The and are distortion pedals that have captured the interest of guitarists seeking heavy, aggressive tones within metal and hard rock genres. Known for blending high gain tones with unique tonal character, the Northern Mauler pedal is part of Revv Amplification’s signature series, developed in collaboration with Canadian metal engineer Glenn Fricker. This pedal is designed to inject fierce distortion and character into a guitar rig, offering players control and versatility in shaping their sound. Its dual-circuit design and tonal flexibility make it a notable choice for musicians who want to add depth and aggression to their guitar tones without losing clarity or definition.
What is the Northern Mauler Pedal?
The Northern Mauler is a guitar distortion effects pedal created by Revv Amplification, combining two distinct distortion circuits in a single stompbox. It integrates a custom high gain ampvoiced circuit with a chainsawinspired distortion that pays homage to the classic Swedish chainsaw tone associated with underground metal. This pedal is built to deliver a wide range of high gain and grindy tones, allowing guitarists to dial in anything from tight, punchy distortion to fuzzy, aggressive mayhem. The design and sound character reflect input from gear designer and metal tone expert Glenn Fricker, making it appealing to players looking for a signature distortion experience.
Origins and Inspiration
The Northern Mauler was inspired by the iconic heavy distortion sounds found in Swedish death metal and the classic BOSS HM2 style tone. Revv combined this classic chainsaw sound with its own modern high gain amp tone to create a hybrid pedal that can achieve extreme distortion while retaining clarity and responsiveness. This makes the Northern Mauler suitable for both rhythm and lead playing in aggressive music styles, including metal, hardcore, and heavy rock.
Key Features and Controls
The Northern Mauler is designed with a variety of controls that allow players to shape their tone precisely. Its dualcircuit structure provides flexibility and versatility on stage or in the studio.
Distortion Circuits
There are two main sections within this pedal the high gain amp circuit and the aggressive chainsaw circuit. The amp circuit offers a modern metal tone with tight low end and defined mids, while the chainsaw circuit delivers a gritty, fuzzy distortion reminiscent of classic heavy genres. A blend control lets players mix between these circuits or use them together, creating layered distortion textures.
Tone Shaping Knobs
- Tone controls such as treble, mids, and bass for the amp circuit
- Bite and Growl controls for the chainsaw section, adjusting high and low frequency character
- Blend control for combining the two distortion personalities
- Giv’r (gain) and master volume for adjusting saturation and output level
These controls allow guitarists to finetune how much each circuit contributes to the overall sound, offering everything from subtle grit to fullon distortion.
Sound and Performance
The Northern Mauler pedal is known for its aggressive and characterful distortion tones. Guitarists aiming for heavy riffs, palmmuted chugs, or thick lead tones will find the pedal’s dual circuits compatible with a variety of metal styles. The classic Swedish chainsaw component contributes a raw, buzzing distortion that can be blended with a tighter modern amp circuit to achieve a rich and layered sound. Whether used with high gain amplifiers or plugged directly into audio interfaces for recording, the Northern Mauler can deliver impactful tones without requiring excessive EQ adjustments.
Versatility Across Genres
Although designed with metal tones in mind, the Northern Mauler’s flexibility allows it to be used in other genres where distortion and character are valued. Rock, punk, and hardcore players may also enjoy the pedal’s aggressive tonal palette. The ability to blend circuits means a player can dial back the chainsaw fuzz for cleaner gain or push it forward for heavier, saturated textures.
Usability and Setup
Setting up the Northern Mauler is simple for guitarists familiar with pedals and stompboxes. It operates on a standard 9V power supply and features true bypass circuitry, ensuring that the signal remains clear when the pedal is disengaged. Users can place it early in their effects chain for primary distortion use or combine it with other effects to sculpt a personalized sound.
Ideal Placement in a Signal Chain
- Early in the chain for primary distortion before modulation effects
- Before timebased effects like delay or reverb for classic distortion layering
- Combined with boost pedals for solos or added saturation
These setups can help guitarists achieve more nuanced and expressive performances, making the pedal suitable for both live and studio environments.
Benefits for Guitarists
The Northern Mauler offers several advantages for players interested in heavy tones and expressive distortion options. It gives users a broad tonal range from classic fuzzinspired sounds to modern high gain distortion. The dualcircuit approach makes it possible to craft tones that are both aggressive and clear, which is useful for cutting through a band mix. Additionally, the pedal’s controls provide finetuning capabilities, letting musicians shape their sound without relying solely on amplifier settings.
Creative Sound Design
- Dual circuits allow blending of different distortion personalities
- Tone shaping controls for tailored frequency response
- Suitable for diverse metal and rock subgenres
- True bypass preserves original signal when off
Considerations Before Buying
While the Northern Mauler is a powerful pedal, prospective users should consider how it fits into their existing setup. Guitarists should assess whether they want a pedal focused on high gain and fuzzy distortion rather than milder overdrive styles. Because the pedal leans toward aggressive tones, it may not be the first choice for players seeking subtle warmth or bluesdriven overdrive. However, for those interested in heavy rock and metal tones with a unique character, the Northern Mauler represents an exciting option.
What to Test
- Blend knob range and how it affects overall tone
- Interaction with different amplifier types
- Response to guitar pickups and playing style
- Use with other effects for broader tonal options
The Northern Mauler distortion pedal stands out as a distinct and creative piece of gear for guitarists interested in heavy and characterrich sounds. By combining a high gain ampvoiced circuit with a chainsawinspired distortion section, it offers a wide tonal palette that can be tailored to individual preferences. Its usability, robust controls, and ability to blend tones make it a versatile choice for metal and rock musicians. Whether for live performance or studio use, the Northern Mauler provides an expressive and powerful distortion experience that encourages exploration and experimentation in guitar tone shaping.