Riff Tone

The Freezing Moon (Live in Leipzig)

Mayhem

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Les Paul Standard (likely late 70s/early 80s, black finish, as used by Euronymous)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head (live, early 1990s, as seen in period photos and confirmed by multiple sources)

PickupsStock Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or similar, passive, high output)

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass5

mid4.5

treble7

reverb0

presence7

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionBoss Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal

Notes

Live performance, 1990 (recorded at Eiskeller club, Leipzig, Germany). No evidence of studio overdubs. Gear confirmed for this era and tour. No evidence of additional rack gear or effects loop.

Tone Character(10)

raw and abrasivegrainy, lo-fi distortiontight and percussivebuzzsaw-like saturationcold, icy attackscooped but present midscutting treble edgeminimal clarity, maximum aggressiondense, wall-of-sound rhythmno audible reverb or ambience

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive picking and palm muting at a medium-fast tempo, but uses straightforward power chords and rhythm patterns typical for intermediate metal players.

Sources

How did Euronymous create his tone? : r/Mayhem - Reddit Euronymous, Mayhem Guitarist Gear - Equipboard What Made Euronymous' Guitar Tone SO GOOD?How to get a good black metal tone? (specifically the Freezing Moon ...

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