Riff Tone

An Ancient Sign of Coming Storm

Amon Amarth

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarESP LTD Viper-400 (likely, as used by Olavi Mikkonen and Johan Söderberg in this era)

AmpPeavey 5150/6505 (studio, profiled for Kemper in later years, but original recording likely used Peavey 5150/6505 head)

PickupsEMG 81/85 active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid4.5

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveMaxon Maxon OD808 Overdrive

noise_gateMXR MXR Smart Gate Noise Gate

Notes

Studio recording, 2004 (Fate of Norns album). Both guitarists used ESP guitars with EMG pickups and Peavey 5150/6505 amps for rhythm tracks. Maxon OD808 overdrive likely used as a boost in front of the amp. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects on the riff section; noise gate probable for tightness. Settings estimated based on genre, amp, and era due to lack of explicit numbers.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate note separationcrushing rhythm toneminimal ambiencefocused low endrazor-sharp pick attackmodern metal clarity

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, precise alternate picking with tight palm muting and consistent rhythm at a high tempo, demanding stamina and accuracy typical of melodic death metal.

Sources

Amon Amarth Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard Johan Söderberg, Amon Amarth Guitarist Gear | Equipboard Amon Amarth on what drew them to baritone tunings over 7-strings and why no amount of pimping can polish a turd of a riff | Guitar World

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