The BOSS Metal Zone pedal has long been a staple in the world of heavy metal and hard rock guitar playing. Since its release in 1991, the pedal has been a go-to for guitarists looking for that signature high-gain sound. And now, in celebration of the pedal’s 30th anniversary, BOSS has released a limited edition Metal Zone that promises to be the ultimate metal distortion machine.
The Metal Zone 30th Anniversary edition boasts a sleek new design, with a striking black finish and gold lettering. But it’s not just about looks; this pedal is packed with new features that take the already-impressive Metal Zone to new heights.
One of the key upgrades in the Metal Zone 30th Anniversary edition is the addition of a new “Custom” mode. This mode allows players to fine-tune their sound to an even greater degree, with the ability to adjust the mid-range frequency and boost/cut the high and low ends. This means that guitarists can now dial in a wider range of tones, from classic ’80s metal to modern-day djent.
But it’s not just the Custom mode that makes the Metal Zone 30th Anniversary edition a must-have for metal guitarists. The pedal also features BOSS’s proprietary “Dual-Stage Gain Circuit,” which provides greater control over the pedal’s gain stages. This allows players to achieve a more nuanced, dynamic distortion sound that responds to their playing style.
Of course, the Metal Zone 30th Anniversary edition also includes all of the classic features that have made the Metal Zone a fan favorite for 30 years. The pedal includes a three-band EQ, allowing players to shape their tone with precision, as well as a “Level” knob for controlling overall output volume. The pedal’s “Distortion” knob is also highly responsive, allowing players to achieve anything from a subtle crunch to full-on sonic assault.
But perhaps the biggest selling point of the Metal Zone 30th Anniversary edition is its versatility. While the pedal has long been associated with heavy metal and hard rock, its range of tones makes it suitable for a variety of genres. Whether you’re playing punk, grunge, or even experimental music, the Metal Zone can help you achieve the sound you’re looking for.
Of course, as with any piece of gear, the Metal Zone 30th Anniversary edition isn’t for everyone. The pedal’s high-gain sound may not be suitable for players looking for a cleaner tone, and the pedal’s complexity may be overwhelming for beginners. But for guitarists who are serious about their metal tone, the Metal Zone 30th Anniversary edition is a must-have addition to their pedalboard.
The BOSS Metal Zone 30th Anniversary edition is a worthy successor to the classic Metal Zone pedal. With its new “Custom” mode, Dual-Stage Gain Circuit, and sleek new design, this limited edition pedal offers a range of new features that make it an essential tool for any metal guitarist. And with its versatility and classic Metal Zone sound, it’s a pedal that will no doubt continue to be a favorite for years to come.
Since its debut in 1991, the BOSS Metal Zone has been a go-to pedal for guitarists seeking an aggressive, high-gain distortion sound. In celebration of the pedal’s 30th anniversary, BOSS released a limited edition Metal Zone with a sleek black and gold color scheme and some new features.
The Metal Zone has always been a polarizing pedal, with some players hailing it as a tone monster while others dismiss it as a noisy, unusable mess. Regardless of where you stand on the Metal Zone, there’s no denying its impact on the world of heavy music. From thrash and death metal to hard rock and alternative, the Metal Zone has been a staple of many guitarists’ rigs.
One of the new features of the 30th anniversary edition Metal Zone is an updated EQ section. The pedal now features six knobs – gain, level, bass, mid, high, and a new mid frequency control – allowing for even more precise shaping of the tone. The mid frequency control is a welcome addition, as it allows players to choose between a mid-scooped or mid-boosted sound, something that was not possible on previous versions of the pedal.
Another new feature of the 30th anniversary Metal Zone is a switchable buffered bypass. This means that when the pedal is disengaged, the signal is still buffered and sent through the pedal’s electronics, rather than being completely bypassed. This can be useful for players who use long cables or have a lot of pedals in their signal chain, as it helps to prevent signal loss and maintain clarity.
Of course, the heart of the Metal Zone is still its high-gain distortion circuit. The pedal is capable of producing everything from classic ’80s metal tones to modern, tight, chug-heavy sounds. The gain knob can be dialed back for a more subtle overdrive, or cranked all the way up for a full-on metal assault. The Metal Zone’s signature scooped midrange can still be found here, although with the addition of the mid frequency control, players now have even more control over their tone.
While some may argue that the Metal Zone’s sound is too extreme or too noisy, there’s no denying that it has played a significant role in shaping the sound of heavy music over the past 30 years. The pedal has been used by countless guitarists in all genres of heavy music, from Kirk Hammett of Metallica to Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle.
In conclusion, the BOSS Metal Zone 30th anniversary edition is a worthy celebration of a pedal that has become a legend in the world of heavy music. The updated EQ section and switchable buffered bypass make it more versatile than ever before, while the high-gain distortion circuit remains as crushing as ever. Whether you’re a die-hard Metal Zone fan or a skeptic, it’s hard to argue with the impact that this pedal has had on the world of heavy music.
