Taking their sound into a much darker (and riffier) realm comes as a bit of a surprise, but the band pulls it off with such excellence and grace that the shift isn't even jarring.
Its audacity and stylistic shifts may have resulted in an album that’s not quite as much like coming home as Sunbather, but it shows a genuine and fascinating maturation in a band that deserves to remain in the spotlight for all the right reasons.
Deafheaven have managed to craft a lengthy, complex offering that could be considered the antithesis of their lauded second album, but also proves to their doubters that they're here to stay.
While claims they’ve got a “pop-like accessibility” feel overstated, those who like the loud bits of Mogwai and the more melodic moments of Dillinger Escape Plan will have found the metal band for them.
If you dissect each song on this album, and listen to each part separately, you could argue that many of them are rather standard in theirIf you dissect each song on this album, and listen to each part separately, you could argue that many of them are rather standard in their genre. The post rock parts are not absolutely unique or groundbreaking. Neither are the black metal parts, nor the more thrash metal-influenced parts. Neither the poppier parts. At some times during the first listen I found myself thinking that some parts are rather tame, run-of-the-mill or even at times rather cheesy.
But then they always manage to segue into something else that completely blows me away and I realize that the effect is masterfully created. What I'm saying is, all the parts or influences are not extraordinary on their own, but together they become something much, much greater and powerful. Sure, they could have made some parts more subtle, or advanced, or groundbreaking and unique. But then you realize they're part of a larger picture that is just flawless, and changing something wouldn't make it any better. Every second is exactly what is needed to fill the larger picture.
After a few listens front to back, I realize that there's really nothing that needs changing. They pull all their influences together perfectly. The composition is flawless. This is a perfect album for what it is.…Expand
It was a tough act to follow Sunbather with something that wasn't "more of the same" and DFHVN has done it again: another skilled album,It was a tough act to follow Sunbather with something that wasn't "more of the same" and DFHVN has done it again: another skilled album, powerful sound, beautiful rhythms and probably my favorite pick of 2015. New Bermuda is a win/win bet for any listener open to enjoy the thrills and feelings this band provides every track. Masterpiece.…Expand
5 tracks that are all solid and captivating on their own, but make a fantastic album as a whole. A great follow-up to Sunbather, in that it5 tracks that are all solid and captivating on their own, but make a fantastic album as a whole. A great follow-up to Sunbather, in that it isn't a follow-up at all. It is definitely its own experience, and I think it is a more visceral and creative one that its predecessor.…Expand
Every song on this album is a testament to the band's progression from their previous releases. New Bermuda builds on the sound of theirEvery song on this album is a testament to the band's progression from their previous releases. New Bermuda builds on the sound of their sophomore release, Sunbather and adds even more depth and variety into their sound. Incorporating not just black metal but other genres such as shoe-gazing and post-punk, Deafheaven puts their all into this album and shows their versatility as musicians. Whilst some of the slower sections in these song can outstay their welcome, they provide a break in the ferocity of the experience. Brilliant release, a must own!…Expand
A truly wonderful album that has a real sense of trajectory and cohesion. They didn't just make a follow up to Sunbather but rather built onA truly wonderful album that has a real sense of trajectory and cohesion. They didn't just make a follow up to Sunbather but rather built on it. Luna is the stand out track, providing the lynch pin a a seriously good piece of work…Collapse
It's impressive how Deafheaven's creativity looks there's no end. Each band's album are different of each other. And you can feel theIt's impressive how Deafheaven's creativity looks there's no end. Each band's album are different of each other. And you can feel the difference for this one to the previously. If Sunbather is more delicate, New Bermuda has much more weight, aggressiveness and darkness.…Expand
Yeah its really good, definitely a lot more black depressing in tone opposed to sunbather*in fact i would say this is a brilliant entry levelYeah its really good, definitely a lot more black depressing in tone opposed to sunbather*in fact i would say this is a brilliant entry level black metal album* but I really enjoyed Sunbather a lot more to New Bermuda. It lacks color and personality and it doesn't really push or add anything new blackgaze genre *which i personally find rather disappointing*, Like id definitely go out of my way to buy it *cause it is really good* but like I ain't gonna call it AOTY material.…Expand
