Deafheaven is known as one of the few metal bands that even indie kids (like me) like. Hipster publications were quick to recognize the group’s specialty: dreamy post-rock arrangements and shimmering shoegaze guitars lurking beneath the black metal blast beats. Blast beats? Yes, but also ultra-melodic chord progressions. Deafheaven quickly became the most famous representatives of the so-called »Blackgaze«.
Their classic »Sunbather«, released in 2013, brought them a lot of attention outside the metal world, while they were criticized within the scene: This wasn’t »real metal,« many thought – no, the genre isn’t necessarily inclusive, but Deafheaven is. With 2021’s »Infinite Granite«, the band took a radical step away from their metal origins and moved toward pure shoegaze; frontman George Clarke now sang instead of screamed.
So what’s next? Difficult situation for Deafheaven: Do they want to please the metal fans who have been put off again? Or do they want to experiment? Their sixth album »Lonely People with Power« manages to return to the familiar and be fresh at the same time. The album is heavy, it has incredible power; at the same time “Heathen” is beautifully sung. I really clicked with the highlight »Winona«, which has a similar epic effect to the early masterpieces of Arcade Fire.
I often have to rip my headphones off with my eyes wide open and just get over it – it’s all pretty intense.
Find myself lying in the corner, like an embryo!
