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Dean Costello Audio Heavy Metal Warfare

Dean Costello Audio Heavy Metal Warfare

Find out who is using Dean Costello Heavy Metal Warfare

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Page last updated Apr 23, 2026

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Description

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Unleash the raw power of your guitar with the Dean Costello Audio Heavy Metal Warfare amplifier head. Crafted for the true metal enthusiast, this amplifier head delivers an aggressive tone that cuts through the mix with clarity and precision. Ideal for both studio sessions and live performances, it offers a high-gain circuit specifically engineered to capture the essence of heavy metal music.

The Heavy Metal Warfare is equipped with a versatile EQ section, allowing you to sculpt your sound to perfection. With its intuitive controls, you can easily dial in the perfect blend of treble, midrange, and bass frequencies. The amp head also includes a built-in effects loop, giving you the flexibility to integrate your favorite pedals seamlessly into your setup. For those who demand more from their gear, the Heavy Metal Warfare offers an enhanced tube-driven design that ensures a warm and dynamic response.

Whether you're crafting blistering solos or thick, crunchy rhythms, this amplifier head is built to deliver. Its rugged construction means it's ready to withstand the rigors of touring, while its sleek design adds a touch of style to any stage setup.

Key Features:

High-gain circuit optimized for metal genres
Versatile EQ section for customized tone shaping
Built-in effects loop for seamless pedal integration
Enhanced tube-driven design for warm, dynamic response
Robust construction suitable for touring musicians

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Dirty Demos

Dean Costello Audio - Heavy Metal Warfare Amplifier Demo/Playthrough

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dean Costello Audio Heavy Metal Warfare.

Comparisons

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Described as reminiscent of a Peavey 5150 or old Triple Rectifier, but with a looser feel and origins linked to a Sunn Model T design.
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When set tighter, the amp sounds similar to a boosted 5150/5153, but with a thicker, smoother attack akin to an Orange amp.
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User experience

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Owners with a 2x12 cab report specific settings that match closely with other users, suggesting a popular configuration pattern.
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Owners advocate for future improvements like front power switch placement and a footswitch for toggling between inputs and modes.
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Owners appreciate the amp’s aggressive midrange, particularly suited for fast-paced genres like grind, hardcore, and death metal.
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The amp is praised for its ability to deliver both clean and distorted tones, likened to a Hiwatt when set clean.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users have effectively used pickups that combine Super Distortion and Filtertron characteristics for an enhanced tonal experience.
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Suggested improvements include switching modes with a footswitch, a top handle, and a front power switch for user convenience.
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Use cases and applications

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The amp's volume is suitable for office setups when paired with an attenuator, indicating its flexibility in different environments.
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Works well with downtuned guitars; example setups include an Explorer with a Super Distortion pickup in standard tuning and an Epiphone Les Paul Custom with EMG 81+85 in C standard.
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The amp is versatile for genres like hardcore, grind, and death metal on aggressive settings, while looser settings suit sludgy tones.
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Features and functionality

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The amp is notably loud, prompting some owners to consider using an attenuator to manage volume in smaller spaces like offices.
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The amp has four modes allowing for a range from sparkly cleans to high gain, and the EQ controls offer a wide range of tonal adjustments.
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The amp includes an FX loop with an additional 12AX7 tube, enhancing its high-gain capabilities even at lower volume settings.
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An ABY switch can be used to alternate between the Hi and Low inputs for more tonal flexibility.
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Build quality

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Available in various shell options like maple, cherry, and ash, with users expressing preferences based on aesthetics.
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The hand-wired build quality is noted to be impeccable, comparable to high-end models like the EVH 5153.
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Kurt Ballou

Guitarist, Music Producer

Converge

Verified via Photo

Kurt Ballou uses the Dean Costello Audio Heavy Metal Warfare, as evidenced by a post from @godcitymusic on Instagram, which mentions "Robotic guitar mic adjustment for perfect phase alignment" and tags @deancostelloaudio.

Spencer Hazard

Guitarist

Full of Hell

Verified via Photo

"@deancostelloaudio rushed me this head because we go to the studio next week. We’ve used one on the last few records for Full of Hell and Eye Flys but I’m excited to finally own my own."

Taylor Young

Guitarist, Bassist

Nails

Verified via Instagram

Taylor Young confirmed on Instagram that he uses two Dean Costello Audio Heavy Metal Warfare amplifiers. In his post, he mentioned receiving a higher wattage version of the 50W HMW amp, stating, "It was easily the most used amp in the studio for 2022 so I had to have a higher wattage version."

Ethan Lee McCarthy

Singer, Guitarist

Primitive Man