Outer Heaven’s debut album, “Realms of Eternal Decay,” is a fetid feast for death metal purists. Released in 2018 via the legendary Relapse Records, this album is a relentless onslaught of crushing riffs, guttural growls, and a pervading sense of dread. While lacking the nuanced brutality of their later works, “Realms of Eternal Decay” establishes Outer Heaven as a force to be reckoned with in the genre, showcasing their raw talent and unyielding commitment to sonic devastation.
A Bludgeoning Assault on the Senses: Death Metal Done Right
“Realms of Eternal Decay” wastes no time in establishing its sonic identity. The opening track, “Vortex of Thought,” throws the listener headfirst into a whirlwind of blast beats, tremolo riffs, and Austin Haines’ cavernous growls. Influences from the genre’s greats – Death, Morbid Angel, and Suffocation – are evident, but Outer Heaven injects their own brand of filthy charm into the mix. The songwriting, while adhering to the genre’s established formula, avoids predictability, offering enough variation in tempos and riff structures to keep the listener engaged.
Shorter Bursts, Maximum Impact: A Relentless Onslaught
One of the album’s strengths is its concise runtime. Clocking in at just over 34 minutes, “Realms of Eternal Decay” avoids overstaying its welcome. Each track is a tightly constructed explosion of death metal fury, leaving the listener wanting more rather than feeling overwhelmed. This approach is particularly effective for a genre known for its sonic intensity, ensuring the album maintains its punishing impact throughout.
Production: Capturing the Filth with Clarity
The production on “Realms of Eternal Decay” strikes a perfect balance between clarity and grime. The guitars retain their rawness and bite, while the drums have a powerful punch. Haines’ vocals are upfront and menacing, delivering each guttural growl with conviction. While some might find the production a bit lo-fi compared to modern standards, it perfectly captures the album’s underground and unpolished essence.
A Glimpse of Potential: Hints of Melody and Experimentation
Despite its relentless brutality, “Realms of Eternal Decay” offers glimpses of the band’s future potential. Tracks like “Pulsating Swarm” showcase a willingness to incorporate slower tempos and doom-laden atmosphere, adding a touch of variety to the album’s overall sound. These moments hint at the band’s ability to explore the genre’s vast sonic palette, a promise they would deliver on in their later works.
A Raucous Debut for Death Metal Devotees
“Realms of Eternal Decay” might not be the most groundbreaking death metal album, but it’s a potent debut that showcases Outer Heaven’s raw talent and dedication to the genre. With its relentless brutality, concise song structures, and effective production, the album is a must-listen for fans of classic death metal. While it may lack the nuance of their later works, “Realms of Eternal Decay” serves as a solid foundation upon which Outer Heaven would build their reputation as a rising force in the death metal scene.
Final Verdict: Recommended for Fans of Death Metal
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