Hey guys. I haven't played guitar in years and want to get back into playing. I'm thinking I'll buy a decent Ibanez and I need a basic setup for some one man black metal, I want to go for an early Darkthrone sound. Should I buy a cheap 20 watt Line 6 amp or go for one of those virtual amp simulation devices? can someone make a suggestion? if you recommend an acoustic setup then I was thinking to get a shure sm57 for vocals and my amp, and just use virtual drums. I might even get a cheap bass for recording or program one through the computer? I need a simple solution, not sure what you guys can recommend.

Getting an audio interface and some virtual amp plugin to run in whatever DAW you use would be way more flexible and capable. You'll have the entire Internet of impulses at your disposal and will be able to create just about any sound you imagine. The Line 6 thing is gonna do a hundred things and not one of them well.

https://plugins4free.com/

Check this site. It has a lot of guitar pedal plugins, mixing plugins, midi plugins and other stuff. But you need an interface first. I'd suggest you get a focusrite 3rd gen solo or get thw bigger one if you want.

Thanks a lot guys will look into it, cheers.

I wholeheartedly recommend Ignite virtual amps. They have some amazing free stuff. The Emissary, ProF.E.T. and NadIR in combination can create some amazing (though modern) guitar sounds. I've used them for years now in Reaper (which I can also recommend as a DAW).

https://www.igniteamps.com/#software

EDIT: Oh, and I need to recommend Juicy! It's great for more vintage guitar sounds and combines well with any distortion pedal plugins (ProF.E.T. included). Comes with speaker cabinet sims, which are great. https://plugins4free.com/plugin/581/