Lonely People With Power by Deafheaven - Album Review
Andrew and Craig go long on the newest, incredible record by Deafheaven.
Deafheaven just released their latest album, Lonely People with Power, and Andrew and I had a lot to unpack about it on our latest podcast episode. First off, we both came into this one as true fans, proudly sporting our Deafheaven gear, and wondering what exactly this album would sound like. The anticipation was real, especially considering the band's previous release, Infinite Granite, was a significant stylistic departure. Spoiler alert—we loved it. But if Deafheaven isn't your thing (and trust me, I get it), this might not convert you. Still, for those who appreciate the band’s complex blend of aggression and melody, this album hits all the right notes.
From the first real track, "Doberman," Deafheaven clearly wanted to make a statement. It's a ferocious return to their heavier roots, something we probably should have anticipated after their move to Roadrunner Records. The album quickly unfolds into a masterful exploration of their core sound, especially notable on "Magnolia," which reminded us both of their acclaimed album New Bermuda. These tracks seem to nod to the band’s devoted fans, showcasing their distinct capability to blend blistering black metal with melodic shifts.
One standout track we couldn’t overlook is "Amethyst," the album’s heart and perhaps the purest representation of Deafheaven's sonic identity to date. Andrew described it beautifully, saying it felt like a wave swelling and then crashing down—a perfect encapsulation of Deafheaven's ability to balance crushing intensity with emotional depth. Another track worth spotlighting is "Incidental Two," featuring Jay Matthews of Boy Harsher. It starts atmospherically beautiful and then crashes into a haunting heaviness, seamlessly transitioning into "Revelator," one of the album’s most aggressive cuts.
The album closes powerfully with "Winona" and "The Marvelous Orange Tree," tracks that offer a cathartic climax and an almost triumphant resolution, respectively. Initially, "Winona" felt like it should have been the closer—it encapsulates everything Deafheaven excels at—but upon further listens, "The Marvelous Orange Tree" proves itself the perfect emotional bookend. Overall, Lonely People with Power isn't just a return to form; it's Deafheaven at their absolute best, confidently blending all they've learned over the years into a cohesive, relentless, and deeply satisfying album.