How to Dial In "Time Is Black" by Arch Enemy - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Time Is Black"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From War Eternal (2014). Melodic death metal with a heavy, mid-tempo groove, galloping riffs and soaring leads. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so an ESP LTD EC-1000 through a Marshall JVM410H stands in. Use the bridge pickup and set the amp for a tight, high-gain tone. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Time Is Black" Tone
What guitar did Arch Enemy use on "Time Is Black"?
The guitar on "Time Is Black" (released 2014) isn't documented; the ESP LTD EC-1000 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Time Is Black" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 4.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 7.5. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Time Is Black" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Time Is Black" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Time Is Black" by Arch Enemy are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.