15 High-Gain Distortion & Overdrive Pedals for Metal and Beyond

The BE-OD overdrive pedal captures the tone of the legendary Friedman BE-100 amplifier, delivering authentic tube-amp sound and dynamics. It responds quickly to guitar volume adjustments, while the Volume, Gain, Tight, Bass, Treble, and Presence controls offer thorough tone shaping—from light crunch to rich, high-gain harmonic distortion. Built in the USA to withstand heavy touring.

Dimensions: 7.1(W) x 12.1(D) x 5.8(H) cm (including knobs)
Weight: 290g
Controls: Volume, Gain, Tight, Treble, Bass, Presence
True bypass
9–18V DC operation (power adapter only)

■ Dual-Channel Hybrid Drive Pedal: SUNSET

Strymon brought its digital signal processing expertise to the drive pedal realm with Sunset, a versatile dual-channel hybrid distortion and boost pedal designed to complement any setup.

● 6 Drive Circuit Types
Sunset features six classic overdrive and distortion topologies split across two independent channels (A and B):
Ge: Germanium diode circuit with parallel dry signal blend
Texas: Single-stage soft-clipping with mid boost
Treble: Clean boost that rolls off low end via the Tone knob
2stage: Two-stage drive combining soft clipping into hard clipping
Hard: High-gain hard-clipping drive
JFET: Warm, full-bodied JFET clean boost

● Front Panel
Simple controls with Level, Gain, and Tone for each channel. Independent footswitches feature relay-based true bypass (switchable to buffered bypass).

● Rear Panel
A Bright switch selects high-frequency response to match your amp. The Routing switch allows signal chaining (A>B, B>A, or A+B parallel). Supports an external MiniSwitch for preset recall and expression pedal control over output or parameter levels.

- Integrated high-performance noise gate
- Ultra-low noise 24-bit 96kHz A/D and D/A converters
- High-performance SHARC DSP with 32-bit floating-point processing
- True bypass (selectable to analog buffered bypass)
- Power: 9V DC center negative, 250mA
- Dimensions / Weight: 102mm (W) x 117mm (D) x 67mm (H) / 450g
- Made in USA

OD-FIVE 2 eXplosion is a dual-channel drive pedal inspired by modern high-gain tube amplifiers. Featuring two fully independent channels with identical controls, it allows you to dial in two distinct voices or switch output levels on the fly. External control inputs enable remote channel switching and bypass.

Compared to its predecessor, the OD-FIVE 2 Xtreme, the circuit and sound design have been completely revamped to deliver rich, dynamic, and fluid gain response.

■ Dual Independent Channels
The top channel (green) and bottom channel (blue) offer identical control layouts. Use them for minor volume boosts or to switch between crunch and heavy high-gain tones.

■ 3 Gain Modes
Offers three switchable gain ranges: ULTRA, LOW, and HIGH. LOW covers crunch to low-gain overdrive, HIGH provides mid-to-high gain overdrive, and ULTRA adds aggressive distortion saturation over high gain.

■ Tone Controls
Includes MIDDLE (midrange body) and EDGE (high-mid to treble clarity) for versatile equalization without losing the core pedal character.

■ NORMAL / BRIGHT Switch
Located on the rear panel to calibrate treble response for different guitars and amps. Normal mode attenuates high frequencies, while Bright mode engages high-end extension.

■ REMOTE Jack
Connect external switches or loop switchers to toggle channels or bypass.
- TRS Cable: Tip-Sleeve toggles channels, Ring-Sleeve toggles bypass.
- TS Cable: Tip-Sleeve toggles channels (always-on mode).

■ Bypass
True bypass switching when off.

■ Channel LEDs
Channel status LEDs remain lit even when bypassed, while the red main LED indicates active status.

■ Discrete Circuit Design
Built using a custom discrete circuit topology distinct from previous OD-FIVE models.

■ Handbuilt Workshop Production
Handcrafted in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan.

