Riff Tone

This Fire

Killswitch Engage

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarCaparison Dellinger (likely Joel Stroetzel's signature or similar, as used on Killswitch Engage recordings mid-2000s)

AmpPeavey 5150 (aka EVH 5150), Soldano SLO, or Fortin (studio blend, but 5150 is most likely for main riff)

PickupsSeymour Duncan JB (bridge humbucker) or EMG 81 (bridge humbucker) depending on the exact guitar used; both were used by the band in this era

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateUnknown Noise gate (model unknown, likely Boss NS-2 or ISP Decimator)

Notes

Studio recording, 2004-2005 era (from 'This Fire' original release). Joel Stroetzel tracked most rhythm parts with his Caparison through a Peavey 5150 or Soldano SLO, as confirmed in interviews. Adam Dutkiewicz also used a Fortin amp for some layers. No evidence of live/touring rig for this specific recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingscooped but present midschunky low endarticulate pick attacksaturated high-gain rhythmmodern metalcore clarityminimal ambienceclear note separationfast attack

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, aggressive picking with tight palm muting and precise rhythm, typical of modern metalcore. The tempo and technical control needed for clarity and articulation make it challenging for most players.