Riff Tone

Mercenary

Bolt Thrower

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarB.C. Rich Warlock Widow

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203

PickupsB.C. Rich stock humbuckers (likely high-output passive)

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid4.5

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal

distortionBoss Boss DS-1 Distortion

Notes

Studio recording for 'Mercenary' album (1998). Gear confirmed for this era and album by Equipboard and multiple forum sources. No evidence of live rig differences for this specific recording.

Tone Character(10)

dense and aggressivebassy and super crunchytight palm-muted chugsmid-scooped, thick distortionwall of soundrelentless and percussive rhythmoppressive and precisehigh-gain saturationsharp attackminimal clarity, maximum heaviness

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting and precise rhythm, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or extreme speed, making it intermediate for metal rhythm guitar.

Sources

Bolt Thrower Members, Gear & Sound | Equipboard Boss GX700 & related Boss GT series multi FX - forum topic r/MetalForTheMasses - Which album did Bolt Thrower hit their peak?

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