Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal review for guitarists

Description

My Experience with the Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

Testing the Boss HM-2W, I dove headfirst into its legendary ‘chainsaw tone’, and I must say, this pedal is not just a piece of gear—it’s a statement. Dubbed a tribute to the original HM-2, this modern Waza Craft edition stays true to its roots while offering refined upgrades that cater to the demands of today’s musicians. From its distinct sound to its rugged build quality, this pedal quickly found a place in my rig.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of this pedal is nothing short of stellar. Crafted with durability in mind, its sturdy metal chassis ensures it can survive years of stomping without breaking a sweat. The black finish, combined with orange lettering, gives it a vintage yet aggressive look that matches its iconic tone. I also appreciated how compact it is, fitting snugly onto my pedalboard without posing any spatial challenges. The hardware interface—a 1/4-inch audio jack— is standard and reliable, making it compatible with most setups.

What struck me was the attention to detail in its design. The knobs are tactile and responsive, allowing for precise adjustments. With its standard and custom modes, it offers a versatility that’s hard to find in other distortion pedals.

Key Benefits

• Authentic analog tone that mirrors the original HM-2.
• Sturdy construction for long-lasting durability.
• Compact design ideal for pedalboards.
• Versatile standard and custom modes for tonal flexibility.

Performance and Sound

I plugged this pedal into my setup, which includes a high-gain amp and a classic Les Paul, and was immediately blown away by how powerful and aggressive the sound was. The ‘chainsaw tone’—achieved by maxing out all the knobs—is truly something to behold. It’s the quintessential sound for Swedish death metal, but it also lends itself well to shoegaze and even some mainstream rock tones.

The tone control mix (Low/High) is where the magic happens. It allowed me to shape the distortion in ways that felt both intuitive and satisfying. The custom mode offers a more modern take on the classic sound, with a slightly tighter and more defined tone. Switching back to the standard mode, I felt like I was transported back to the ’80s—raw, gritty, and unapologetically bold.

Drawbacks

• The distinctive tone might not suit all genres.
• High-gain distortion can be overkill for more subtle applications.
• Lack of additional modern features like a built-in noise gate or EQ.

Usability and Versatility

This pedal is remarkably easy to use, even for someone who might not be an effects wizard. The four control knobs—Level, Low, High, and Dist—are straightforward and allow you to dial in your preferred sound without any guesswork. The 9-volt power source, whether from a battery or adapter, ensures that you can use it in virtually any gigging or studio scenario.

I personally found the custom mode to be a game-changer when jamming with my band. It gave me a tighter low-end, which cut through the mix beautifully. The standard mode, meanwhile, was perfect for solo practice sessions where I wanted to recreate that vintage HM-2 vibe.

Areas of Concern

• Noisy operation at higher gain levels without a noise gate.
• Limited tonal range for genres outside of metal and rock.
• Price might deter beginners looking for a simple distortion pedal.

Product Rivals

When comparing this pedal to others like the Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff or the MXR Fullbore Metal, it’s clear that the Boss HM-2W stands in a league of its own for Swedish death metal enthusiasts. The Metal Muff, while versatile, doesn’t capture the same raw energy and iconic tone. The Fullbore Metal, on the other hand, offers more modern features like a built-in noise gate but lacks the character and history of the HM-2W.

One area where the Boss HM-2W excels is its analog circuitry, which provides a warmth and authenticity that digital pedals often struggle to replicate. However, if you’re looking for a pedal that can handle a variety of genres, the Fullbore Metal might be a better fit due to its broader tonal range.

Affordable Quality

When it comes to value for money, the Boss HM-2W feels like a worthy investment for any serious guitarist. Its premium build, iconic sound, and modern enhancements justify the price, especially for those who value authenticity and craftsmanship. While it might be overkill for beginners or those dabbling in softer genres, for metalheads and tone purists, this pedal is worth every penny.

Additional information