Normally, Black Metal leads us to very dark landscapes, with minor tones that accentuate the aggression even more. However, in 2013, Deafheaven took it upon themselves to break this paradigm with ‘Sunbather’ an album that was praised by major critics as sublime. The American band presents a variation of Black Metal that leans towards the atmospheric and alternative.
What can we Hear?
Powerful blast beats on a uniquely produced drum kit that sounds more natural, breaking the standard of the metal drum as the protagonist, whose attack is usually very fast. Deafheaven proposes the opposite with a kit of small pieces reminiscent of alternative rock. We also hear a series of vocals, 100% Black Metal style, sharp, piercing, and powerful. At times, the vocals step back to let the atmospheres of the other instruments shine.
The innovation lies mainly in the guitars and bass, creating pleasant ear-catching atmospheres, leaning towards major tones that make the music sound glorious and cheerful without losing its energy. The drums adapt perfectly to this, carrying the responsibility of the dynamics, which can be as fast as a blast beat or as simple as a steady 4/4 rhythm.
For many, the best metal album of 2013
And it’s precisely its varied dynamics and atmospheres that make it special, presenting melodic compositions at a standard speed like “Irresistible” and songs like “Dream House” with an excessive level of energy. The vibe emitted by this album is very interesting, as it consistently conveys a unique positivity, something rare for Black Metal.
Another aspect that makes it quite special is the vocal contribution. When it appears, it radiates lament, abandonment, and resentment throughout the album. At no point do we hear a different vocal style, and this sets it apart, as the instrumentation takes us on different paths than the vocals.
The guitar solos are “cheerful” departing from the conventional and proposing a fusion between bands like “The Maccabees” and “Immortal” just to name a few, highlighting the band’s disruptive combination.
Exceptionally positive...
Even in their style of dress, as we see in the photo above, where they pose with none other than Abbath (former vocalist of Immortal and now the vocalist of his project, named Abbath). Without a doubt, Sunbather is a special album that proposes a different and innovative style. It has remained a unique piece that blends the best of various worlds, and it has held up well over time. A must-listen!
And you, what did you think? Leave us your comments!
