Artists / Killswitch Engage

The End of Heartache artwork

The End of Heartache guitar tone

Killswitch Engage · The End of Heartache · 2004 · Metal

High Gain

Main Riff

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
GuitarJackson Soloist
PickupBridge humbucker
GAIN8.5
BASS5.5
MID3.5
TREBLE7
PRESENCE6.5
REVERB0

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Maxon OD808 boost
    Drive 2.5 · Tone 6 · Level 9
    Tightening boost in front of the high-gain channel.

Keep the noise gate fast so palm mutes stay percussive.

Lead

Solo Boost

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
GuitarJackson Soloist
PickupBridge humbucker
GAIN9.5
BASS5.5
MID4
TREBLE7
PRESENCE6.5
REVERB0

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Maxon OD808 boost
    Drive 2.5 · Tone 6 · Level 9
    Tightening boost in front of the high-gain channel.
  2. MXR Carbon Copy delay
    Time 4.5 · Repeats 3 · Mix 3
    Kicks in for the solo — repeats tucked under the dry signal.

Lead variant: extra gain and mids to cut through, delay for width. Pick nearer the bridge and let bends sustain.

These are starting points, not gospel. Every amp is a little different, so let your ears do the last 10%.

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