Boss HM-2W Heavy Metal Waza Craft

Boss HM-2W Heavy Metal Waza Craft - Distortion Pedal - Made in Japan!

The BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal was produced from 1983 to 1991 and remains a legend among distortion pedals. All knobs turned to max - that’s how the signature sound was born, inseparably linked to Swedish death metal. But even in "softer" settings, the HM-2 shines on countless mainstream and shoegaze tracks. Now the time has finally come: after three decades, the legendary stompbox is reissued in a special Waza Craft edition. The HM-2W delivers the authentic analog tone of the original, enhanced with numerous modern features and details for even better performance.

Death Metal Legend

When it launched in 1983, the HM-2 was one of the first pedals ever to pack a full amplifier into a stompbox format. With its innovative BOSS circuitry, the HM-2 reproduced the sound of early ’80s British stack amps, which were favored in the emerging metal scene. Toward the end of its production, influential Swedish death metal bands chose the HM-2 to shape their core guitar tones—instantly making its uniquely aggressive sound with powerful mids the ideal for a new generation of guitarists. Due to its massive influence and popularity, calls for a reissue of the pedal grew louder and louder.

Standard Mode: The Original HM-2 Sound

In Standard Mode, the sound and response of the original HM-2 are reproduced 100% authentically. Thanks to careful modern optimizations, BOSS was able to reduce the noise floor and increase the maximum level by 3 dB without affecting the tone. Additionally, the high-quality Waza Craft buffers ensure improved sound quality in bypass mode. All knobs turned to max—that’s the sound of Swedish death metal. By adjusting the precise controls for distortion and color, you also get a wide variety of sounds suitable for other genres.

Even More Aggression in Custom Mode

The Custom Mode of the HM-2W offers the same tonal characteristics as Standard Mode but cranks everything up a notch. The drive stage delivers more gain for extra foundation, attack, and bite. Plus, the low and high mids are adjusted to provide more fullness and definition.

Orange & Black Are Back

Besides the original HM-2 sound, BOSS has kept the pedal’s unmistakable orange-black design, down to the size and placement of the lettering on the control surface. Every Waza Craft pedal features a mode switch for extended versatility. On the HM-2W, this switch is moved to the top to preserve the authentic HM-2 knob layout.

Waza Craft: The Art of Superior Tone

From the start, BOSS developers aimed to craft the best guitar tones using everything from analog vintage circuits to high-tech DSP processing. The Waza Craft series embodies this passion, offering extraordinary tonal and playing qualities based on carefully selected analog components, optimized circuits, and meticulous attention to detail. The Japanese term "Waza" means "art and technique"—a fitting symbol for these special edition pedals as the spearhead of modern BOSS development and craftsmanship.

The Return of a Metal Legend!