Get any high-gain tone, from crunch to crushing!
The Heavy Menace is the most versatile distortion pedal Empress has ever created.
It’s an evolution of their beloved Heavy, with new features and a compact enclosure.
In addition to the original Heavy and Heavier modes, the Heavy Menace adds a new Lite(ish) mode, covering any high-gain sound from classic hard rock to searing modern metal.
This stompbox's 3-band EQ is as versatile as all get-out, with a sweepable midrange that really takes it over the top. You also get a Weight knob that tweaks the character of your low end.
A footswitchable noise gate and switchable true/buffered bypass add the final touches to this versatile dirt box.
No matter what high-gain sound you're aiming for, classic hard rock to searing modern metal, the Heavy Menace is destined to become a staple on your board!
Three modes of menace!
The Heavy Menace pedal includes a 3-way toggle that select between Heavy, Heavier, and Lite(ish) modes.
Heavy and Heavier, which are culled from Empress' popular Heavy distortion pedal, cover every high-gain tone you could want. If it's metal tones you're after, it's metal tones you'll get!
The Heavy Menace also includes a new Lite(ish) mode that delivers a muscular hard-rock wallop intended for mellow(er) occasions.
Über-flexible EQ!
The 3-band EQ on the Empress Heavy Menace is among the most flexible on the market.
For starters, you get standard Low and High knobs, both of which boast usable gain sweeps.
Beyond that, you also get a Mid knob, which is sweepable from 200Hz to 2.5kHz, for really dialing in your midrange.
Midrange is the key element to killer high-gain tone, and the Heavy Menace tackles it with 100% assurance!
This distortion also includes a Weight control that adjusts a highpass filter in the distortion circuit to shape your low-end character.
From thick, mid-heavy chugging to tight, scooped riffage to aggressive leads, the Heavy Menace is your ticket to high-gain perdition!
Footswitchable noise gate.
The Heavy Menace's built-in noise gate takes everything you love about the Heavy's gate and amplifies it to the nth degree.
First of all, the Heavy Menace's gate is footswitchable, with an adjustable threshold and two available operating modes.
In normal bypass mode, the gate doesn't affect the signal if the distortion is off, while independent bypass mode is like having separate distortion and gate stompboxes.
You also get a key input, enabling you to trigger the gate with an external signal: a must-have feature if you stack lower-gain pedals before the Heavy Menace in your signal chain.
Empress Heavy Menace Distortion features:
• The most versatile distortion Empress has ever created!
• Three versatile distortion modes.
• Footswitchable noise gate.
• Three-band EQ with sweepable mid frequency.
• Weight control to sculpt low frequency response.
• True bypass or buffered bypass.
• Power: 9-12V DC.
• Current Draw: 250mA.
• Dimensions: 2.5" X 4.8" X 2.6".
Specs
| Type | Distortion |
| Condition | New |
| Power | 9-12V DC |
| Current Draw | 250mA |
| Power supply included | No |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 2 years |
| Country of Origin | Canada |
FREE SHIPPING
- Free shipping within Canada.
- Free shipping to the USA.
- Free shipping on international orders over 520$.
Visit the Shipping page for more.
Fast Delivery
- Canada : 1 - 2 business days
- USA : 1 - 2 business days
- Rest of the world: 3 - 5 business days.
Hassle-Free Returns
You have 45 days to test your new gear. If you choose to return it, we’ll send a full refund. It’s that simple: no bogus restocking fees or charges.
Visit the Returns page for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I tell if an item is in stock? +
Each product page shows an availability status.
• In stock items are ready to ship.
• Out of stock items are currently unavailable.
You can enter your email to be notified when an item is back in stock.
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Where are you located? +
We’re based in Blainville, Quebec, Canada.
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When will my order ship? +
Orders placed before 12 PM EST ship the same business day.
Tracking details are sent shortly after purchase.
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How much does shipping cost? +
Most orders ship free to Canada and the US.
International orders ship free on purchases over $520 CAD.
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Which shipping methods do you use? +
Orders ship via UPS Expedited by default.
For faster delivery, you can select UPS Express Saver at checkout.
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How long does shipping take? +
Typical delivery times are:
• Canada: 2–3 business days with UPS Expedited, 1 business day with UPS Express Saver
• USA: 2–3 business days with UPS Expedited, 1 business day with UPS Express Saver
• International: 3–5 business days with UPS Expedited, 2–3 business days with UPS Express Saver
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Which payment methods do you accept? +
We accept all major credit cards and PayPal.
Financing options are available through Klarna and RBC PayPlan.
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Do Canadian customers pay sales tax? +
Yes. Sales tax is applied based on your province of residence:
• Alberta: 5%
• British Columbia: 5%
• Manitoba: 5%
• New Brunswick: 15%
• Newfoundland and Labrador: 15%
• Northwest Territories: 5%
• Nova Scotia: 14%
• Nunavut: 5%
• Ontario: 13%
• Prince Edward Island: 15%
• Quebec: 14.975%
• Saskatchewan: 5%
• Yukon: 5%
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Do USA customers pay import fees? +
Yes. Starting August 29, 2025, all US-bound shipments will be subject to duties, taxes, and brokerage fees.
These charges are determined by US Customs and collected by UPS at delivery.
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Do international customers pay import fees? +
Yes. International shipments may be subject to duties and taxes.
These charges are set by the destination country’s customs authority and collected by UPS at delivery.