KMA Machines Guardian of the Wurm Metal Distortion Pedal with Noise Gate

The KMA Machines Guardian of the Wurm is a boutique distortion pedal designed specifically for heavy metal and high-gain guitar tones. Drawing inspiration from classic distortion circuits while incorporating modern innovations, this hand-built German pedal delivers the aggressive 'chainsaw' sound associated with Swedish death metal alongside versatile tone-shaping capabilities. Its integrated Blackmer VCA-based noise gate ensures tight, articulate playing even at extreme gain settings by minimising background hiss and unwanted noise. The pedal features a highly configurable 4-band active EQ with variable centre frequencies, allowing precise sculpting from mid-scooped textures to gritty, in-your-face distortion. A clean blend control preserves the natural core tone by mixing in unprocessed signal, maintaining pick attack and clarity when used with already overdriven amplifiers. Three clipping modes—Silicon (Si), Asymmetric (A-S), and OFF—offer different compression characteristics, from smooth, harmonic-rich leads to less compressed distortions ideal for baritone or bass guitars. Designed for flexibility, the Guardian of the Wurm includes an FX loop between the distortion and noise gate sections for inserting additional effects, plus an external trigger input for creative noise gate control. It suits guitarists seeking vintage-inspired high-gain sounds with modern reliability and noise reduction, making it practical for both studio recording and live performance where tight, defined distortion is essential.