Audiority Klirrton Grindstein is a virtual guitar preamp plugin designed to capture the essence of Swedish death metal’s iconic “chainsaw” sound. Developed in collaboration with Klirrton Manufaktur and producer Kristian Kohle from Kohlekeller Studio, this plugin is an official analog-modeled simulation of their ultimate death metal preamp. The Grindstein suite includes three main components: the Grindstein preamp, the Schnauze noise gate, and the Fleisch equalizer. This powerful combination aims to deliver the aggressive, raw, and unpolished tones that defined the 90s Swedish death metal scene while offering modern clarity and flexibility. The plugin’s interface is divided into clearly labeled sections, making navigation intuitive for users. With its dual-channel design, the Grindstein preamp allows for blending a standard metal distortion with a grittier, more extreme distortion characteristic of the HM2 pedal sound. This unique approach enables users to craft a wide range of tones, from classic Swedish death metal to more contemporary heavy guitar sounds.
Pros:
• Authentic recreation of the Swedish “chainsaw” sound with modern clarity
• Unique dual-channel design for blending different distortion types
• Flexible routing options, including a side-chain “fx loop” for integrating other amp sims
• Comprehensive suite including preamp, noise gate, and equalizer
• Well-designed, user-friendly interface with clearly labeled sections
Cons:
• Learning curve for optimal use of all features and controls
• Full price may be considered high for some users
Klirrton Grindstein’s feature set is extensive and tailored specifically for metal producers and guitarists seeking extreme distortion tones. At its core, the Grindstein preamp offers two parallel distortion channels. The first channel provides a more standard metal distortion, while the second channel delivers the gnarlier, more aggressive tones associated with the classic Swedish death metal sound. This dual-channel approach allows users to blend these two distortion types to taste, creating a unique tonal palette that can range from vintage HM2-style sounds to more modern, refined distortions.
Preamp section’s controls include gain, volume, and tone-shaping parameters for each channel. While the layout might initially seem complex, users quickly adapt to the workflow, allowing for precise sculpting of their desired sound. The ability to blend these two distortion types is a standout feature, offering a level of tonal control that is rare in other guitar plugins.
One of the most innovative features of the Grindstein is its side-chain “fx loop” switch. This function allows users to integrate any other amp sim or effect into the signal chain, effectively expanding the plugin’s tonal possibilities beyond its built-in sounds. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to combine the unique characteristics of the Grindstein with their existing favorite amp simulations.
The Schnauze noise gate is an integral part of the Grindstein suite, designed to tame the high-gain sounds produced by the preamp. It offers precise control over noise reduction, essential for maintaining clarity in high-gain settings typical of death metal tones. The gate’s parameters are easily adjustable, allowing users to find the perfect balance between sustain and noise suppression.
Complementing the preamp and noise gate is the Fleisch equalizer. This EQ section provides additional tonal shaping capabilities, allowing users to fine-tune their sound further. It offers a range of frequency adjustments tailored specifically for heavy guitar tones, helping to cut through dense mixes or add extra body to the sound as needed.
The plugin’s user interface deserves special mention. Audiority has implemented a clear and intuitive layout, with different sections of the plugin easily accessible via labeled dots at the bottom of the interface. This design choice enhances the user experience, making it easy to navigate between the preamp, noise gate, and EQ sections.
In terms of presets, the Grindstein comes with a solid selection that showcases the plugin’s versatility. These presets cover a range of metal subgenres and provide excellent starting points for users to explore the plugin’s capabilities. However, the true strength of the Grindstein lies in its potential for customization, encouraging users to experiment and create their unique tones.
While the learning curve might be steep for some users, and the full price point could be considered high, the Grindstein offers unparalleled control over a specific type of guitar tone that is highly sought after in certain metal circles. Its side-chain feature adds significant value, allowing integration with other plugins and expanding its versatility beyond its core sound.
When compared to similar plugins in the metal guitar processing realm, the Klirrton Grindstein stands out for its specific focus on the Swedish death metal sound. While many guitar amp simulators aim for versatility across multiple genres, the Grindstein unapologetically targets a niche sound and executes it exceptionally well. Its closest competitors might include other high-gain amp simulators or pedal emulations like those from Neural DSP, STL Tones, or specific HM2-style pedal emulations. However, the Grindstein’s unique dual-channel approach and its integration of preamp, noise gate, and EQ in a cohesive package set it apart. Unlike more general-purpose amp sims that might offer cleaner tones alongside high-gain options, the Grindstein is laser-focused on delivering extreme distortion. This specialization allows it to excel in its intended use case, offering a level of authenticity and character that more generalist plugins might struggle to match in this specific sonic territory. The side-chain feature also gives it an edge in terms of flexibility, allowing it to complement rather than compete with other amp sims in a user’s arsenal.
This plugin is best for:
• Death metal producers and guitarists seeking authentic Swedish “chainsaw” tones
• Musicians looking to blend classic extreme metal sounds with modern production techniques
• Producers who need a specialized tool for crafting unique, aggressive guitar tones
• Guitarists experimenting with extreme distortion sounds in various metal subgenres
• Users who appreciate plugins with a specific focus and deep customization options
Audiority Klirrton Grindstein is a highly specialized plugin that excels in delivering the iconic Swedish death metal guitar tone while offering modern flexibility and clarity. Its unique dual-channel preamp design, coupled with a comprehensive noise gate and equalizer, provides users with a powerful tool for crafting extreme metal guitar sounds. The plugin’s strength lies in its ability to produce authentic, aggressive tones that capture the essence of classic death metal while allowing for modern production standards. For metal producers, guitarists, and enthusiasts of extreme guitar tones, the Klirrton Grindstein represents a valuable addition to their plugin arsenal. It fills a niche that many other guitar plugins don’t fully address, making it an essential tool for those seeking to recreate or reimagine the Swedish death metal sound. Whether used as a primary tone-shaping tool or as a unique flavor to blend with other amp simulations, the Grindstein offers a level of authenticity and character that is hard to find elsewhere in the digital realm.