Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Veteran metal producer Dave Otero appears to be preparing for an additional significant undertaking, as per Lambgoat. The owner of Flatline Audio Studio has been hinting at the potential organization of a new festival, tentatively titled Flatline Fest.
Otero, based in Denver, Colorado, has maintained a busy production schedule in recent years, working with bands such as Archspire, Cattle Decapitation, and Khemmis.
Details regarding Flatline Fest remain scarce. The event is scheduled for June 13th–14th, 2026, in Colorado, with a Facebook listing indicating Denver as the location.
Currently, there is no available information concerning the festival’s lineup, venue specifics, or ticketing arrangements.
I’ve been putting a lot of work into something behind the scenes that will be announced soon. For now, please follow these pages…
– www.instagram.com/flatlinefest
Dave Otero is a prominent figure in the realm of extreme metal production, serving as an engineer, mixing and mastering specialist, and owner of a recording studio. His contributions have significantly influenced the contemporary sound of brutal music. Based in Denver, Colorado, he has managed Flatline Audio for over two decades, producing recordings that combine immense heaviness with emotional depth. His career commenced in his adolescence with a four-track recorder inherited from his brother, which he used to document basement band practices with makeshift microphones. This modest beginning laid the foundation for his professional journey, culminating in a notable collaboration with Cephalic Carnage on their album Lucid Interval, marking his first substantial studio credit. This project facilitated entry into the underground metal scene and established his reputation for meticulous, aggressive, yet transparent mixing techniques. He has developed specialized methods that he regularly shares through Nail The Mix, emphasizing technical precision and clarity. Despite his technical expertise, he values the emotional impact of music, recalling moments where fans have been moved to tears by Khemmis tracks. He perceives the producer’s role as a facilitator, skillfully balancing creative visions, technical limitations, and label requirements. His approach to mixing is adaptable, tailoring each project to reflect the unique identity of the band rather than adhering to a uniform sonic signature. Technically, he employs modern tools such as amp simulations, DI signals with SansAmp, and integrates both analog and digital workflows. For bass recordings, he often uses reamps with Ampeg SVT-style amplifiers or layered amp simulations with direct inputs, prioritizing signal integrity during intense recording sessions.
