BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal Review: The Definitive Return of the Swedish Chainsaw Tone

If you have ever spent hours late at night scrolling through forums or watching grainy footage of 1990s Swedish death metal bands, you know the obsession. There is a specific, guttural, and “grinding” distortion tone that defined an entire subgenre—the legendary “chainsaw” sound. For decades, achieving this meant scouring auction sites for battered, overpriced vintage units from the 1980s that often came with scratchy pots and a noise floor louder than the actual guitar signal. I have been there, chasing that elusive mid-range bite only to be met with hardware failure or prohibitive costs. This is the exact problem the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal was designed to solve. Whether you are looking to recreate the iconic “Left Hand Path” sound or you simply need a distortion that cuts through a dense mix like a serrated blade, the struggle for authentic, reliable heavy metal tone is real. Without a dedicated circuit like this, most modern high-gain pedals feel too “polite” or compressed, lacking the raw, unhinged character required for true sonic devastation.

What to Consider Before Buying Guitar Distortion & Overdrive Effects

A Guitar Distortion & Overdrive Effects is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for shaping your artistic identity and ensuring your instrument communicates with the necessary aggression and clarity. In the world of high-gain music, your pedal choice is the foundation of your “voice.” These devices aren’t just about adding noise; they are about harmonic saturation, frequency shaping, and dynamic response. When you choose a premium pedal, you are investing in a tool that can transform a sterile practice amp into a roaring stack, or provide the surgical precision needed for complex studio recordings. Without the right drive section, your solos can get lost in the drums, and your rhythms can turn into a muddy mess that lacks punch and definition.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of digital modeling or “thin” sounding built-in amp distortions, while it might not be suitable for those who primarily play low-gain genres like jazz, folk, or traditional country. If you are a gigging musician who needs a reliable, road-ready enclosure that won’t fail mid-set, or a studio enthusiast seeking that specific 1980s Japanese analog circuit, this is your wheelhouse. However, if you are looking for a transparent “Klon-style” overdrive that barely colors your tone, you might want to consider a different category entirely, as these pedals are designed to impart a distinct and powerful personality onto your signal.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider how much “real estate” the pedal will occupy on your board. While standard compact pedals are easy to fit, you must account for the placement of top-mounted or side-mounted jacks. A pedal like the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal uses the classic compact chassis, which is excellent for crowded boards but requires careful cable management to avoid clutter.
• Capacity/Performance: Look for the “headroom” and noise floor of the pedal. High-gain effects are notorious for introducing hum; therefore, a unit with modern refinements like a Waza Craft buffer or upgraded components will significantly improve your overall signal-to-noise ratio. You want a pedal that can scream without hissing like a broken steam pipe when you aren’t playing.
• Materials & Durability: Not all enclosures are created equal. In the world of effects, a die-cast metal housing is the gold standard. You should look for pedals with sturdy pots that don’t wiggle and a foot-switch mechanism rated for thousands of stomps. Plastic housings might save money upfront, but they rarely survive the rigors of a touring schedule.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the control layout. Are the knobs intuitive, or do you need a manual to understand the EQ? Furthermore, check the power requirements; most standard pedals run on 9V DC, but some require higher voltage or amperage. Ensuring compatibility with your existing power supply will save you from technical headaches later on.

Ultimately, choosing the right distortion is a personal journey, but understanding these technical and practical hurdles ensures you make an informed choice that enhances your playing experience. Before we dive into the specifics of this unit, it’s worth looking at how it compares to other top-tier options on the market.

While the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: The Return of the Black and Orange Legend

The moment I pulled the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal out of its box, I was struck by the nostalgia. For anyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s, that black chassis with the bright orange lettering is unmistakable. It feels incredibly dense and “tank-like,” exactly what we have come to expect from the Waza Craft line. Unlike the original units, which often felt a bit lightweight or had flimsy battery doors, this 1.2-pound powerhouse feels refined. You can immediately see its full feature set and user reviews to understand why this build quality is so highly praised by the community.

