Deafheaven - Sunbather (2013)

Well, it looks like we have yet another contender for black metal album of the year. Besides Alcest, I don't think I've heard any other band that mixes black metal and post-rock with the incredible knack for balancing beauty with brutality as this band does. The metal parts on this album just ooze intensity and emotionality with vocalist George Clarke absolutely destroying his throat with atmospheric, semi-melodic riffs and manically fast drumming accompanying him. The clean parts are, for the most part, absolutely gorgeous and flow quite nicely into the metal mayhem. Some of the best post-rock moments on this record include the middle section of "The Pecan Tree" and the intro to the mammoth "Vertigo." I'm not sure  how this stacks up against the debut as I haven't listened to that one very much, but "Sunbather" is an incredible and unique album in its own right. Like most black metal, it's not an easy listen but it's thoroughly rewarding and at least worth giving a shot.

9.5/10