How to Dial In "Heart of Darkness" by Black Label Society - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Heart of Darkness"
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 Catacombs of the Black Vatican (2014). Catacombs of the Black Vatican is the ninth studio album by American heavy metal band Black Label Society. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Black Label Society's other songs from Catacombs of the Black Vatican, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Heart of Darkness" Tone
What guitar did Black Label Society use on "Heart of Darkness"?
The guitar on "Heart of Darkness" (released 2014) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Heart of Darkness" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. 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 "Heart of Darkness" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Heart of Darkness" 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 "Heart of Darkness" by Black Label Society are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.