Deafheavens

Deafheaven is an American extreme metal band from San Francisco, California, formed in 2006. The band consists of guitarist Curran Kelleher, bassist Daniel Burke, drummer Jack Babor, and vocalist George Clarke. Early members also included guitarist Stephen LaCava and bassist Jonathan Couch.

Known for their eclectic and progressive sound, Deafheaven emerged in the early 2010s as a key part of the Sunset District scene in San Francisco. Their music combines elements of black metal, post-punk, and indie rock, often incorporating elements of atmosphere and introspection. The band gained attention with their 2011 full-length debut, "Roads to Rudhall," and subsequent albums continue to explore the intersection of black metal with post-punk sensibilities.

Deafheaven's most commercially successful work is their 2015 album "New Berlins." Preceded by the critically well-received album "Sunbather," "New Berlins" garnered widespread recognition for its technical precision and departure from traditional black metal conventions. Reviewers observed similarities with post-punk bands like Joy Division and The Cure, often praising the band's performance and fusion of contrasting styles.

Breakthrough recognition came quickly, with high-profile features in publications and recognition at prominent music festivals. Critics' reception has been mixed, with some hailing the incorporation of non-traditional elements to create a consequentially unparalleled sound. Others have argued that experimentation compromises the authenticity of black metal.

Their follow-up EP "From the Ideological Void" (2017) explored themes of horror and annihilation.