Sunbather
by Deafheaven
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 417 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 368 out of 417
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 417
  3. Negative: 29 out of 417
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  1. thegodfigure
    Jan 19, 2014
    6
    This warrants a positive score for uniqueness alone. Sounds like a blend of Black Metal and This Will Destroy You. Overall, uniqueness aside... the album is a bit monotonous in my opinion. Worth a listen.
  2. Migs
    Jun 13, 2013
    5
    This is probably not going to appeal to people who aren't big fans of the genre or music critics. Don't let the 97 rating fool you into thinking this is something for everybody.
  3. RNG
    Jun 11, 2013
    6
    Not up to par with the band's previous effort in my opinion. Still a solid album but I feel like they are trying to do too many things, and spreading themselves quite thin as a result. It can't decide how much influence it wants to incorporate from any of the many genres it pays lip service to (post-rock, screamo, black metal, shoegaze) and suffers as a result.

    What I'm most worried    Not up to par with the band's previous effort in my opinion. Still a solid album but I feel like they are trying to do too many things, and spreading themselves quite thin as a result. It can't decide how much influence it wants to incorporate from any of the many genres it pays lip service to (post-rock, screamo, black metal, shoegaze) and suffers as a result.

    What I'm most worried about is other interesting "blackgaze" albums being lost in the rather substantial hype, or being compared to Sunbather. This is a good album, but not one to define a genre by as many reviews suggest.    … Expand
  4. simonsays
    Jun 14, 2013
    5
    Before I comment on this, let me just say I'm not really a fan of this genre, but seeing a ridiculous critic 97 rating on this thing I decided to check it out.

    For me the music certainly has merit from an instrumental standpoint it's compelling stuff and ranges from anywhere from catchy to stunningly beautiful. Having said that, this album does not deserve nearly as much universal    Before I comment on this, let me just say I'm not really a fan of this genre, but seeing a ridiculous critic 97 rating on this thing I decided to check it out.

    For me the music certainly has merit from an instrumental standpoint it's compelling stuff and ranges from anywhere from catchy to stunningly beautiful. Having said that, this album does not deserve nearly as much universal praise as it's getting; it will certainly NOT be "universally acclaimed" by everyone.

    This is mainly because the vocals are not only completely incomprehensible but often clash with the wave of emotion the instrumentation works so hard to create. It almost feels like I'm on a bus listening to an great instrumental album on my headphones with a shouting arguing couple sitting next to me. This music stands on it's own, and shines beautifully through its powerful instrumentals I give it a relatively solid rating just because of the stunning instrumental portions but the screaming vocals are just too much for me. Of course that's just par for the course with this genre, but screaming vocals are just not something I'm into at all.

    SUMMARY (In my opinion): For it's genre, it's awesome. Not an album for everyone and not a 97 by any means. If you're cool with screaming vocals, then you're good to go. If you're not into this genre then don't expect to be consistently blown away but check out the instrumental parts, because they're worth it.    … Expand
  5. Mauddib
    Jul 10, 2013
    6
    What we have here is alternative pop/rock guitar (imagine no vocals or drums) with post-rock nuances such as bands like Tortoise or Slint and a post metal drone bands such as Isis or Sunn 0))). The only black metal traits would be that some of the tempos are fast, screaming vocals, and occasional blast beat drumming. It is artistic and is an interesting listen once through. As a wholeWhat we have here is alternative pop/rock guitar (imagine no vocals or drums) with post-rock nuances such as bands like Tortoise or Slint and a post metal drone bands such as Isis or Sunn 0))). The only black metal traits would be that some of the tempos are fast, screaming vocals, and occasional blast beat drumming. It is artistic and is an interesting listen once through. As a whole it is fresh, however the parts that contribute to the whole have been around. Same ingredients, yet new end result. Inspiring and entertaining moments are sprinkled sparingly, not emotionally moving, unless I am writhing in some cathartic emotional anguish that needs external soothing by this bipolar landscape.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2013
17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2013
33
#33 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. musicOMH.com
    Dec 2, 2013
    90
    Sunbather is an emotionally overwhelming but truly absorbing listen. But best of all, it’s cleansing.
    Read full review
  2. Rolling Stone
    Aug 12, 2013
    60
    The mood stays ominous, even as sonic details thrill headphone-equipped headbangers.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Jul 3, 2013
    90
    Many bands go through their entire career without making an album as well crafted, fully realized, and downright gorgeous as Sunbather, and somehow, Deafheaven have managed to nail it on their second outing, with an album that seems to get bigger and more affective with each listen.
    Read full review
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