Comparing it to the previous versions, the most striking addition is the tiny “Standard/Custom” toggle switch nestled between the knobs. The knobs themselves turn with a satisfying resistance—they stay exactly where you put them, even if you accidentally brush them with your foot during a performance. There is no “cheap” feeling here; every component screams premium Japanese engineering. It’s a beautiful blend of vintage aesthetic and modern reliability, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice that old-school vibe to get a pedal that actually works every time you step on it.

A Deep Dive into the Sonic Brutality of the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal

The “Standard” Mode: A Time Machine to 1987

When I first engaged the “Standard” mode on the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal, I was immediately transported. For those who aren’t familiar, the legendary “Swedish Death Metal” sound is achieved by “diming” every single knob—turning everything to 10. In many other pedals, doing this results in a screeching mess of feedback. Here, it creates a massive, grinding wall of sound that is surprisingly articulate. I found that the Waza Craft engineers have done something miraculous: they preserved the “fizz” and the “grind” of the original while stripping away the unwanted background hiss. It is a feature that really sets it apart from the clones on the market. In my testing, using a high-output humbucker through a clean channel, the pedal delivered that signature mid-range “honk” that cuts through any drum mix with ease.

What makes this mode special is its response to your playing dynamics. Even with the gain maxed out, you can hear the character of your guitar coming through. It doesn’t just “blanket” your sound; it enhances it. One user noted that it “sounds awesome with my Ibanez and Boss Katana,” and I have to agree—this pedal is surprisingly versatile when paired with modern solid-state or tube amps alike. If you are looking for that specific vintage vibe, you can check the latest price and availability to see how affordable this boutique-level tone can be.

The “Custom” Mode: Modernized Carnage

While the Standard mode is a perfect recreation, the Custom mode is where the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal really shows its evolution. Flipping that switch changes the game. I noticed an immediate increase in the “width” of the sound. The low-mids are boosted, and the high-end is smoothed out just enough to make it sound more like a modern high-gain boutique amp. This mode is perfect for players who want the HM-2 flavor but need it to work for more contemporary genres like metalcore, sludge, or even experimental doom. The increased volume level in this mode is also a huge plus; it can act as a massive solo boost if you keep the gain moderate.

In our evaluation, the Custom mode felt more “expensive.” It has a richness and a weight that the original pedal lacked. It’s not just “more gain,” it’s “better gain.” We found that this mode interacts exceptionally well with other pedals. For instance, putting a slight overdrive in front of it in Custom mode tightened up the low end even further, creating a surgical tone suitable for technical riffing. This is the kind of refinement that justifies the “Waza” name—it’s an expert’s take on a classic. For those wondering about the specific circuitry, you can dive deeper into the technical specs here to see what makes this analog signal path so unique.

The “Color Mix” Mastery: Precision EQ Shaping

The heart of the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal lies in its two “Color Mix” knobs: “L” (Low) and “H” (High). Most distortion pedals have a simple “Tone” knob that just cuts treble. Here, these knobs act more like a powerful active EQ. In my experience, the “H” knob is where the “chainsaw” lives. Turning it past 3 o’clock introduces those specific upper-mid frequencies that define the Swedish sound. However, unlike the original, the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal allows you to back these off to achieve a surprisingly warm, “thick” distortion that sounds more like a classic British stack.

The “L” knob is equally impressive. It doesn’t just add “mud”; it adds “thump.” I was able to dial in a monstrous low-end that shook the room without losing the clarity of the higher strings. This level of control is why many professional guitarists keep an HM-2 on their board even if they don’t play death metal—it’s an incredible EQ tool. We confirmed this through extensive testing with various cabinet IRs; the pedal’s output is consistently robust and “full-spectrum.” It’s an essential tool for anyone serious about their signal chain, and you can read more user experiences regarding the EQ here.

Build Reliability and the Waza Buffer

One aspect often overlooked in reviews is the bypass quality. The BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal features a premium Waza Craft buffer. In a long signal chain, “true bypass” pedals can actually degrade your high-end signal due to cable capacitance. This buffer ensures that your tone remains crisp and clear even when the pedal is off. I noticed a distinct improvement in my overall “clean” sound simply by having this pedal in my chain. Furthermore, the 30-milliamp draw is remarkably low for a pedal that produces this much gain, meaning it won’t strain your power supply or cause unwanted hum in your other effects.

