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Danelectro Black Liquorice Beyond Metal Distortion and Octivider

 

Danelectro Beyond Metal reviewed by The Man in the Jar  

Features of the Danelectro Beyond Metal

Construction - This is a tough little moulded black plastic case. The small size of the unit dictates the small size of the knobs. A chunky plastic sleeve (not illustrated) can be fitted over the top half of the unit to protect the knobs from being stepped on on-stage, this would normally be removed for home or studio use.

Ins and Outs - Standard jack in and jack out.

Power - One 9 volt battery or optional dc power transformer.

Controls - Level knob and Bass knob with a micro-switch to turn the octave on and off. There's a red LED to indicate the unit is engaged (but you're going to notice when it's on, believe me) and a discreet circular footswitch to knock the thing in and out of line.

 

Sound of the Danelectro Beyond Metal

This unit should be sold with a small cage to keep it in when you're not using it. Turn the Level down and set the Bass switch to "off" before you turn it on for the first time! The gain available from this little pedal is enormous. During my test I never took it above halfway out of respect for the neighbours! Having set the level at 12 o'clock I was happily pulling out all the Metal and Beyond Metal sounds I needed. And that was with the Godin's single coils.
I noticed the Black Liquorice is not as forgiving as some distortion units and requires a higher degree of control with the fretting hand to maintain a fluid sound. Clearly played single note runs and two string power chords will give you the most rewards.
The Ace in the Hole is the Octivider. Flick the switch and the unit replicates the note you are playing an octave below your input pitch. The mix of the two is controlled by the Bass knob. Once again I found the 12 o'clock position on the Bass knob to be my favourite. Here it added a deep and menacing bottom end which didn't threaten to overpower the original overdriven note. Perfect for those threatening low string riffs served up on classic Sabbath tracks (anyone remember Supernaut? That's exactly the sound!). Again, cleanly played single notes are the rule.   

 

Overall Impressions of the Danelectro Beyond Metal

Danelectro make no secrets about the intent behind this effects pedal. It is called Beyond Metal for a reason. So if you think you're hard enough to venture Beyond Metal, you'll find something to suit your evil desires here. 
I've actually bought one simply on the strength that it allows me to add "Supernaut" to our set. And I think that's the best way to approach the Black Liquorice, as an additional tool in the armoury to be whipped out whenever excessive force is the order of the day. There may be a guitarist out there somewhere who'll use this unit as the basis for his whole sound - I certainly wouldn't like to meet that gentleman in a dark alley.  

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