My First Time Listening to Sunbather by Deafheaven | My Reaction

[@todddouglas7231]

17:04 "I love when bands don't care about genres" Funnily enough, Deafheaven faced alot of hate from mega fans of traditional Black Metal who claimed Deafheaven were 'posers' and stealing the sound of Black Metal to make what they considered too 'happy'. Some people care too much about genre and that prevents them from enjoying the music. Glad Deafheaven hasn't bended to the hate mobs.

[@jesperwartooth274]

If anything the album has more of a sorrowful feel to it , the vocals sound like he's in pain. The guitars are conflicting emotions of the album while the drums are the manic madness and just pure rage. But the album is an emotional rollercoaster.

[@pantsedjuniorhayseed4816]

not trve, not kvlt, not kreig

[@miserirken]

@@pantsedjuniorhayseed4816 no bitches

[@panasonicyouth1985]

Dream House is a song that will stick with me forever, one of the only metal songs that brings a genuine, cathartic, raw emotion from me every single time. That one song alone is a journey in itself - a great contrast between the edge of the unknown, and the restraint of love and being that keeps you grounded. Flawless song!

[@thelongestdongrod190]

I remember I was at work one day just listening to The Pecan Tree in my earbuds, and when I finally understood what the lyrics were saying at the end of the song, along with the instruments, I bursted into tears.

[@mollyesanborn]

Sounds about right... Deafheaven are masters at infusing so much emotion into their music. I can't imagine someone not being moved by this album in some way.

[@KenGold666]

@@mollyesanborn the pecan tree is probably my favourite song of theirs

[@filipbeben7884]

First you listened to deftones and now you listened to Deafheaven I’m so happy rn they’re literally both my favourite bands

[@mollyesanborn]

I know, I realized the similarity of the band names after I filmed this video, haha! I agree that they're both awesome bands.

[@cobaltfalcon9458]

Based

[@A37927]

"The vocals are definitely used here to complement the instruments". A brilliant quote being the first time listening to Deafheaven, you rock!

[@neropalma6622]

One of the best albums ever

[@mollyesanborn]

It's amazing.

[@mimifandenoir]

Absolutely. If I take ONE album in desert Island. I take Sunbather ❤

[@supahspartan64]

Whoa hey, I love this format of content. Listening to a whole album with live commentary, edited together for brevity. Awesome! Subbed.

[@mollyesanborn]

Aw, thank you! I love doing these reaction videos and appreciate the feedback on them :)

[@cobaltfalcon9458]

This album is so amazing that it’s actually rare for me to get past the first two songs (not counting segues). Deafheaven is like if Deftones did black metal

[@varthvarth]

This is such a great video. Sunbather is probably the most beautiful album I’ve ever heard regardless of genre. Listening to it takes me to such a transcendental and ethereal place that barely any other songs/albums can. I mean, hell, I have the words “I want to dream” permanently tattooed on me because I love the opening track so much. I loved your analysis and thoughts on everything. You come up with the perfect words to paint a picture of exactly how each song is, especially with how you described the Dream House as “a release of energy”. And yeah, their drummer is a fucking beast.

[@mollyesanborn]

Absolutely, this album is phenomenal. It does just transport you to a completely different place when you're listening to it.

[@BEFOREYOOFALL]

This album changed me mentally. I also teared up at the part in please remember when I first heard it.

[@bitbat9]

Saw Deafheaven perform this album in its entirety in 2014 and it blew my mind. One of the loudest and most intense shows I've seen.

[@davidelatini198]

Loud as hell

[@maxyboy9648]

Your comment about it sounding like Loathe is spot on!

[@gustavosantos7584]

This is an incredible album, I'm so excited for their new one!

[@mollyesanborn]

Me too!

