not really the best but works for my limited budget:
Joyo Vintage Overdrive + EHX Metal Muff
using the OD in front of the Metal Muff allows for less distortion level on the Metal Muff. the individual notes can be allowed to ring out (as opposed to higher levels where everything comes out as mush
). the OD setting is the usual high level, low drive (gain), and the sound is really tighter. I find this metal tone better than the stock modern gain of the Blackstar HT-5R. your mileage may vary though
a compressor just after the guitar also adds to the tight sound. the effect is very subtle, but it's there