The physical durability is, frankly, legendary. Boss pedals are the only pieces of gear I would feel comfortable throwing off a stage and expecting them to work immediately after. The five-year warranty is just the cherry on top. This isn’t a “disposable” effect; it’s a lifetime investment. As one user mentioned, “Boss always delivers quality products,” and the HM-2W is a shining example of that commitment. It’s a road-warrior’s dream. If you’re ready to add this indestructible piece of history to your setup, you should check out the current offers and bundles available today.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment surrounding the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal is one of overwhelming relief and excitement. For years, the community has begged for this reissue, and the consensus is that Boss did not disappoint. Users frequently highlight the “well presented” packaging and the “awesome” sound quality when paired with both digital and analog rigs. One user specifically noted, “The Waza sound is different than the regular sound… flip the switch,” confirming our findings that the Custom mode offers a genuinely new and useful sonic palette.

There is also significant praise for the noise floor. While vintage units are notorious for a constant “ocean” of white noise, users have found this version to be “pretty quiet” for a high-gain pedal. However, some more “purist” metalheads do note that because the gain is so high, a noise gate is still a smart addition to your board. One reviewer mentioned, “I put the Boss through a noise gate,” which is a standard practice for this level of saturation. Overall, the feedback reinforces that this is a professional-grade tool that solves the reliability issues of the past while maintaining the “soul” of the original sound.

Comparing the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal to the Competition

While the HM-2W is a specialized beast, it’s important to see how it fits into the wider world of guitar effects. Depending on your specific needs, one of these alternatives might catch your eye.

1. MOOER E7 Polyphonic Guitar Synth Pedal

If the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal is about raw, analog destruction, the MOOER E7 is about digital exploration. This polyphonic synth pedal offers seven different tones that can transform your guitar into a futuristic synthesizer. It’s an excellent choice for experimental musicians or those who want to add “textures” to their tracks that a standard distortion cannot provide. However, if you are looking for that specific “chainsaw” grind or a traditional metal rhythm tone, the MOOER E7 will feel far too “artificial.” It is a tool for creators, whereas the Boss is a tool for shredders.

2. BOSS BD-2W Blues Driver Waza Craft

Staying within the Waza Craft family, the BD-2W is the polar opposite of the HM-2W in terms of gain character. While the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal provides a massive, compressed wall of sound, the Blues Driver is transparent, touch-sensitive, and “creamy.” It’s designed to sound like a cranked tube amp on the verge of breakup. This is the pedal for you if you play classic rock, blues, or indie. However, for a metal player, the BD-2W will lack the necessary saturation and aggressive EQ. It’s a masterpiece of subtle overdrive, but it can’t reach the “evil” depths of the HM-2W.

3. Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Guitar Pedal

The Big Muff is the only other pedal that can compete with the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal in terms of sheer “thickness.” This is a legendary fuzz circuit that creates a smooth, violin-like sustain. It’s perfect for 70s rock or 90s grunge. The difference lies in the “attack.” The Big Muff is “sagging” and “woolly,” whereas the HM-2W is “sharp” and “grinding.” If you want a wall of fuzz for stoner rock, go with the EHX. If you want a percussive, aggressive metal tone that cuts through a double-bass drum attack, the Boss is the clear winner.

Final Verdict: Is the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal Worth It?

After putting the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal through its paces in both a home studio and a loud rehearsal space, my verdict is a resounding yes. It is rare for a reissue to not only meet the lofty expectations of a dedicated fanbase but to actually exceed them. By offering the perfect “Standard” mode and a genuinely useful “Custom” mode, Boss has created a pedal that appeals to both the vintage purist and the modern innovator. Its rugged construction and improved noise specs make it a reliable partner for any stage, and its iconic tone remains as powerful today as it was in the late 80s.

If you are a fan of extreme metal, shoegaze, or simply want one of the most unique distortion EQs ever designed, this belongs on your pedalboard. It is a piece of history that has been perfectly modernized for the 21st century. Stop chasing overpriced, unreliable vintage units and get the real thing, done better. We highly recommend you pick up the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Guitar Pedal today and start carving out your own legendary sound.