[@mavisevelyn618]

one of my favorite albums ever. truly transcends genre to the point where I wouldn't call it metal or shoegaze or anything, its just beautiful

[@mollyesanborn]

Yep, I agree 100%

[@eversosleight]

One of the best American black metal albums of all time. An album to play to front to back every single listen. I can usually do without interludes but I can appreciate them here. Tension and release throughout. Thanks for reacting ❤ Wonderful thoughts, I especially liked when you likened the vocals to standing at the edge of a canyon and screaming out into the void.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for checking out the video! Yes, Sunbather is a phenomenal record that amazes me with every listen. I agree about the interludes, I'm very picky about the use of them as they usually screw up the flow of an album but in this case they work beautifully.

[@eversosleight]

​@mollyesanborn if you get a chance Molly, Blackbraid I or II are two albums that are stellar one person black metal projects with first ever Native American influences. The interludes are present on these as well but I think they work well. This is a newer band (one guy but he plays live with a few others he's brought on) and has glowing reviews. Sadly I could not find anything on Metacritic. Black metal isn't really my thing but stuff like Deafheaven, Blackbraid, Panopticon, and Hulder are top tier experiences. Also thanks for taking time to review/react to Sunbather!

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll have to check their music out.

[@SterlingJergens]

the first time hearing Deafheaven is when I got the record and played it on my turntable. I thought it was some of the heaviest sludgiest stuff I've ever heard and really dug it. I didn't realize until playing it for the 3rd or 4th time that I was playing it at 33RPM and it was pressed at 45RPM so it was actually too slow. It's still a good album, but 33RPM hits different.

[@KermitTheFrogman]

This comment lmfaooo 😂😂

[@solaymanbelfaquih1800]

I remember when i listen to this album. I'm more of a rap listener but i love also every genra. But god this hit me hard, and i was like wtf is that in the first song and then the magic operate with the melodic. I was like i don't understand what he is saying, but it's just beautiful, and then... The album stops...it was an experience in a lifetime. I told myself i freaking love this and i want to listening to it a second time. Now it's an album i recommend everyone, and i feel sad when they don't understand it, but i understand also if you don't like it. Thank you for sharing that with us, almost every moment on this is a blessing ❤️

[@mollyesanborn]

I agree completely! This album just made me feel a certain way, it's a very emotional album for sure. I'm right there with you in that I understand people not getting it, but I feel like they're missing out on something so special.

[@solaymanbelfaquih1800]

@@mollyesanborn thank you for the response Molly i didn't think you was gonna reply to that with the long text that i made. God blessed you, you got a new subscriber ❤️🥰

[@phaustho]

Going back to your reaction of Please Remember (around 9:06 ). That's probably one of my favourite parts of the record. (No kidding, my top Sunbather tracks must be Dream House and Please Remember.) Your WTF face is priceless! XD Hopefully, upon re-listening to the album, you've grown more fond of this song. Molly, your reviews are very insightful and interesting, I really love them! ^_^

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, this album really is quite the experience to listen to. Especially Please Remember just had such an impact. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@tingkagol]

I've forgotten about this band. Thanks to this I plan to revisit this album.

[@agustinlopez2078]

You should check .neon by Lantlôs.. That's an awesome album too

[@Jason-to5cs]

The lyrics are really great. I recommend looking them up. Great reaction! This album is a classic.

[@mollyesanborn]

I will definitely do that. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@JacksonThornhill]

It’s like a mix of converge,my bloody valentine and mayhem.

[@TheseBitchesWantNikes]

Exactly. What a wild "for fans of."

[@StormKillzone]

Wow this is probably my favorite reaction! Subbed :)

[@mollyesanborn]

Wow, thanks! This album was really incredible, Deafheaven really outdid themselves with this project.

[@StormKillzone]

@@mollyesanborn You're welcome ☺️ Yeah they did! It's still my favorite album by them tbh :) Keep it up btw!

