Riff Tone

Black Star

Carcass

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

Guitar1977 Gibson Les Paul Custom

AmpMarshall amplifier (exact model not specified, likely JCM800 or similar high-gain 1990s Marshall, possibly blended with another high-gain amp in studio)

PickupsUpgraded humbuckers (exact model unknown, likely high-output aftermarket as per luthier modifications)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1995 (Heartwork/Swansong era). Rhythm guitars tracked with '77 Les Paul Custom with upgraded pickups. Amp is a blend of an older Marshall and a high-gain head (possibly EVH or similar), but Marshall is primary for riff tone. No pedals used for rhythm, as per Bill Steer interview. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Marshall usage for 1990s melodic death metal.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingscooped but present midschunky low endarticulate note separationcrisp top endmodern death metal rhythmclear pick attackminimal ambiencefocused and dry

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting and precise alternate picking at a moderate tempo, with fast transitions and consistent attack, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Carcass guitarist Bill Steer on his picking style, gear & extreme metal | Guitar World

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