Deafheaven

Throughout their career, Deafheaven have been the subject of much scrutiny from metal purists for the simple fact they have the audacity to intersperse elements of shoegaze, post-rock and even britpop into their version of black metal. Time and time again the band has refused to play by the rules of sticking to any one genre and the results have been consistently great. Their last album, 2018’s Ordinary Corrupt Human Love, found the band taking their black metal into more experimental territory and gave a slight indication that things may be heading in a less abrasive direction. 

This time around Infinite Granite finds the band fully embracing their shoegaze influences. This means little to no blast beats from drummer Daniel Tracy, singer George Clarke completely shedding his signature scream in exchange for clean singing, and very few fleeting moments of what could be considered “black metal”. With all that said, it may feel jarring to hear a band take such a left turn stylistically. However, if you’ve been paying attention to the band closely enough it actually makes perfect sense. All the signs have been there from the beginning. 

Infinite Granite flips the formula of intense black metal sprinkled with pretty shoegaze moments and does the exact opposite. The songs are hopeful and airy but still with the intensity you would come to expect from their earlier material. Tracks like In Blur and Great Mass of Color are surprisingly reminiscent of The Smiths with Kerry McCoy and Shiv Mehra’s jangly guitar parts and George Clarke’s melodic vocal delivery. Even if you’re someone who’s bummed about the fact that the album isn’t overly heavy, there are still some great parts that recall their metal side like the end to Great Mass of Color, the overall dreariness of The Gnashing and album closer Mombasa which features the heaviest moment on the entire album. If you’re a fan that’s been with the band from the start you’ll find that the results on Infinite Granite are deeply moving and truly beautiful.

You can listen/purchase Infinite Granite at the links below:

Spotify

Apple Music

By: Chris Fitzgerald