“Heathen” by Deafheaven

Deafheaven are well-known for their blend of black metal and shoegaze highlighted by a furious guitar assault and George Clarke’s inhuman shrieks, as heard on 2013’s acclaimed Sunbather. As bracing as that stuff gets, though, I’ve always been more fascinated whenever the band sets aside the black metal, even for a bit.

Clarke and his bandmates explored that on 2021’s Infinite Granite, and the latest single from their upcoming Lonely People with Power charts similar territory. This being Deafheaven, the shrieks do, of course, make an appearance, but the song also features plenty of dreamy guitar melodies as well as Clarke’s surprisingly delicate voice.

Lonely People with Power will be released on March 28, 2025 by Roadrunner Records. Deafheaven will also embark on an extensive American and European tour during the months of April, May, and June.