Riff Tone

Sarcastrophe

Slipknot

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarIbanez MTM1 (Mick Thomson signature, fixed bridge, mahogany body, EMG pickups)

AmpRivera KR7 Signature head (blended with Marshall JCM800 for recording)

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain9

bass6

mid5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveMaxon Maxon OD-820 Overdrive Pro

noise_gateUnknown Noise Gate (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for Slipknot's '.5: The Gray Chapter' (2014). Mick Thomson's main rhythm tone for 'Sarcastrophe' riff section. Rivera KR7 was set for huge bottom and defined top, blended with Marshall JCM800 for midrange. Maxon OD-820 used as a boost. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the riff section. Settings estimated based on genre, amp type, and artist interviews.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivemassive low endaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate note separationscooped but present midsrazor-sharp attackmodern metal clarityvery compressed and focusedno ambient or modulation effects

Difficulty

The riff section of 'Sarcastrophe' is technically demanding due to its fast tempo, aggressive palm muting, and complex rhythm patterns in a low tuning, requiring tight right-hand control and left-hand muting for clarity.