Deafheaven has been an easily recognized entity in the Metal world for nearly fifteen years. Coming together in San Francisco, California, in 2010, Singer George Clarke and Guitarist Kerry McCoy formed a two-piece band that recorded and released a demo album. The duo soon formed a full-fledged band, recruited three more musicians, and began touring. Broadly consistent with its membership, today’s incarnation of the band sees Clarke and McCoy joined by Drummer Daniel Tracy, Guitarist/Keyboardist Shiv Mehra, and the relative newest member, Bassist Chris Johnson.
Amorphous, the band has been known to dance between genres such as Black Metal, Post-Metal, and Shoegaze (or in their case, Blackgaze). Keeping their sound interesting, Deafheaven has moved to a new neighborhood with a new address. Previously releasing music through independent labels such as Deathwish (2011’s Roads to Judah and 2013’s Sunbather), Anti- (2015’s New Bermuda and 2018’s Ordinary Corrupt Human Love), and most recently Sargent House (2021’s Infinite Granite), a new era has begun for the band a part of Roadrunner Records.
Shifting their approach yet again, some may say their latest album, Lonely People with Power, completely embraced a more Black Metal sound, but that would be selling it short. Released on March 28, 2025, their sixth overall studio album was preceded by the single “Magnolia.” Undoubtedly a strong impression with a forceful sound, the truth is the album has just as many atmospheric, drenched melodies as ever before.
Produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen (known for work with acts such as Paramore and Jimmy Eat World), Deafheaven’s Roadrunner debut is obviously available digitally, but there is also a CD, joined by double-LP deluxe editions and limited edition vinyl color variants. Very appealing to collectors, the music offers even more intrigue and ear-tingling sounds.
As alluded to, Deafheaven has a unique and powerful sound that merges elements of Shoegaze, Screamo, and Black Metal into a delicious concoction of all its own. Controlled and chaotic, Lonely People with Power is hypnotic and beautiful, and at other times, brutally aggressive. Both sets of conditions are skillfully intertwined throughout, so it is imperative to pay careful attention. Something that does not grow boring, with twelve tracks, standouts include the single “Magnolia,” but also the sorrowful “Heathen,” an engulfing wall of sound that this “Doberman.”
Overall, Lonely People with Power is a great listen that keeps your interest. Furthermore, it has excellent musicianship, an eclectic palate of ideas, and appealing production value. It shows Deafheaven’s dedication to producing quality music, so Cryptic Rock gives Lonely People with Power a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
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