup configuration contributed to the characteristic trebly and cutting tone heard on the track.

What amp was used on Burzum Jesus Tod?

The guitar tone on "Jesus Tod" was recorded through a Peavey VTX amplifier. This amp provided the high-gain distortion and treble emphasis characteristic of the raw black metal sound.

How to get Burzum guitar tone?

To recreate Burzum's guitar tone, use a bright-sounding guitar through a high-gain amp with treble emphasis and minimal processing. Double-track the guitars and maintain a raw, lo-fi recording approach rather than polished production.

Where was Burzum Jesus Tod recorded?

The exact recording location for "Jesus Tod" is disputed, though Grieghallen Studios has been mentioned. What's confirmed is that Varg Vikernes handled both production and engineering duties, likely using a minimal home studio setup.

What makes early Burzum guitar tone so raw?

The raw quality comes from lo-fi recording techniques, minimal post-processing, and the combination of bright guitar pickups pushed through high-gain amplification. The deliberately unpolished production aesthetic was central to the early black metal sound.

lead guitar from "jesus tod" by burzum

jesus tod

burzum

lead guitar

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Tone Profile

A raw, distorted, and trebly guitar tone, characteristic of early black metal with a thin and aggressive sound. The tone is lo-fi and harsh, with a focus on upper frequencies and a gritty distortion.

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Ibanez Destroyer(instrument)
Peavey VTX(amp)

The Story

The guitar tone on Burzum's "Jesus Tod" was recorded by Varg Vikernes using an Ibanez Destroyer through a Peavey VTX amplifier. The track features the characteristic lo-fi, trebly sound of early black metal, with minimal processing and likely double-tracked guitars to create the raw, aggressive wall of sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Varg Vikernes

Engineer: Varg Vikernes

Recorded at: Grieghallen Studios (disputed)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ibanez DestroyerShop on Reverb

Amp: Peavey VTXShop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Use a guitar with a bright and aggressive tone; Ibanez Destroyer recommended.
Set the amp to a high-gain setting with a focus on treble frequencies.
Consider using a boost or overdrive pedal to further enhance the distortion.
Record direct into the audio interface if an amp is unavailable, then use a high gain amp simulator focusing on higher frequencies and overall gain.
Double-track the guitar parts to create a fuller and more intense sound.

Original Gear

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Ibanez DestroyerShop on Reverb(guitar)
Peavey VTXShop on Reverb(amp)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Ibanez RG450DXShop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Ibanez Destroyer

Provides similar bright, aggressive pickup output and sustain characteristics needed for this harsh black metal tone

Peavey 6505 MHShop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Peavey VTX

Modern Peavey high-gain amp that delivers similar aggressive distortion and treble emphasis as vintage VTX models

Neural DSP Archetype NollyPlugin Boutique$100-$150

Alternative to: Peavey VTX

High-gain amp simulation with extensive EQ control to dial in the trebly, raw distortion characteristic of this tone

Shure SM57Shop on Reverb$100-$130

Alternative to: Basic recording setup

Industry standard dynamic mic that naturally emphasizes midrange frequencies and captures the raw, unpolished character

Schecter Omen-6Shop on Reverb$200-$300