Deafheaven continues to innovate and push the boundaries of music even after releasing their sixth studio album. In a recent interview with Full Metal Jackie, lead vocalist George Clarke expressed that if he could choose one of their new tracks to introduce to newcomers, he would select “Amethyst.” This choice reflects the band’s journey and evolution over the years, showcasing their unique sound that blends various musical elements.

Clarke elaborated on their artistic growth by stating, “We’ve experimented so many times over the years that we now have a firm grasp on our musical identity and our mission.” This self-awareness allows them to deliver music that resonates deeply with both new and longtime fans.

When asked to narrow down his pick, Clarke confidently chose “Amethyst,” which he feels perfectly encapsulates the essence of Deafheaven’s sound. He believes this track is a quintessential representation of their artistry and complexity.

During a captivating discussion on Full Metal Jackie’s weekend radio show, Clarke and fellow guitarist Kerry McCoy explored the themes of their latest album, Lonely People With Power. They talked about its heavier sound, the insights gained from introspection, and the significance of visual representation in conveying their message.

The duo also shared insights about their upcoming tour, featuring support acts Gatecreeper and Trauma Ray, and discussed the modern bands that have recently inspired them creatively.

Check out more of their engaging conversation below.

Full Metal Jackie here, thrilled to welcome George Clarke and Kerry McCoy from Deafheaven to the show this week. With the release of their sixth album, Lonely People With Power, the title evokes thoughts of complex power dynamics. Can you elaborate on how this theme is woven throughout the album?

George Clarke: Absolutely. On a broader scale, it reflects on individuals who seek power but often lack meaningful relationships and community connections. This concept extends to the personal level, where we all encounter people who seem to have a hollow sense of self, driven by a desire to accumulate power.

We delve into this dynamic throughout the album.

As for the direction of Lonely People With Power, it kicks off with a heavier tone, particularly in the track “Magnolia.” Is this heavy sound a response to your previous musical explorations?

Kerry McCoy: Definitely. Each album serves as a snapshot of who we are at that moment. Naturally, every new release reacts to the previous one, including the touring experience that follows.

While we cherish Infinite Granite and are very proud of it, we felt a longing to return to a heavier sound. It was important for us to explore how far we could push our music in a different direction.

Experience Deafheaven’s “Magnolia”

Understanding how relationships shape our identities, it seems the creation of this album involved significant self-reflection. Recognition can be a powerful catalyst for change. What steps do you take to break free from a fixed narrative, and do these lessons apply to other areas of your life?

George Clarke: Absolutely. Self-reflection is crucial, as is stepping outside oneself. Focusing on how we can support others and adopting a selfless approach can lead to positive transformations in life.

Returning to the conversation with George Clarke and Kerry McCoy, Deafheaven is recognized for its pioneering role in the evolution of metal music, often labeled as blackgaze for its fusion of genres. When creating music, do you prefer to achieve heaviness through emotional depth in lyrics, or through crushing instrumentals?

George Clarke: It’s a blend of both approaches. When Kerry and I collaborate, we each bring our unique focus. Kerry often strives to create sounds that are sonically heavy while also ensuring emotional resonance. My aim is to lyrically match that energy, creating a cohesive experience that speaks to the listener.

The second track, “Heathen,” leans into a more hypnotic, shoegaze sound while allowing for moments of clean vocals. As the band’s journey continues, do you find challenges in your vocal approach, and might we see a more balanced mix of rough and clean vocals in the future?

George Clarke: We utilize clean vocals when they feel necessary within the context of the music. On this album, we incorporated them strategically, enhancing the overall sound. I believe this record showcases my most dynamic vocal work to date, with various styles and techniques emerging in my performance.

It appears Deafheaven has taken a more intentional approach to the artwork accompanying this album and its tour. The album cover portrays a woman speaking past a young boy in a car, while the tour poster features open hands with a graphic reminiscent of the “Heathen” video.

Both visuals provoke curiosity, which I appreciate. In an age where so much is revealed before an album’s release, how crucial is it to maintain an air of mystery while connecting these visuals to your artistic creations?

George Clarke: It’s incredibly important to us. Our goal was to create something that poses more questions than it answers. We wanted the artwork to tell a story, and as listeners engage with the album, they’ll uncover that narrative. Encouraging them to interpret the visuals and sounds in their way adds depth to the experience.

In a recent interview, George, you mentioned that one of your goals with this new album was to create music for those unfamiliar with the band. While it’s essential to create for yourself first, how do you consider your audience? What song would serve as the ideal introduction to Deafheaven for someone hearing you for the first time? Would it come from this record or an earlier one?

George Clarke: I believe it would come from this record. I meant that we have tried many things over the years, and now we truly understand our artistic voice and mission. We’ve integrated various elements from our past to create something cohesive here. Therefore, I would choose “Amethyst,” as it perfectly captures the essence of what we aim to convey.

Explore Deafheaven’s “Amethyst”

Let’s discuss the lineup for your upcoming tour supporting this album, featuring Gatecreeper and Trauma Ray. What qualities do you look for in bands when selecting support acts, and what are your thoughts on your current tour companions?

George Clarke: We strive to curate a well-rounded show with a variety of sounds, showcasing artists we admire. We’ve been friends with Gatecreeper for over a decade, and it’s been amazing to watch them evolve into a formidable band in their own right. Finally collaborating with them on this tour is truly special.

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Trauma Ray is a band we respect, though we don’t know them as well, but they are making waves and working hard. Together, we aim to offer audiences an unforgettable experience.

We know that Sunbather was a landmark album for you, and you celebrated its tenth anniversary last year. With 2025 marking a decade since New Bermuda, should we expect any special reissues or tours in recognition?

George Clarke: It’s heartwarming to hear such interest. However, at this moment, we have no plans for that. Our primary focus is on Lonely People With Power, and we are eager to tour and share these new songs. While we may consider something for New Bermuda in the future, our commitment right now is entirely to this new album.

With the music landscape constantly evolving, what has been inspiring you in recent times?

George Clarke: Quite a bit! It’s uplifting to see artists from our circle gaining recognition, such as Flenzer Records with acts like Midwife and Chat Pile, who are experiencing significant success. Blood Incantation is another band that has remained true to their vision and is now receiving deserved acclaim.

Additionally, larger bands like Knocked Loose are finally experiencing the rewards of their perseverance and commitment to their artistic vision, which is incredibly motivating for us.

We look forward to Lonely People With Power, the new album from Deafheaven, and can’t wait to see you on tour. Thank you, George and Kerry, for your time, and best of luck with everything this year!

Special thanks to Deafheaven’s George Clarke and Kerry McCoy for this insightful interview. Lonely People With Power is available now. Stay updated with Deafheaven through their official website, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Spotify. To find out where you can listen to Full Metal Jackie’s weekend radio show, click here.