Tone library / Megadeth / Holy Wars... The Punishment Due

Holy Wars... The Punishment Due amp settings — Boss Katana Mini X

The Megadeth guitar tone for “Holy Wars... The Punishment Due”, dialed in for a Boss Katana Mini X with a Jackson JS32 King V. Studio version, Rust in Peace (1990)

Original rig

Marshall JCM800 2203 head, Jackson King V/Kelly with Seymour Duncan JB humbuckers, ISP Decimator noise gate

Tight, articulate high-gain thrash with scooped mids, aggressive pick attack, and cutting highs

Amp settings — Boss Katana Mini X

CHANNELBrown amp typeBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	5
Mid	4
Treble	7
Presence	6
Reverb	0
Master	7

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Noise Gate (RECOMMENDED — not currently owned)

RECOMMENDED — ISP Decimator or Boss NS-2 essential for clean stops between palm-muted riffs at this gain level. Without it, expect hum and feedback on pauses.

Threshold 6 · Decay 3

Why these settings

The Katana Mini X's Brown amp type voices a JCM800-style response, making it the correct starting point. Mids dropped to 4 (vs original's ~5) because the Katana's Brown voice is already mid-forward compared to the actual JCM800's natural scoop. Gain at 7 preserves pick articulation for fast alternate picking—pushing higher muddies palm mutes. Reverb at 0; the original recording is bone dry for maximum tightness.

PRO TIPYour JS32 King V with its stock high-output humbuckers is ideal for this tone. For the spider-riff sections, anchor your palm firmly near the bridge saddles and use strict downpicking with the pick angled slightly toward the neck—this produces Mustaine's characteristic 'chug' attack without flubby low end.

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These settings are for a Boss Katana Mini X. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.