No matter what they do, Deafheaven will always be a divisive band within metal. The release of 2013’s Sunbather marks for many fans the peak of the “hipster black metal” scene, in which the genre’s emotional darkness was combined with elements of shoegaze and indie rock to create something both beautiful and shadowy. Thankfully, it appears that Deafheaven don’t really give a damn, and have released a new single titled “The Gnashing” that seems to revel in its lack of metallic pretense.
What will immediately set “The Gnashing” apart from Deafheaven’s other work in the ears of fans is George Clarke’s singing. The vocalist doesn’t go harsh at all — it’s full-on goth vocals for this track. The music behind Clarke also errs more on the side of, say, AFI than Darkthrone, though it still maintains black metal’s sense of energy and urgency. The song is a pointed change in direction, letting the world know that Deafheaven aren’t trying too hard to be anything but themselves.
Check out “The Gnashing” below:
“The Gnashing” comes from Deafheaven’s new album Infinite Granite, which drops August 20th via Sargent House. Preorders are available now.
Meanwhile, Deafheaven have also announced a series of shows for early 2022. No opening act has been announced yet, but keep your eyes peeled for other bands announced soon for the following dates:
10/15 Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre
10/16 Los Angeles, CA – The Theatre at Ace Hotel
02/22 Phoenix, AZ – Pressroom
02/23 Santa Fe, NM – Meow Wolf
02/25 Fort Worth, TX – Tulips
02/26 Austin, TX – Mohawk
02/27 Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
03/01 Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
03/02 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Hell)
03/03 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
03/04 Richmond, VA – The Broadberry
03/05 Washington, DC – Black Cat
03/06 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
03/08 Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw
03/09 Boston, MA – Royale
03/10 Montréal, QC – Théâtre Fairmount
03/11 Toronto, ON – Opera House
03/12 Detroit, MI – El Club
03/14 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
03/15 Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
03/16 Lawrence, KS – Granada Theater
03/18 Denver, CO – Summit
03/19 Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
03/21 Vancouver, – Crocodile
03/23 Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
03/24 Boise, ID – Treefort Music Fest
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Words by Chris Krovatin