Specs:
■ Weight: approx. 450g
■ Dimensions: 120 (W) x 98 (D) x 56 (H) mm
■ Power: 9V battery or regulated 9V DC center-negative power supply
■ Power Consumption: approx. 24mA @ 9VDC

A drive pedal that delivers massive power and punch while cutting through the mix, all without crushing your picking dynamics.
Simple controls—level, gain, and a 3-band EQ—deliver high-quality drive tones with ease.

Excelling at high-gain tones, the EQ (especially the Middle control) lets you dial in a wide variety of sonic characters.
Engaging the Bite mode adds a distinctive attack and bite to your picking dynamics.

Flipping the Plexi switch drastically reduces the amount of gain, transforming the pedal into a Plexi-style drive with its signature raw edge.

For advanced tone shaping, internal trim pots for BALANCE, RESONANCE, and PRESENCE are provided.
Offering even more dramatic sweeps than the front-panel Treble, Middle, and Bass knobs, these trims let you dynamically shape the JACKAL's sub-bass, mids, and highs.

Note: Always use a 9V DC center-negative power adapter. The JACKAL steps up the voltage internally to 18V. Connecting a 12V or 18V adapter will damage the pedal.

Jacks: INPUT, OUTPUT, DC 9V In
Included: Owner's Manual, Warranty Card
Dimensions: Width (W) 117 mm, Depth (D) 95 mm, Height (H) 56 mm
Weight: 375 g
Input Impedance: 1 MΩ
Output Impedance: 10 kΩ or less
Current Draw: 48 mA

Created by Mike Soldano in 1987, the "Super Lead Overdrive 100W Tube Amp Head / SLO-100" remains a benchmark for high-gain amps nearly 40 years later, relied on by world-class guitarists. It isn't just for hard rock and metal players either—its bluesy crunch channel famously won over icons like Eric Clapton, Gary Moore, and Lou Reed.

While capturing the nuanced feel of a Soldano amp in pedal form was once a challenge, the SLO Pedal reproduces the perfect balance of gain, sustain, and touch response that defines the SLO-100.
Using a cascaded gain stage setup just like the original amp head, it features the same Gain, Volume, Presence, and 3-band EQ controls.
A side-mounted Deep switch boosts the low end, functioning like the Depth knob on the SLO-100.
With these controls, you can dial in everything from harmonic-rich crunch to crushing high-gain tones.

■ Dimensions: 66 mm (W) x 114 mm (D) x 57 mm (H)
■ Power: 9V DC (battery operation not supported)

The black box that recreates iconic Brown Sound, born from a powerhouse collaboration between MXR and Eddie Van Halen.

MXR / EVH5150 Overdrive

Needs no introduction: thick yet smooth high-gain overdrive sound arrives in a stompbox format through this collaboration between MXR and Eddie Van Halen. While the EQ controls look standard at first glance, the frequency bands have been meticulously tailored to replicate Eddie's signature tone. It also features a gate circuit based on the MXR Smart Gate that Eddie relied on, helping keep high-volume playing tight and controlled. Features true bypass switching.

■ Dimensions: W 128 x D 92 x H 55 mm
■ Power: 9V DC / 9V battery (006P)

A true distortion pedal from Diezel.

Recreates the massive, high-gain Channel 3 of the legendary VH4 amp. It delivers Diezel's signature transformer-driven heft and visceral distortion—capturing the iconic VH4 Channel 3 tone directly in a pedal.

While many distortion pedals feel satisfying at bedroom volumes but turn harsh at stage volumes, the VH4 Pedal is built specifically for live performance. In fact, through a small home practice combo, its sound is so massive it almost feels overwhelmingly thick.

Just like the original VH4 amp, it features Bass, Middle, Treble, Deep, and Presence controls. Combined with a wide gain range, you can dial in everything from articulate crunch to searing high-gain lead tone.

The input is dedicated for guitar, while outputs include OUT TO POWER AMP (for power amps or FX loop returns) and OUT TO GUITAR AMP (for front-of-amp inputs). Using OUT TO GUITAR AMP allows true pedal bypassing, whereas OUT TO POWER AMP mutes the output when bypassed.

