FOREWARNING: If you expect me to use the terms "hipster," and/or "elitist" and any possible combinations thereof in excess (or at all for that matter), you'll be sorely disappointed. This is a review of the music, not my commentary on how they choose to dress or what particular community they're revered in.
It's apparent that San Fransisco black metal act Deafheaven doesn't know the meaning of the term "sophomore slump." Sunbather, the follow up to their 2011 full-length debut, Roads To Judah, is not only an album that bests its predecessor but also enables Deafheaven to carve their own unique niche into the burgeoning atmospheric black metal scene. From beginning to end, Sunbather is album that crafts an unbelievably enthralling experience. Whether it be the traditional black metal guitar tones, the unrelenting blast beats, the clean shoegazey guitar passages, or the harrowing screams of George Clark, this album is one that is charming yet also haunting and empowering. Take notice everyone. This is "real deal" material.
