The Review
In the vast pantheon of distortion pedals, few possess a legacy as distinct, as infamous, and as brutally effective as the BOSS HM-2. To call it just another distortion pedal is a profound understatement. It is an institution, a cultural artifact, and the singular weapon responsible for birthing the iconic Swedish death metal sound of the early 1990s.
From Arena Rock to Apocalyptic Soundscapes
Introduced in 1983, the HM-2 was BOSS's answer to the high-gain demands of '80s metal: Distortion and Level controls plus a powerful, interactive EQ for extreme tonal shaping. Its true destiny was discovered in Stockholm's Sunlight Studio, where producer Tomas Skogsberg and bands like Entombed, Dismember, and Grave ran every guitar track through an HM-2 with every knob dimed to 10.
The result was the buzzsaw - a wall of furious, chainsaw-like distortion that was somehow both incredibly abrasive and musically cohesive. It became the undisputed voice of Swedish death metal.
More Than Just the Buzzsaw
All knobs maxed produces a suffocating blanket of distortion: massive, woolly lows, screaming nasal mids, and a sheet of metallic, grinding fuzz on top. But back off the settings and a world of tones opens up.
For doom and sludge, crank the Bass and Distortion but roll the Treble back to 2-3 o'clock. For punk and hardcore, boost the Mids and Treble with the Bass around noon. For thrash and stoner rock, keep the Distortion at 9-12 o'clock for a gritty, overdrive-like crunch with a nasty edge.
Build and Practicality
Like all BOSS compact pedals, the HM-2 is built like a tank - its metal casing withstands decades of touring, beer spills, and being kicked across stages. Standard 9V power and a simple layout mean no menu-diving, just pure, immediate tonal mayhem.
The Verdict
The HM-2 is not for everyone. It will not deliver the tight, silent, polished distortion of a modern high-gain preamp - that is not its purpose. Its purpose is character, texture, and raw, unfiltered power. Revered by doom bands, death metal purists, and noise-rockers alike, it remains as relevant today as it was 30 years ago.
Watch the Review
TIGA Magazine Volume 5
This gear review is featured in Volume 5 of TIGA Magazine, alongside Vamsi Nath, reviews of the Ibanez Fireman and the Blackstar Polar Go, and a celebration of Onam through music.