Power: 12-18V DC input (12V/2A adapter included)
Dimensions: 170 (D) x 115 (W) x 70 (H) mm
Weight: 500 g

VH4 2-Channel Distortion Pedal

The original VH4 Pedal earned wide acclaim for putting massive VH4 amp tone right on your pedalboard.
The VH4-2 Pedal expands on that design by offering two switchable channels, each with independent Gain and Master Volume controls for seamless switching between rhythm and lead tones.

Sharing core specs with the standard VH4 pedal—including dual outputs for standard amp inputs and line-level power amp inputs—it adds a Remote jack so you can switch channels via external loop switchers or controllers.

■ Diezel / VH4-2 Pedal
Power: 12-18V DC (power adapter included)
Dimensions: 170 (D) x 115 (W) x 70 (H) mm
Weight: 670 g

Following the 2016 release of the VH4 Pedal, which impressed even VH4 Amp players with its accurate tone recreation, the Herbert Pedal captures the preamp section of the Herbert Amp—a popular choice in melodic punk and heavy music scenes.
Just like the Herbert Amp, it features an effective, switchable Midcut section, allowing you to intuitively dial in sharper distortion tones.
When Midcut is engaged, the Midcut Master control adjusts the output level. Working alongside the Normal Master, you can balance levels between states or dial in a volume bump for lead boosts.
When used as a standard stompbox (outputting via "TO CLEAN GUITAR AMP IN"), the right footswitch acts as a bypass switch. When used as a preamp (outputting via "TO POWER AMP IN"), it functions as a mute switch.
The left footswitch engages the Midcut section.
Both footswitch functions can also be controlled via external switches.

CONTROLS
Bass, Middle, Treble, Deep, Presence, Master, Gain, Midcut Intensity, Midcut Master
Rear Panel
Guitar input, Out to guitar amp, Out to power amp, REMOTE Jack,
DC IN: Compatible with 12–18V DC power supplies
Size: 115(W) x 170(D) x 67(H)mm
Weight: 700g
Assembled in USA

Rebranded under Abasi Concepts, the Pathos overdrive/distortion pedal makes its debut!

Co-developed by Tosin Abasi and Brian Wampler, founder of Wampler Pedals.

Featuring a 3-band EQ and two voicing modes, this compact pedal delivers what Abasi describes as "the feel of an American-made tube amp."

This dual-channel BE overdrive pedal captures the tone of the flagship BE-100 amp seen on stages around the world.
The BE-OD DELUXE utilizes the same core circuit as the original BE-OD, adding a second channel and dual midrange controls.
Channel 1 (top row) features the exact circuit of the original BE-OD pedal, while Channel 2 (bottom row) offers a lower-gain voicing, allowing independent setups for rhythm and lead tones.

With dedicated midrange controls for each channel and a tour-ready chassis, the BE-OD DELUXE delivers authentic tube amp tone.

●FOOTSWITCH: Engages or bypasses the pedal (true bypass).
●CHANNEL: Toggles between Channel 1 and Channel 2.
●VOLUME: Adjusts the output level.
●GAIN: Controls the amount of gain.
●BASS: Adjusts low-frequency response.
●MID: Adjusts midrange frequencies.
●TREBLE: Adjusts high-frequency response.
●PRES.: Adjusts ultra-high frequencies (Presence).
●TIGHT: 3-position switch to shape low-end tightness.
●Internal gain trim pot: Turning counterclockwise reduces the overall gain range.

Power: 9V–18V DC power adapter only (center negative)
Dimensions: 14.5 (W) x 12.5 (D) x 5.8 (H) cm *Includes knob height.
Weight: 539 g
Includes: Warranty card, manual

From Canadian high-end amp and pedal brand Revv Amplification comes the G3 overdrive/distortion pedal.

Development of the G-series drive pedals began with the goal of capturing the tone of Revv's boutique amp channels in pedal form.