[@video_ouija7114]

My wife walked the aisle to Irresistible on our wedding. On please remember, that's Neige from Alcest. If you've never heard alcest- souvenirs d'un autre monde...hooooo weeeeee

[@mollyesanborn]

Fantastic song choice for your wedding, Irresistible is such a gorgeous track. And I've got that Alcest album on my list, they're definitely a band I want to check out soon!

[@todddouglas7231]

Thanks for this! Been waiting for a full album reaction from someone, and you have a great way of expressing your mind it!

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@anarchicnerd666]

Oooo, interesting breakdown of the album. Subbed. If you're just getting into black metal and want some more of that melodic chaos, I'd love to see you react to and break down some "Panopticon" records, it's a one man black metal project that fuses folk music and bluegrass elements in, really interesting stuff - I recommend either the newest album, "... And Again Into the Light" or the classic "Roads to the North"

[@mollyesanborn]

Cool, I'll have to check it out! Thanks for the sub, and glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@mollyesanborn]

Update: just posted an album review for And Again Into The Light. What a fantastic album, I loved it! Thanks for recommending Panopticon.

[@anarchicnerd666]

@@mollyesanborn Glad to oblige :D

[@Freddespelarspel]

Just found your channel now, so you react to whole albums, that was something new I think I never seen that before atleast.

[@mollyesanborn]

Cool, glad you're enjoying the videos! :)

[@Freddespelarspel]

@@mollyesanborn I have some bands that maybe you want to check out and the albums, just hit me up if you are open for new bands and sounds, 👏🤘🏻

[@tonisalamanca3047]

Thanks for discovering me a new band. Great reaction

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@sebbo_h7121]

Great video! Sleep Token, Thornhill and maybe Northlane are some bands that I suggest to check out in the future

[@Rogreedo]

To be honest, Sunbather (and Deafheaven as a whole really) took me quite some time to get into. It was such a different style of music for me at the time that I felt it so demanding and challenging in a way, and I loved that but never got into it really. Now definitely Sunbather and Roads To Judah are some of my all time favorite albums. It's a testament of how we grow into something with time.

[@jasey8134]

Sunbather for me is like a long warm hug that you need when no one is there for you

[@aaronbevinsnerdcentral]

I love the blend of shoe gaze, post-rock and black metal...these dudes make it work perfectly. You must investigate Converge as well!

[@mollyesanborn]

Ooh I LOVE Converge! One of my favorite bands actually. I did an album ranking video for their discography a while back on my channel if you're interested :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIWWqomOh6-rf6s

[@aaronbevinsnerdcentral]

@Molly Sanborn oh excellent will check it out! Always enjoy your reactions; Deafheaven just announced they are coming to New Zealand in June, so gonna go for sure! Was lucky to see Converge as well as Dillinger Escape Plan too.

[@Errcyco]

Dream house and the pecan tree.. uhg an amazing album. My old roommate got me into these guys Sunbather is a fantastic album. Glad you liked it! Insightful video thanks again

[@54mrys]

Saw Deafheaven open for LOG several years ago. Recognized they were talented but didn't get them at the time. Recently have spent a lot of time listening to them and they have quickly become one of my favorites. The Radiohead of metal IMHO.

[@metalboy27]

I saw these guys with Coheed last month and yeah their drummer is insane. Just hearing those consistent blast beats for such a long time just made me think he had to have practiced that for so long before he could do that without his arm cramping up.

[@concertino58]

A band I would compare Deafheaven to is Envy, an iconic Japanese band.

[@Lukewarm111]

Yep this album is basically Envy gone black metal

[@Alifesalife]

Skramz gang

[@RibeiroGames12]

they sound more similar to Lantlos and Wolves In The Throne Room. but thats fr the closest one to envy

[@halfstrip]

This album is truly beautiful

[@Breszko]

Sunbather is one of my all time favourite records.

[@tjames4025]

The Pecan Tree is amazing

[@julivsderma]

I discovered this album an year ago, about ten years aften its release and it was fantastic! I felt like i was already searching for this without knowing it.

