Deafheaven is an artistic masterpiece. Their combination of black metal, shoegaze, post-rock, and lush soundscapes is haunting. Their music shattered the glass ceiling that typically constrains metal artists, helping them transcend barriers to the point of being invited into mainstream culture. Much like Lorna Shore catching fire on TikTok, Knocked Loose playing on Jimmy Kimmel and getting nominated for a Grammy, Deafheaven played Coachella in 2016 and was nominated for a Grammy of their own in 2019. They have done what few have done before – capture the attention of the masses and expose them to extreme metal.
The impact of their 2013 album, ‘Sunbather,’ cannot be overstated. It turned Deafheaven into a household name overnight by combining vicious black metal with bright, dreamy soundscapes. It’s an emotional, nostalgia inducing listen. Despite the pain of failure and the possibility of not amounting to much in this life, it has airs of hope and uplifting moments of triumph.
It’s impossible to fairly compare Deafheaven’s other work to ‘Sunbather.’ Although the French band Alcest is credited with creating blackgaze, ‘Sunbather’ popularized the style, turning Deafheaven into the poster boys of the genre. ‘Sunbather’ is in the hall of fame and it’s unlikely that any other work by the band will eclipse it.
Nevertheless, ‘Lonely People With Power’ gives it the best run for its money that we’ve seen yet. It builds on the signature ‘Sunbather’ style, incorporates the darkness from ‘New Bermuda,’ blends the subtle prettiness of ‘Ordinary Corrupt Human Love,’ and most surprisingly of all, finds a home for the stripped down shoegaze and velvety pop aspects of their previous album, ‘Infinite Granite.’
I must say, I was not (and still am not) a big fan of ‘Infinite Granite.’ I’m not interested in shoegaze on its own, and while it was cool to hear a more palatable version of a band known for their melancholic brutality, we already had a taste of it on ‘Ordinary Corrupt Human Love.’ A full album of watered down Deafheaven was always going to be their weakest showing.
That’s why the return to their classic style is so welcome. At the same time, it doesn’t feel like a comeback album – this is Deafheaven as they have always been. ‘Infinite Granite’ was simply an experimental side project to pass the covid years. A sidequest from which they returned more knowledgeable.
Running a little over an hour, ‘Lonely People’ is an emotional, cathartic release. Ignoring genres to confront private emotions and hidden thoughts is Deafheaven’s core identity. They focus on what it is to be human. The unique, contradictory feelings of navigating this world. The beauty, the tragedy, the unfairness. There are glimpses of social commentary under the poetic shrieks.
In terms of highlights, I like “Doberman” because the aggression drives the song forward. The build ups pay dividends as they cycle through blast beats and riffs. “The Garden Route” has a similar but more subdued style through which the heaviness ebbs and flows.
“Revelator” is perhaps the most impressive track. It’s relentless. It also contains the album title in its lyrics which is a cool nod. “Body Behavior” deserves a mention because of the unique vocals. Its overall style stands out from the others.
“Winona” and “The Marvelous Orange Tree” are also highlights, and they provide a fitting end to the album. They return to the hopeful, atmospheric style that so many people love. The blast beats are there, but they’re an energizing presence. Combined with a few clean vocals and melodic sections, the textured approach is reminiscent of ‘Sunbather.’
‘Lonely People’ exceeded all expectations. Deafheaven is an experience – best listened to from start to finish without interruption. Let it wash over and captivate you.
Deafheaven // Lonely People With Power
Categories: Reviews
