Outer Heaven Members, Gear & Sound

Outer Heaven is a formidable quintet originating from rural Pennsylvania, known for their relentless blend of death metal, voidgrind, and death doom. Founded in 2013, the group consists of Austin Haines (vocals), Jon Kunz (guitar), Zak Carter (guitar), Alec Pezzano (bass), and Paul Chrismer (drums). They quickly carved out a niche in the East Coast heavy music scene with their punishing sound, drawing from the raw energy of the new wave of old-school death metal (OSDM) and cosmic death metal influences. Outer Heaven's discography includes an early demo, the EP Diabolus Vobiscum, and their full-length debut, Realms of Eternal Decay, released under Relapse Records.

Outer Heaven's sound is characterized by its aggressive and dense sonic landscape, where guttural vocals and down-tuned guitars dominate. Their music often features heavy, groove-laden riffs that are accentuated by distorted, high-gain amp settings, creating an oppressive and intense atmosphere. The dual guitar attack of Jon Kunz and Zak Carter relies on fast, intricate riffing and crushing power chords, while also incorporating elements of void-like, swirling solos, achieved through the use of delay and modulation effects. The bass lines, courtesy of Alec Pezzano, are thick and punchy, often doubling the guitar for added weight, while also providing a deep, resonant undercurrent. Drummer Paul Chrismer delivers a pounding, relentless barrage of blast beats and double bass drumming, which injects the music with relentless energy and drive. To emulate their sound, musicians should focus on creating a dark, cavernous tone with a mix of analog and digital effects that enhance the cosmic and doom-laden elements of their music.