Having two lead guitarists is something you rarely see in the industrial metal world. If you look at the classic industrial bands (Gravity Kills, Stabbing Westward, Filter, Nine Inch Nails), the keyboardist takes center stage, with the guitars always taking a supporting role. Pressure Plate have managed to stand out from those bands by bucking this trend, with the synthesizers adding atmosphere while the guitars weave together a lush soundscape of melodic noise.

Pressure Plate founding guitarist Mike Van Goren and newcomer Christina Polito, who joined while the band were working on their major label debut, Wheels of Fire, use very similar rigs. "We're both using ESP seven-string guitars and Mesa/Boogie amplifiers", says Van Goren. "For effects, we're using Digitech GFX1101 preamps, TC Electronics Ditto X2 loopers, VHT V-Drive distortion pedals, Eventide Harmonizers, and Morley wahs, with Shure wireless systems. For switching, we recently started using the Voodoo Labs Ground Control units. They're simple, and they don't alter the sound of the effects chain."

Polito's rack also includes a rather unique effect: the Electro-Harmonix B9 Organ Machine. "I also play keyboards some of the time, so I say that pedal as another way to bring that out live without having to deal with guitar synths, which are notorious for latency problems, and without having to be tied down to one part of the stage all night. My tech can change the settings from offstage, and I can play all the keyboard parts I usually play without having to stand in front of a stack of synths."

Pick up Pressure Plate's latest album, Wheels of Fire, in stores now.
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