BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone

The BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone pedal is an incredibly versatile and powerful stompbox.  It features a 3 band equalizer, dual gain circuits, and buffered bypass.  It isn't true bypass like DeltaLab effects, but buffered bypass has its advantages.  Namely, it allows for long cables to be used without signal loss.  The equalizer is very powerful.  It allows one to adjust the highs, lows, mids, and the mid range.  Having control over the mid range is a huge feature because it allows for unique tone shaping and control for alternate tunings.  BOSS advertises that the dual gain circuits "create a wall of distortion and sustain like a stack of overdriven amps".  I find that the dual gain circuits allow for me to use the pedal for a wide variety of musical styles, although it isn't quite as versatile as some of the other distortion pedals I own.  I can create tones ranging from classic rock (like Boston) to modern metal (like Megadeth).  Really, the only tone I have trouble creating with this pedal is a bluesy, slightly broken up tone.  The advertised sustain is definitely present, as is the ability to create scorching distortion.  As I play mostly metal, this is definitely a great pedal for my collection.  In addition, I find that pinch harmonics are easy to hit and sustain for a long time.  I've read other reviews that say that this pedal makes all guitars sound cheap, but my take on it is just the opposite.  I tried it with cheap guitars with cheap pickups and got good tone.  I tried it again with expensive guitars with nice pickups and got incredible tone.  This pedal is highly recommended for fans of metal, huge sustain, and tonal versatility.

DeltaLab SC1 Stereo Chorus

The DeltaLab SC1 Stereo Chorus is a solidly built, true-bypass stereo chorus pedal.  It has three simple controls: Rate, Depth, and Level.  They are all pretty self explanatory.  Rate controls the speed of the chorus  sweep, Depth controls how wide the sweeps are, and Level controls how much chorus you will hear in your signal.  The only other control is the on/off switch, which is very solid and has very positive operation.  The LED flashes in time with the Rate control, which is a nice bonus feature so one has a visual reference on how fast the chorus sweep is.  One quirk that this pedal has is that the second (stereo) output is only active when the effect is active, going dead when in bypass mode.  It isn't a defect, but it is different from other chorus pedals that I have used.  I put it in my effects chain just after my DeltaLab MD1 Metal Distortion.  If set subtly, the SC1 provides a thickening of the distortion and allows for epic harmonics and sustain sounds.  Played clean, the SC1 can provide anything from a deep, light sweep to a speedy warble that really has mostly novelty use.  It falls in the middle as far as how powerful the effect is when compared to others that I have used.  Not too much and not too little.  And the price is right.  I paid only $44 for mine.  Highly recommended for jazz, thickening distortion, and shimmering clean sounds.

Ukon Wacka - Korpiklaani

Korpiklaani is a Finnish folk metal band that I just love.  Their music is high energy, fun, and always technically proficient.  Their 2011 offering Ukon Wacka is entirely in Finnish, unlike many of their other albums that include English songs as well.  It is a spectacular album from beginning to end.  Korpiklaani (which means "forest clan" in Finnish) have several videos on YouTube that are all excellent.  Most come from different albums.  Recommended are "Tequila" from Ukon Wacka, "Vodka" from Karkelo, and "Keep on Galloping" from Korven Kuningas.  Korpiklaani is highly recommended for fans of folk metal, upbeat hard rock, and party music.