The amplifier world seems to be lining up for a high-gain war this year. A number of companies you wouldn't usually associate with high-gain amplifiers are releasing big, loud amps with loads of overdrive.

Here's a little run-down of what we're expecting:

Amps:

• 65Amps are releasing a high-gain amp in their Redline range
• Yamaha are likely to have a new amp in their THR range, perhaps catered for live use
• Line 6 have announced a new amplifier, but details have not been released
• Rivera Venus Deux
• Fender Pawn Shop Vaporizer
• You can bet your last dollar on new Orange amps
• PRS Archon (new high-gain amp)
• Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb head
• Fender 57 Deluxe new edition
• Blackstar have something really cool, but we can't tell you what it is!