Riff Tone

Demise of Sanity

Black Label Society

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Custom (Zakk Wylde signature, Bullseye finish, 2002 era)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head (likely with Marshall 4x12 cabinet, 2002 studio recording)

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 85 (neck) active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid5

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveUnknown Overdrive/boost pedal (model unknown, possibly MXR ZW-44 Overdrive or Boss SD-1, but not confirmed for this recording)

Notes

Studio recording for '1919 Eternal' (2002). Zakk Wylde is known for using his signature Gibson Les Paul Custom with EMG active pickups and Marshall JCM800 amps for heavy riff sections. No direct source confirms pedal use on this song's riff, but this is the established studio setup for this era and album. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this riff.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivechunky low endrazor-sharp articulationscooped but present midshigh-gain saturationaggressive pick attackmodern metal bitecompressed and focusedminimal ambienceclear note separation

Difficulty

The riff demands fast, precise alternate picking and tight palm muting at a high tempo, with aggressive right-hand technique and accurate rhythm to maintain clarity in a high-gain context.

Sources

Black Label Society, 1919 Eternal : r/Rockandmetalonvinyl New Fan, suggestions : r/BlackLabelSociety

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