TONEDB

lead guitar from “i am the abyss” by shylmagoghnar | ToneDB

i am the abyss

shylmagoghnar

lead guitar

85% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A soaring, highly articulate, and atmospheric lead tone with prominent delay and reverb, characteristic of modern melodic death/black metal. It's achieved through high-gain digital modeling, emphasizing clarity, sustain, and a polished, mix-cutting presence.

Signal Chain

Instrument: Ibanez 7-string guitar (e.g., RG7321 or RG7421, likely with stock or upgraded passive humbuckers, tuned to B Standard: B-E-A-D-G-B-E)

Amp: Line 6 POD Farm 2 Platinum (Software Modeler) - Amp Model: Likely 'Treadplate' (Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier model) or 'Big Bottom' (Peavey 5150/6505 model)

Processing: Noise Gate (before amp model, e.g., Line 6 'Gate' or dedicated plugin, fast attack, high threshold for tight stops), Overdrive Pedal Model (before amp model, e.g., Line 6 'Screamer' - Ibanez Tube Screamer model: Drive 0-10%, Tone 50-60%, Level 80-100%), Cabinet Model/Impulse Response (within POD Farm or separate IR loader, e.g., 4x12 cabinet with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker models, possibly a Shure SM57 mic model, slightly off-axis to smooth highs), Parametric EQ (post amp/cab model: High-pass filter ~80-100Hz, Low-pass filter ~10-12kHz to remove fizz, surgical cuts in problematic mid-frequencies, slight boost in upper-mids ~1.5kHz-3kHz for articulation and presence), Stereo Delay (post amp/cab/EQ, e.g., POD Farm 'Digital Delay' or dedicated plugin: often 1/4 note or dotted 1/8th note synced to tempo, ~20-35% mix, moderate feedback, wide stereo spread or ping-pong), Lush Hall Reverb (post amp/cab/EQ/delay, e.g., POD Farm 'Cavern' or 'Large Hall' or dedicated plugin: ~15-30% mix, long decay time ~2-4 seconds, pre-delay to maintain clarity)

Other: Direct Input (DI) into DAW (Cubase). Lead melodies are often double-tracked and panned hard left/right, or feature harmonized layers. Stereo width from delay/reverb is crucial. Potential use of Toontrack EZmix 2 presets as a starting point or for additional processing.

Recording Notes

  • The lead guitars were recorded directly into Cubase using Line 6 POD Farm 2, as confirmed by Nimblkorg for the 'Transience' album.
  • Extensive use of automation for delay throws, reverb swells, and volume is likely to enhance dynamics and atmosphere.
  • Double-tracking of main melodic lines is a common technique for width and thickness in this genre; harmonies are also layered.
  • Emphasis on clean, precise playing is critical, as the high-gain, articulate tone reveals imperfections.
  • Careful post-processing EQ is applied to ensure the lead guitar cuts through the dense mix without being harsh or muddy.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a 7-string guitar tuned to B Standard.
  • Employ a high-gain amp modeler (like Line 6 POD Farm, Helix Native, Neural DSP plugins, or similar). Aim for a Rectifier or 5150/6505-style amp model.
  • Use an overdrive pedal model (Tube Screamer type) before the amp model with low drive and high level to tighten the low-end and boost sustain.
  • A fast-acting noise gate is essential for tight, percussive sections and to clean up noise between phrases.
  • Select a cabinet simulation (or IR) of a 4x12 cabinet with V30-style speakers. Experiment with virtual microphone placement (e.g., SM57 model, slightly off-axis).
  • Dial in a prominent stereo delay, often synced to the song's tempo (e.g., dotted eighth notes or quarter notes).
  • Add a spacious hall reverb with a fairly long decay, but use pre-delay and EQ the reverb return to prevent muddiness.
  • EQ the final tone to sit well in your mix: cut unnecessary sub-bass, tame any harsh high frequencies ('fizz'), and ensure the upper-midrange provides clarity and presence.

Sources