“If detuned modern rock and metal is your thing, it’s definitely one to check out”: Victory VX The Kraken MKII Lunch Box Head review

Victory’s compact high-gain monster is back, revamped and improved, and with a new Clean mode

Victory VX The Kraken MKII Lunch Box Head
(Image: © Future / Olly Curtis)

Guitar World Verdict

Aimed at serious amateurs and professionals, it’s not the cheapest lunchbox metal head out there, but it’s made in the UK to a very high standard and, as with most things, you get what you pay for. If detuned modern rock and metal is your thing, it’s definitely one to check out.

Pros

  • +

    Top-quality high-gain head.

  • +

    Perfect for modern rock, metal and detuned instruments.

  • +

    New features improve flexibility.

  • +

    Rear-panel Bias Test Points and adjustment make it easier and safer to service

Cons

  • -

    Not so subtle for mild overdrive sounds.

  • -

    Dual-footswitch operation is a little confusing.

  • -

    Effects loop no longer footswitchable.

  • -

    Single-ended mode has been removed.

  • -

    No LEDs on front panel for channel mode/status.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

One of the most popular British guitar influencers on YouTube, Rabea Massaad is well known as a tasteful and highly accomplished modern rock player who can out-metal the best of them whenever he needs to. 

He’s also an artist and consultant for Victory Amplification and Victory’s VX Kraken is Massaad’s baby – the result of a longterm, ongoing collaboration that’s inspired a range of definitive British metal amps and pedals, which are a perfect fit for Massaad’s high-gain detuned signature tones. 

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Nick Guppy

Nick Guppy was Guitarist magazine's amp guru for over 20 years. He built his first valve amplifier at the age of 12 and bought, sold and restored many more, with a particular interest in Vox, Selmer, Orange and tweed-era Fenders, alongside Riveras and Mark Series Boogies. When wielding a guitar instead of soldering iron, he enjoyed a diverse musical career playing all over the UK, including occasional stints with theatre groups, orchestras and big bands as well as power trios and tributes. He passed away suddenly in April 2024, leaving a legacy of amplifier wisdom behind him.