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Infinite Granite
by
Infinite Granite Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 30 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length studio release for the San Francisco band was produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen.
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  • Record Label: Sargent House
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Metal, Heavy Metal, Shoegaze
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The Guardian
    Aug 20, 2021
    100
    This is a great, great album, one that exists entirely on its creators’ terms.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 18, 2021
    90
    Deafheaven are the masters of tension and release, and this record reinstates that less is, in fact, more.
  3. Paste Magazine
    Aug 20, 2021
    87
    Over the past eight years, they’ve demonstrated their creative ambition, as well as the courage to move away from the sound that made them successful. And on Infinite Granite, they prove they have the chops to follow the path of their choosing, wherever it may lead.
  4. The Skinny
    Aug 18, 2021
    80
    While Deafheaven's change in direction isn't an unwelcome one, there isn't quite the same rush as their previous best efforts, as they adapt to their new surroundings. Minor gripes aside, Infinite Granite proves Deafheaven's mettle and shows you don't always have to shout loud to hit hard.
  5. Under The Radar
    Aug 20, 2021
    80
    This album is a riposte to the doubters as Deafheaven morphs once again, into quite possibly the best version of itself.
  6. PopMatters
    Aug 19, 2021
    80
    Taken on its own terms, this is a very successful shoegaze-inspired rock record with a great sense of dynamics and some really catchy songs.
  7. Clash Music
    Aug 18, 2021
    60
    There are some real moments of beauty on the record - 'In Blur' aches and sparkles, whilst singles 'Great Mass Of Colour' and 'The Gnashing' showcase a band adept at building beautiful soundscapes even with the guitars turned down - but at a certain point, the album suffers from the lack of depth in Clarke’s vocals, or range in his melodies.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. Van1llak1lla
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    Incredible album. Ecstatic that this band has not remained stagnant and has continually changed their sound.
  2. KristianLeahy
    Sep 7, 2021
    10
    This album sounds like a master piece from the beginning to the end, made by great musicians inspired by emotive lyrics of pure poetry andThis album sounds like a master piece from the beginning to the end, made by great musicians inspired by emotive lyrics of pure poetry and human existentialism. Bass, drums, guitars and voice sound perfect in every song, resulting in my best album of 2021… Expand
  4. MusicGuyMack
    Sep 9, 2021
    9
    Fans may balk at the near-total absence of the black metal half of the band's signature blackgaze sound, but with "Infinite Granite"Fans may balk at the near-total absence of the black metal half of the band's signature blackgaze sound, but with "Infinite Granite" Deafheaven ably prove that they're every bit as compelling without it as they've been with it in the past, combining swirling, hazy guitars and George Clarke's angelic clean singing to craft a suitably dreamy soundscape worth losing yourself within.… Expand
  5. EmperorGlorpius
    Apr 18, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spoiler! It's **** amazing! An easy 9.5 and a wonderful progression from their previous and already-beautiful sound. Pitchfork gave it a 6.5 and so they must sadly be on crack. This album's musicality and mixing sounds **** ass-blasting amazing in any set of cans/setup I listen to it with. The lyrics are also wonderfully vague, capturing a feeling - or many - instead of telling any other drab story. I also seriously can't believe they managed to incorporate beautifully haunting screaming in their vocals, reminiscent of their older stuff despite the major tone shift. I can't stress enough how phenomenal this album is as a display of both prowess and care. Emotions abound, you must listen to this album.… Expand
  6. deafheavenguy13
    Aug 20, 2021
    7
    This album has some highs and lows.

    Based on the three singles released in anticipation of the album, we knew Deafheaven was going in a    This album has some highs and lows.

    Based on the three singles released in anticipation of the album, we knew Deafheaven was going in a different direction. I was excited. I thought Great Mass of Color and The Gnashing were strong singles.

    Inifinite Granite's first four tracks give the album a strong start. When listening to the interlude in Neptune Raining Diamonds, you expect the album to come back in with a punch. Instead, it lulls into what I feel is bland shoegaze. The album finishes stronger with The Gnashing and end track Mombasa. I don't mind George Clarke's clean vocals, but I'd understand why some would feel his transition from screaming to a more subdued awkward clean delivery might seem ridiculous.

    With so many great shoegaze acts coming out in the past decade, this doesn't do much to stand out for me. The last 3 minutes of Infinite Granite tease that traditional Deafheaven blackgaze sound, which makes me wish I was listening to Sunbather or Ordinary Corrupt Human Love. That's what some critics are asking: Did Deafheaven stop doing what made them so great?

    Strong 3/5    … Expand
  7. AjdarFan
    Aug 21, 2021
    1
    It is an uninspired, boring record that lacks everything that we love about deafheaven and their uniqueness. This sounds like every otherIt is an uninspired, boring record that lacks everything that we love about deafheaven and their uniqueness. This sounds like every other post-rock band.… Expand

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