Review Summary: The band refrains from creating Sunbather 2.0 here and the results find them showcasing a darker, more black metal driven sound.
It’s no secret why
Sunbather was considered one of the best records of 2013. Due to its effective innovation and soaring emotion, the album really captured the attention of critics and fans alike for good reason. Anyone expecting a mere repeat of
Sunbather could either rest easy or riot depending on one’s desire from the band. However, one aspect of Deafheaven’s third outing that could collectively be agreed upon proves to be how the originality carries over in a different light. Even though it may not embody the fresh new take on black metal, their approach to it here still manifests brilliantly. Instead of an overall uplifting mood, the band drops all of that altogether in favor of a more bombastic, Wolves in The Throne Room inspired sound. Essentially,
New Bermuda continues the consistency of a band that has yet to stagnate.
Right off the bat, the record gives off a more black metal driven vibe, with “Brought to the Water” displaying impressive amounts of blast beats and high pitched shrieks. Aside from the questionably out-of-tune guitar break in the middle, the shoegazing guitar riffs all add to the more brutal atmosphere. It’s proof that their exemplary spin on the black metal/shoegaze/post rock amalgam has taken a more ominous yet excellent turn here. Their genre-bending skills are revealed even more in “Gifts for the Earth,” with the band showcasing a more heavy metal, riff driven piece in the middle. “Baby Blue” also impresses in this regard with an overwhelmingly brooding vibe and powerful drumming. Their efforts to create more dynamics on this album certainly shines through beautifully with these songs as well and the other songs are no exception. In addition to the more black metal guided sound, the dynamics truly manifest in the fantastic way the songs slow down.
As soon as “Come Back” commences, texture immediately becomes prioritized over everything as the stunning guitar work really moves the listener. Once the well-rounded buildup gives way to the more typical metal sections, the listener happens to be graced with a terrific guitar solo to top it all off. However, it’s these quieter moments that often prove to be highlights due to everyone in the band getting a chance to shine. Amongst the loud and violent instrumentation, the bass more often than not gets swallowed in the mix. The more subtle moments let every player have their say. The same can easily be said in regards to “Luna” as well. After all of the expertly delivered guitar work and intense drumming, the entire collective breathlessly slows down to let the atmospheric guitar melody run its course along with effective bass riffs. These more sensitive sections are without a doubt highlights, but the metal segments are the juicy meat of the album.
New Bermuda near instantly places itself among the best records of this year within its first week. Literally everything about this album confirms how over the past two years they’ve clearly been improving their craft. Their passion glistens through with astounding results, as well as their willingness to refrain from creating the same album over and over again. Those who are looking for
Sunbather 2.0 simply won’t find that here. Instead, the listener will get a healthy dose of expertly crafted, atmospheric black metal. The band is still quite inventive with their genre-bending which should still induce enjoyment for new fans and old alike. Keep it up Deafheaven.
