Godsmack is a heavy metal band that was formed in Lawrence, MA, in 1995. Their styles range from heavy metal to hard rock and they are considered post-grunge. Their lineup includes songwriter and singer Sully Ema, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill, and drummer Shannon Larkin. In their career, they have had three consecutive number one albums, and 20 top-ten radio hits.

Lead singer and occasional guitarist Sully Ema has a deep and rich baritone drawl. One will need a very deep voice in order to replicate his vocals. He does not have a broad range, and much of his vocal style is in the lower register. Occasionally Ema plays rhythm guitar and drums in the studio and in live performances. His guitars include Gibson Les Paul and Takamine acoustic guitars, and uses Marshall, Diezel, and Mesa amplification. When he plays drums, he uses a Yamaha Oak Custom kit, with Sabian cymbals and Vic Firth sticks.

Lead guitarist Tony Rombola uses a variety of guitars, effects, and amplification for Godsmack’s crunchy, distorted sound. Some of his guitars include a Gibson Les Paul, a McNaught, a double-neck acoustic Ovation, a Takamine acoustic, and a Yamaha acoustic. For amplification, Rombola uses Splawn amplifiers and cabs, EVH 5150III amplifiers, and Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifiers. For effects, Tony uses a Boss NS-2, an Ashly PQX-571 7-band parametric equalizer, Dunlop Cry Baby pedals, a Dunlop Cry Baby Rack Wah, and a Boss DD-3 digital delay. This is not an all-exclusive list of the 20-plus effects that Rombolo uses, but to replicate his sound, a big amplification system will be needed with a lot of effects. A good handling of power chords and acoustic playing is also necessary.

Bassist Robbie Merrill uses strictly a Bass Spector Euro 4LX-35 bass, which is usually tuned down to drop D or drop C. Much of Godsmack’s music is in this register. For effects, he uses a Line 6 Bass PODxt, and for amplification, he uses a Fusion 550 amp and a NEO412 cabinet. The Line 6 Bass POD is crucial to Merrill’s distorted sound.

Drummer Shannon Larkin uses a Yamaha Oak Custom drum kit, with a Toca timbale, a Yamaha electronic drum pad, with Sabian cymbals and Remo heads. He also uses Vic Firth drumsticks. As opposed to other heavy metal bands, Larkin does not favor double-pedal footwork, and instead relies on his Toca timbale. He is well regarded as an excellent drummer.

To sound like Godsmack, a lot of equipment and effects will be needed for the distortion and general loudness of the band. A deep-voiced lead singer is also a must. Intermediate musical knowledge will be required, such as tuning and scales, but it can definitely be done!

Keep Rockin’!!!
Godsmack by _Tony_B taken on November 5, 2006
Godsmack by MPR529 taken on September 23, 2006
Gibson Les Paul by Hooktown taken on January 28, 2008
Yamaha Oak Custom by Rob Stillwell taken on July 18, 2009