[@ofmine08]

I accidentally stumbled upon them as I was walking by a bar and heard the band playing. No other band has ever lured me into their show like that. Instant fan. Walked out with their album. Sxsw 2011 bat bar, Austin, tx

[@mollyesanborn]

That is awesome. They really are an incredible band, I just love their sound!

[@ariefrahmanto4120]

i love when 'sunbather' played and she's started smiling

[@oopirates96]

My favorite of them will always be they're debut album Roads to Judah the first song Violet is an atmospheric black metal masterpiece.

[@mollyesanborn]

Now I will have to listen to their other albums! Can't wait to hear what their other projects sound like.

[@ride.your.bike.]

Came here to say this. A true addition to this otherwise repetitious world. Masterpiece

[@quartersnacks2126]

Great reaction as always! I recommend Turnover's Peripheral Vision 🙂 you'd love it like everyone does

[@cobaltfalcon9458]

100%

[@QuadiePoo]

The best album ever. I’ve listened to it every day since it came out. I would easily consider it my all time favorite

[@mollyesanborn]

It's pretty amazing isn't it! Very few albums have moved me as much as this one did on my first listen.

[@AlexDraganOmu]

Based on your opinions, I think you would like Alcest, or you probably already know about them. I would also recommend Amesoeurs (that would make an interesting reaction video) and Lantlos.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check them out!

[@atlantankihihi4541]

Yes! Do it for Neige!

[@stuartmayberry666]

I saw Deafheaven in Portland after this album came out based on a recommendation from a friend. I think the show was less than $20. They absolutely KILLED it live and I was blown away. I don’t know if anyone commented on this or not, but “Windows” contains recordings of a street preacher in San Francisco mixed with audio of the lead guitarist buying drugs. So that unsettling and jarring tone of the whole thing is very intentional.

[@Love-less]

Do you have the full unedited version of this reaction if so i would love to see it this is my favorite album of all time would love to see the whole thing.

[@Fradom]

Another great video!

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks! :)

[@herbstwerk]

I was completely blindsided when I saw them in 2011 (or 12?) opening for Russian Circles in Europe, been a fan ever since. And while I can somewhat understand the people that are dismayed by the two tracks that are available from Infinite Granite, with their progressions over the last years it really isn't a surprise that they went there and I can't wait to listen to it. It almost feels like they are on an arc not unlike Ulver who went from black/folk metal over abstract electronic ambient with jazz elements to now avant-garde synth-pop. Speaking of them, if you're looking for stuff to react to that wasn't covered umpteen times already Perdition City by Ulver might be right up your alley.

[@C.good2damax]

Jelly. Wish I was at that show!

[@thiagocosta3953]

great review, Molly!! although I don't typically don't listen to death metal, this album is stellar

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, it's pretty amazing! Totally transcends any genre, I wouldn't even call it death metal, it goes somewhere else entirely with its sound.

[@scumdog666]

This isn't death metal. It's black metal mixed with shoegaze.

[@eduardovelasquez1488]

We will get any slowdive reactions Molly? Their most recent record is a beautiful shoegazey masterpiece! 😊

[@sunn000]

You should really listen to Altar of Plagues' Teethed Glory and Injury, intense and cathartic album, just like this one.

[@coryleblanc]

eh, prior albumz are better

[@m1lan417]

Vertigo is incredibly underrated and my favorite song of all time.

[@xtldc]

If you like that expansive standing-on-the-edge-of-a-canyon vibe, you should check out a band called Isis. I would recommend the following albums: Panopticon, In the Absence of Truth, and Oceanic.

[@mollyesanborn]

I'll definitely check them out! I know Isis has been suggested quite a bit in the comments.

[@xtldc]

@@mollyesanborn Well then I’ll be looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the band. They sound really amazing on a good pair of headphones. When I was about halfway done with my PhD, I extended my winter holiday break to go backpacking in Europe for about 6 or 7 weeks. I have very fond memories of some pretty long train rides spent mostly staring out the window watching the snow covering the countryside and the rugged terrain of the Alps. I was mostly alternating between albums by Isis and an Irish post rock band called God is an Atronaut - also worth looking into.

