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Average Price: $219

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$80

$181+

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Description

Unleash the raw, untamed power of the Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa, a distortion pedal that channels the spirit of legendary Swedish Death Metal tones and takes them to the next level. Inspired by the iconic HM-2 pedal and the revered Breathe//Die, the Medusa is a sonic serpent ready to strike with its dual switchable gain stages, allowing players to toggle between classic chainsaw distortion and a modern, mid-focused assault.

At the heart of the Medusa lies an intricate tapestry of tonal sculpting tools. The pedal is equipped with a 4-band EQ, featuring parametric mids and a high shelf filter, ensuring every note cuts through the mix with precision. Lichtlaerm's proprietary Cut control tightens up the lower frequencies, making it ideal for punchy palm mutes and rhythm work. Whether you’re playing in drop tunings or wielding an extended-range instrument, the Medusa promises to deliver razor-sharp articulation.

With an integrated parallel FX loop and polarity switch, the Medusa invites experimentation, allowing you to blend its ferocious distortion with other effects or even a clean signal. The full Blackmer-VCA noise gate ensures your sound remains pristine, even at the highest gain settings. As a testament to its prowess, the Medusa doesn't just replicate the HM-2; it redefines it, offering flexibility and depth few pedals can match.

For musicians seeking a distortion pedal that not only echoes the past but also paves the way for new sonic territories, the Medusa is a formidable ally.

Key Features:

  • High-output distortion inspired by Swedish Death Metal
  • Dual switchable gain stages: classic and modern
  • 4-band EQ with parametric mids and shelving Presence filter
  • Proprietary Cut control for tight low-end
  • Full Blackmer-VCA noise gate
  • Parallel FX loop with polarity switch

Owner's manual

Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa User Manual

Product specs

Power 9V
Bypass true bypass
Analog/Digital analog
Science of Loud

Science of Loud

BRUTAL HM-2 You've ALL Been Asking For | Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa

Video thumbnail for BRUTAL HM-2 You've ALL Been Asking For | Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa by Science of Loud

BRUTAL HM-2 You've ALL Been Asking For | Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa

Science of Loud

Science of Loud

Video thumbnail for Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa Pedal - Keith and Simon play Nightmarer, Hammer of Desolation by Keith Merrow

Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa Pedal - Keith and Simon play Nightmarer, Hammer of Desolation

Keith Merrow

Keith Merrow

Video thumbnail for Ultimate HM-2 "Clone"? Unleash Your Inner CHAINSAW! (Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa) by Sonic Drive Studio

Ultimate HM-2 "Clone"? Unleash Your Inner CHAINSAW! (Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa)

Sonic Drive Studio

Sonic Drive Studio

Video thumbnail for They Perfected yet another BRUTAL classic!?!  Lichtlaerm MEDUSA by Kyle Bull

They Perfected yet another BRUTAL classic!?! Lichtlaerm MEDUSA

Kyle Bull

Kyle Bull

Video thumbnail for Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa - the next step in the evolution of the HM-2 ( with breathe//die ) by The Interface

Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa - the next step in the evolution of the HM-2 ( with breathe//die )

The Interface

The Interface

Video thumbnail for The HM-2 Fully Evolved | MEDUSA by Lichtlaerm Audio by Leon Todd

The HM-2 Fully Evolved | MEDUSA by Lichtlaerm Audio

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for The BEST HM-2 variant on the market! Lichtlaerm Audio MEDUSA by Fuzzed Drones

The BEST HM-2 variant on the market! Lichtlaerm Audio MEDUSA

Fuzzed Drones

Fuzzed Drones

Video thumbnail for A worthy Heir? Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa vs Boss HM-2 (The Chainsaw Files) by Dome

A worthy Heir? Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa vs Boss HM-2 (The Chainsaw Files)

Dome

Dome

Video thumbnail for Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa Death Metal Chainsaw by Metalhead Productions

Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa Death Metal Chainsaw

Metalhead Productions

Metalhead Productions

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Guitar Pedal X - GPX Blog - Lichtlaerm Audio's latest masterpiece is its visceral Medusa Death Metal take on the venerable Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal Distortion

guitarpedalx.com

The Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa is an aggressive distillation of the Boss HM-2, enhanced with modern versatility. Sporting 12 controls, its standout features include a Modern/Classic Mode switch, offering both classic and beefed-up voicings. The pedal excels in delivering a brutal, discordant sound, enriched by twin peak frequencies. While the complex controls may overwhelm some, they provide a remarkable range of tonal shaping. The Medusa stands out in a trifecta with Lichtlaerm’s Altar and Gehenna, offering unique timbres and flexibility for heavy metal enthusiasts. Despite its niche appeal, it's praised for its exceptional quality and value, particularly for a high-gain pedal.

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Artist usage

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See how Thomas Jäger uses Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa

Thomas Jäger

Singer, Guitarist

Monolord

...
Verified via YouTube

In the "Monolord Gear Rundown" video by Metalhead Productions, Thomas Jäger confirms that his main pedal is the Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa distortion, describing it as a clone of the BOSS HM-2.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    Gear IQ 14666