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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor the classic Swedish death metal “chainsaw” sound, the BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Waza Craft is the strongest match: it is based on the original HM-2, which BOSS identifies with that sound. If you want broader high-gain distortion with more deliberate EQ control, consider the BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone instead. The right choice depends on the tone you’re after, not on one pedal being best for every kind of death metal.
Which distortion pedal should you get for death metal?
Choose by sound target. The HM-2W is the direct route to the aggressive, distinctive HM-2 character associated with Swedish death metal. The MT-2 Metal Zone is a more adjustable high-gain option, with active EQ and sweepable mids for shaping a broader range of metal tones.
| Decision | BOSS HM-2W Heavy Metal Waza Craft | BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Best-supported role | Modern option for the HM-2-associated Swedish death metal chainsaw sound. BOSS product information | Broader high-gain option with active EQ and sweepable mids. BOSS product information |
| Tone and controls | Standard mode follows the original HM-2 character; Custom mode adds gain and adjusts low- and high-mid character. BOSS also describes noise-floor and output-level refinements. | Thick, saturated distortion with three-band active EQ and mid-frequency selection from 200 Hz to 5 kHz. |
| Historical association | BOSS identifies the original HM-2 as a defining Swedish death metal pedal. | BOSS presents the MT-2 as a high-gain pedal for metal styles, not specifically as the defining Swedish chainsaw pedal. |
| Purchase caveat | The original HM-2 is discontinued; the HM-2W is the contemporary version described in BOSS’s announcement. Check local stock and current pricing. | The product page lists a 9V battery or a separately sold PSA-series adapter. Check the current local configuration and adapter compatibility. |
These distinctions come from product descriptions and historical accounts, not a controlled audio comparison. Guitar World’s January 15, 2026 guide recommends considering saturation, low-end tightness and tone-shaping controls when choosing a distortion pedal for metal: Guitar World’s distortion-pedal guide.
Why the HM-2 is tied to Swedish death metal
BOSS produced the original HM-2 from 1983 to 1991 and associates its all-controls-maxed “chainsaw tone” with Swedish death metal. The sound’s history, however, is not just a matter of a pedal setting: it is also tied to musicians and the recording environment at Sunlight Studios.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Producer and Sunlight Studios founder Tomas Skogsberg described the HM-2’s arrival there as a turning point: “I’d tried different kinds of pedals before, but the HM-2 was really the start of it.” BOSS’s history of the HM-2 and Swedish death metal also quotes Dismember guitarist David Blomqvist saying, “We’ve had the HM-2 at every rehearsal and every gig and on every record.” BOSS recounts that the band set every knob to maximum; that is a historical account of Dismember’s approach, not a universal setting prescription.
What the HM-2W changes
The HM-2W is BOSS’s Waza Craft version, based on the original HM-2. Its Standard mode retains the original character, while Custom mode adds gain and changes the low- and high-mid character. BOSS also describes refinements to noise floor and output level. The HM-2W is therefore the sound-specific pick if you want the HM-2-associated chainsaw voice, while allowing a choice between its two modes.
Rank #2
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BOSS/Roland announced a U.S. launch price of $179.99 on June 17, 2021, with availability planned for August 2021. That is historical launch information, not a current price; check local retailers for today’s price and availability. BOSS/Roland’s 2021 announcement
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When the Metal Zone is the better fit
The MT-2 is worth considering if you want high gain but also want to shape the tone more extensively. Its active three-band EQ and sweepable midrange—including a stated selection range of 200 Hz to 5 kHz—give you a different route to a heavy distortion sound. It is not presented by BOSS as a direct replacement for the HM-2’s Swedish chainsaw character.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
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- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
BOSS’s product page says “over one million sold and counting,” but gives no publication year for that cumulative figure. Treat it as an undated manufacturer statement, not a dated sales statistic. The MT-2 page also lists operation with a 9V battery or a separately sold PSA-series AC adaptor; confirm compatibility for your pedal and region before buying an adapter. BOSS MT-2 features and specifications
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
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How to make the choice
- Pick the HM-2W if the specific target is the classic Swedish death metal chainsaw sound and you want the modern BOSS version of the HM-2.
- Pick the MT-2 if you want high gain with wider EQ shaping and sweepable mids rather than a historically specific HM-2 voice.
- For either pedal, judge fit by your intended subgenre and desired balance of saturation, low-end tightness and EQ control; distortion pedals have distinct tonal characteristics.
- Verify current price, stock and power requirements with a local retailer. Current street prices and inventory are not established here.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