[@paroxysm6867]

Dream House is such an amazing song.

[@A37927]

Of course I'd like more Deafheaven albums reactions as they are awesome, hope you'll enjoy'em too!

[@frightenedsoul]

If you dig this check out Wolves in the Throne Room. They are American Black Metal with folk elements. Not very many good modern day black metal bands out there in my opinion and even fewer come out of America but they are really special. From what I understand most of the members are staunch vegans and animal rights activists and live on farms off the grid. I don’t necessarily identify will those things but I find it interesting that they intend deeper meaning in what they do and having that passion translates into the music wonderfully.

[@mollyesanborn]

Sounds. really interesting, thanks for the recommendation :)

[@koustavchoudhury5833]

The only black metal album I am aware of with a pink album cover 😅

[@mollyesanborn]

Haha! :D

[@AndCeroUno]

This album is intense, touching and beautiful . The band takes elements from shoegaze, post rock (the dreamy and melodics passages) and black metal (for the more manic and intense passages) Give it time and it will grow even mooore in you. Definitely have to listen their next album, New Bermuda. I highly recommend the selftitled album of the band Amesoeurs, a strange, dark, violent, and very introspect journey. They mix so well multiple generes like Deafheaven.

[@levega7996]

Hey molly love the reaction. If you enjoy Deafheaven I think you should give Lantlos a try. Their personally one of my favorite Blackgaze bands and are amazing! The album Neon is my favorite!

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have to check them out!

[@francescoauletta9117]

I don't know if someone already suggest them to you. I invite you to listen to Alcest albums, especially the first two. Neige, who's also a guest in this Deafheaven album, created this sound called blackgaze, which mix shoegaze, black metal and post rock/metal music.

[@mollyesanborn]

Alcest has been suggested by some others as well, I've never heard any of their music. I'll have to check it out!

[@Skygreen89]

You should try Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Maybe not for a reaction, but I think you'd like it in general :)

[@josemariasosaresendiz8286]

My favorite album 🤘

[@mimifandenoir]

Sunbather is in top 5 for the best album ever ❤

[@austintighe1722]

Listen to New Bermuda!! It’s darker and heavier

[@mollyesanborn]

I definitely plan on listening to their whole discography!

[@666nomameswey]

Windows is the lead guitarist/songwriter Kerry meeting up with someone for heroin in SF back when he was addicted in 2011-2012ish.. if you listen close you can hear him saying 'thats the last of my money, thats all I got'

[@concertino58]

Would love to see what you think of King Woman? They have a new album coming out on the 30th. I think you might enjoy them :)

[@mollyesanborn]

Cool, thanks for the recommendation!

[@vampmode9132]

I'd love to see a Mgla exercises in futility reaction

I love your videos and this is my favourite so far. I’m from Budapest and i would like to recommend a rare music project from here Thy Catafalque. If you just like to listen one album Geometria or Meta. I hope you will love it.

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I love getting recommendations for new stuff, I will have to check out Thy Catafalque, never heard of them.

[@C.good2damax]

Love these Deafheaven reviews. Go check them out live they will melt you! The sample tracks and ambience were influenced by Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

[@redrobotmonkey]

Would love to see how you react to New Bermuda. In my opinion, their best album. Even compared to their latest one.

[@jettrainbow]

Alcest - "Ecaillles de Lune"

[@martyngregg2527]

Please react to "Ordinary Corrupt Human Love" the Best album of Deafheaven definitely 👌

[@mollyesanborn]

I will definitely do a reaction for OCHL, can't wait to listen to it!

[@aaronlifts92]

Their song "Punk Rock/Cody" is a masterpiece.