The G3 pedal ranges from tight overdrive ideal for late '70s and '80s hard rock tones to saturated distortion reminiscent of late '90s high-gain amps.

A center-mounted Aggression switch toggles between three voicing options—Blue, Off, and Red—to alter the drive character and tone nuance.

● Aggression switch toggles 3 drive styles (BLUE / OFF / RED):
・BLUE: Tight and articulate tone
・OFF: Lower gain
・RED: Thick, saturated tone

The intuitive control setup consists of five knobs: Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume, and Gain.

With its Aggression switch and versatile EQ, it covers a wide range of drive tones.

Weighing under 300 grams, it features a durable metal enclosure with rear-mounted jacks, saving valuable pedalboard space when lined up next to other pedals.

It is engineered to perform exceptionally well with both traditional analog setups like guitar amps and digital audio interfaces.

Powered via 9V DC external power supply only (sold separately).
Features true bypass switching when disengaged.

Specifications

Controls: VOLUME, GAIN, BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE
Switches: AGGRESSION (BLUE/OFF/RED), BYPASS
Jacks: Input, Output, DC In
*DC In plug size: 2.1mm inner / 5.5mm outer diameter
Power: 9V DC (external power supply sold separately)
Current draw: 17mA
Dimensions: H54 × L127.5 × W75mm
Weight: Approx. 284g

From Canadian high-end amp and pedal brand Revv Amplification comes the G4 distortion pedal.
Development of the G-series drive pedals began with the goal of capturing the tone of Revv's boutique amp channels in pedal form.
The G4 pedal delivers a punchy distortion tone based on modern high-gain tube amplifiers.
A center-mounted Aggression switch toggles between three voicing options—Blue, Off, and Red—to alter the drive character and tone nuance.
The intuitive control setup consists of five knobs: Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume, and Gain.
With its Aggression switch and versatile EQ, it delivers a wide range of distortion tones.
Weighing under 300 grams, it features a durable metal enclosure with rear-mounted jacks, saving valuable pedalboard space when lined up next to other pedals.
It is engineered to perform exceptionally well with both traditional analog setups like guitar amps and digital audio interfaces.
Powered via 9V DC external power supply only (sold separately).
Features true bypass switching when disengaged.

Developed after numerous prototypes, the Ultimate Metal Preamp Pedal is finally here. Solar Guitars founder and guitarist for metal band The Haunted, Ola Englund, explains: "CHUG is designed to deliver aggressive high-gain tube amp sound in a pedal format." "Answering the age-old question: YES, IT WILL CHUG!"

■ CHUG
■ Controls: Bass, Middle, Treble, Depth, Presence, Output, Gate, Gain, LF Gain, HF Gain
■ Bypass: Buffered Bypass
■ Features
・Equipped with LF/HF gain filters
・Depth and Presence controls alongside Bass, Middle, and Treble
・Finely tuned noise gate with visual LED color changes indicating gate status
■ Power: 9V AC adapter (100mA minimum / sold separately)
■ Dimensions: 120mm x 70mm

The Megalith Delta is a high-gain distortion pedal using JFET circuitry to reproduce the distinct compression and massive break-up of a tube amp.
Featuring a 3-band EQ alongside Contour and EQ Shift controls, it delivers a wide variety of distortion voices.
Engaging the Boost switch pushes your tone into an even higher gain stage.
Most impressive is its remarkably low noise floor—even at extreme gain settings, your tone won't get lost in a sea of hiss.
Step into a whole new level of high-gain drive...

■ Controls: GAIN, VOLUME, TREBLE, MIDDLE, BASS, CONTOUR
■ EQ SHIFT Switch
0: Pushes midrange frequencies, boosting low-mids for a fat tone.
1: British Voicing position, emphasizing high-mids.
2: American Voicing position, delivering a modern sound with scooped mids.
■ Internal GAIN Trim
■ Speaker Simulated Output
*Requires a Y-insertion cable (sold separately) to use this output.
■ Power: 9V DC center-negative (sold separately)