Lonely People with Power

4.50

PICKMETER

4.51

HMB

4.26

CRITICS

band:

Deafheaven

release date: Mar 28, 2025

label: Roadrunner Records

type: Full-length

HMB´S REVIEW

Deafheaven has always been a band that refuses to be boxed in. While their roots lie in black metal, they’ve consistently pushed beyond the genre’s boundaries, blending intensity with ethereal beauty. Their breakthrough album, Sunbather, turned heads with its seamless fusion of blistering aggression and hazy, shoegaze-inspired textures. This fearless approach to experimentation has ensured that every new Deafheaven release arrives with an air of unpredictability.

With Lonely People With Power, the first thing that hit me was the unmistakable return to a heavier, more forceful sound. In stark contrast to the lush, atmospheric tones of Infinite Granite, this album immediately reintroduces a raw intensity that feels both familiar and reinvigorated.

Tracks like Doberman and Magnolia waste no time in making an impact, unleashing a fury that recalls their earlier work. Yet, this isn’t just nostalgia—it’s refinement. They’re walking a tightrope between chaos and control. There’s an undeniable sense that this record serves as a bridge between their past and present, merging their blackgaze roots with the melodic intricacies they’ve embraced in recent years.

The songwriting is particularly striking, with each track feeling meticulously crafted yet naturally fluid. Deafheaven has a way of making extreme shifts in mood and intensity feel seamless, never forced. The music cuts like a blade wrapped in silk, offering moments of soaring beauty amid the relentless storm of sound. In certain passages, I even caught shades of Enslaved’s progressive influence creeping into their black metal foundation.

Despite this renewed heaviness, Lonely People With Power, set to release on March 28th via Roadrunner Records, doesn’t abandon the intricate, layered melodies that have become a defining part of their sound. These quieter, atmospheric moments aren’t just breathers—they add depth, keeping the album from becoming a relentless wall of sound.

In the end, Lonely People With Power is a testament to Deafheaven’s ability to evolve without losing their essence. It feels like a natural continuation of their journey, weaving together different eras of their sound into something cohesive and compelling. It’s both a battle cry and a lullaby. For those who appreciate musical evolution and deeply immersive songwriting, this album is absolutely worth experiencing.

Review by Troadie - HMB´s Staff