[@mollyesanborn]

I just went and listened to it, and wow! I really enjoyed the echoey, reverberated sound that it has. It's got a slightly colder tone compared to Sunbather, at least to my ears. The ambient start, and then how it builds up so gradually until that magnificent ending just after the 9 minute mark. Pure Deafheaven magic!

[@natel_9945]

Hai Molly, Im new to the channel but have you given a listen to Nine Inch Nails' collaboration with HEALTH on the track ISNT EVERYONE? It's pretty damn good if I do say so myself.

[@mollyesanborn]

YES! I love it.

[@andrewdesantos5008]

Sunbather album was first time I heard Deafheaven ! .. i'm pretty sure "Dream House" song is what Heaven sounds like

[@Ray-lw2rh]

Black metal in D major, that’s one of a kind.

[@GM_Sanjit_Ramesh]

Love that album very much and each track is great, my only con is with the interludes, the albums feels kinda long compared to like Bermuda which passes by super quick

[@mollyesanborn]

Interesting! Sunbather flowed so well that even with the interludes it seemed like a quick listen to me. I'm looking forward to hearing their other albums like Bermuda for comparison.

[@TheseBitchesWantNikes]

See, I feel like without the interludes, the album would feel suffocating.

[@rijntje73]

Sunbather sounds like if Hopesfall had Black Metal aspirations.

[@youssefassem5263]

I'm gonna keep saying it OPETH BLACKWATER PARK

[@coryleblanc]

opeth are opeth, very unique Swedish band

[@aaron92]

loved the video. you should get better headphones though.

[@vikgrig8015]

Are you into metal? Cause the experience of listening to this album may differ from your musical background. It mixes Black Metal, Shoegaze and Post Rock.

[@mollyesanborn]

I do enjoy metal, although I've really only recently been getting into it. I'd say the bulk of my favorite non-metal artists tend to be alternative/experimental/electronic. Think Crystal Castles, Bjork, Phantogram, M83, Grimes, FKA twigs. I can certainly hear those shoegaze influences on Deafheaven's projects, maybe it's why I'm so drawn to their music!

[@Vladymir_Nyeto]

Hi Molly! I recommend you to listen the album "Love Exchange Failure" by Ukrainian band White Ward, i'd like to hear your reaction about it.

[@42yearoldboy5]

I’m not making fun of you but I really like the way you say acoustic. It almost sounds like a cue stick. It’s part of your charm 😊

[@mollyesanborn]

Haha, thanks! I never realized I pronounced it differently until making these videos, now I know :)

[@nuisancemusic09]

Listen to At the drive-in or The mars volta

[@mollyesanborn]

I've heard The Mars Volta, love their stuff! I did an album ranking on my channel for them. Haven't heard At The Drive In, I will check it out!

[@Lukewarm111]

You should react to Stage Four by Touche Amore

[@TheseBitchesWantNikes]

YES

[@Iliketurtles-l3q]

How old are you Molly? I’m going to guess 23

[@mollyesanborn]

You're close... ;)

[@IlNyaPasdOrchestre]

once again I doubt you'll see this comment but you might enjoy The Paper Chase's "God bless your black heart". And once again, it's hardly comparable to deafheaven but it's interesting c:

[@Kin_Ton_Ti]

Irresistible is probably my favorite song from the album, and it’s just a instrumental filler. Fantastic album.

[@petruSarac]

Sunbather is a strange album even for them. The presence of interludes sets it apart even from their other albums. Zero single potential for any track. Every Deafhaven album has its own integrity keeping true to the atmospheric heritage. The album itself is the product and every track is a gear. One of my favourite album since 2017.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, Deafheaven really doesn't seem like much of a singles band. Their tracks really work so well on the album as a whole, which I can really appreciate from an artistic standpoint.

[@Remedy462]

WHAT?! WHAT DID YOU SAY?! ....WHAT?!

[@mimifandenoir]

Intro from please remember is horrible and so stress 😮😅 Vertigo is Best song from album !!!