Deafheaven
Sunbather

Black Metal (450g)  Shoegaze (300g) Screamo (250g) Post-Rock (50g)
Feedback. Relax. Nature. Sun. Reflection. Existentialism. Running.

The concept unwinds from the same point with which it begins with “Vertikal” by Cult Of Luna, but while the premises are the same, the execution and conclusions vary. Both works from this 2013 are albums that are not limited to this or that single song but should be taken as a whole, where the goal successfully achieved is to create a kind of all-encompassing atmosphere, a soundtrack, the creation of a landscape full of contours and nuances but clearly defined by the main theme.
And here the Deafheaven, (and here lies the difference compared to the Swedes) with the pink cover that is an evident clue, choose to create open, natural soundscapes, rainbows of notes that emerge after fleeting fresh spring showers accompanied by a very light breeze blowing on your face in a way that is far from intrusive.

If I were to rank the tracks (because slapping on an album of the year label at the end of a review is boring and puerile) that struck and listened to me most this year, “Dream House” would rightfully enter the top 10.

An excellent idea to alternate the four main roots with three subtle and delicate instrumental tracks (excluding the noise bridge of track #4) to give the listener's ear a rest for those less inclined to endure an hour of high volumes and vocal harshness (if “Irresistible” represents and not only metaphorically the dawn, “Please remember” can only be the sunset).
If words can sometimes prove to be obscure or ambiguous, I will happily let “Vertigo” speak for me and for Deafheaven as a sort of ideal compendium on everything one might want to know about this work.

Something new? I won't commit, but surely with its fresh ideas, it will capture the attention of listeners from the most varied backgrounds.

Extreme album, but with class.