Deafheaven

Deafheaven Live at Sala Mon Live (Penelope), Madrid - Friday, 21 November 2025

Prepare for an unforgettable sonic journey as Deafheaven, the trailblazing purveyors of blackgaze, descend upon Madrid for a headline performance at the renowned Sala Mon Live (Penelope) on Friday, 21 November 2025. This isn’t just another gig; it’s an opportunity to witness a band that has consistently pushed the boundaries of extreme music, blending the raw intensity of black metal with the soaring melodies and atmospheric grandeur of shoegaze. Deafheaven’s live performances are legendary for their visceral energy, cathartic emotional release, and immersive sonic tapestries, promising an evening that will resonate long after the final chord fades. Their unique alchemy of sonic aggression and ethereal beauty has captivated audiences worldwide, and this Madrid date is set to be a highlight of their European tour, a chance to experience their groundbreaking sound in the intimate and electric atmosphere of Sala Mon Live.

About Deafheaven

Emerging from San Francisco in 2010, Deafheaven quickly established themselves as a significant force in modern metal, carving out a distinct niche with their genre-bending sound. Their debut album, Roads to Judah (2011), laid the groundwork for their signature style, showcasing a potent blend of blast beats, tremolo picking, and atmospheric textures. It was their critically acclaimed sophomore effort, Sunbather (2013), however, that truly catapulted them into the mainstream consciousness. This monumental album, lauded for its audacious fusion of black metal ferocity with the shimmering, ethereal qualities of shoegaze, earned them widespread critical acclaim and a devoted international following. Sunbather is frequently cited as a landmark release, proving that extreme music could be both intensely heavy and breathtakingly beautiful.

Following Sunbather’s success, Deafheaven continued to evolve, exploring new sonic territories with albums like New Bermuda (2015) and Ordinary Corrupt Human Love (2018). While maintaining their core identity, these releases demonstrated a growing confidence in their melodic sensibilities and a willingness to experiment with more intricate song structures and diverse influences. Their most recent offering, Infinite Granite (2021), marked a significant stylistic shift, leaning further into melodic rock and pop influences while still retaining echoes of their heavier past, showcasing their remarkable versatility and artistic progression. Throughout their career, Deafheaven has consistently defied expectations, refusing to be pigeonholed and instead forging their own path. Notable tracks that have become fan favourites and often feature in their electrifying live sets include the epic grandeur of “Dream House,” the intense crescendo of “The Pecan Tree,” the melodic ebb and flow of “Canary Yellow,” and the powerful “Honeycomb.” Their live shows are renowned for their potent combination of sonic catharsis and emotional resonance, a testament to their enduring artistic vision.

Venue Information

Sala Mon Live, located in the heart of Madrid, is a premier destination for live music enthusiasts. Renowned for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere, the venue provides an ideal setting for experiencing the raw power and nuanced soundscapes of bands like Deafheaven. With a capacity that fosters a close connection between artist and audience, Sala Mon Live promises a truly immersive concert experience. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Deafheaven’s live performances are a transcendental experience, a carefully orchestrated assault on the senses that simultaneously invigorates and enraptures. Expect an evening that begins with an almost palpable tension, as the stage lights dim and the first ethereal notes begin to wash over the audience. The band’s setlist is a masterful journey through their discography, skillfully weaving together the raw ferocity of their earlier work with the more melodic and expansive compositions from their later albums.

The iconic opener “Dream House” is almost a certainty, its monumental build-up and explosive climax serving as a potent introduction to the sonic world Deafheaven inhabits. Prepare for the relentless energy of tracks like “The Pecan Tree” or “Honeycomb,” where George Clarke’s distinctive, guttural screams intertwine with Kirk Longrieth’s virtuosic guitar work, creating a dense and powerful wall of sound. However, it’s the dynamic shifts that truly define a Deafheaven show. Witness the sudden, breathtaking transitions into shimmering, shoegaze-infused passages, where sweeping guitar melodies and ethereal vocal harmonies create moments of profound beauty and introspection. Tracks like “Sunbather” or selections from Ordinary Corrupt Human Love offer these sublime interludes, providing a welcome respite from the sonic onslaught and showcasing the band’s remarkable ability to evoke a wide spectrum of emotions.

The performance style of Deafheaven is one of unbridled passion and intense focus. George Clarke is a commanding presence on stage, his raw vocal delivery and dynamic stage presence captivating the audience. The instrumentalists deliver their parts with precision and ferocity, their intricate arrangements unfolding with a compelling intensity. The interplay between the sheer power of their sound and the delicate beauty of their melodies is what sets Deafheaven apart, and this contrast is amplified in their live setting. The duration of their set is typically around 90 minutes to 2 hours, providing ample time for them to delve into their extensive catalogue and deliver a truly comprehensive performance. Be prepared for moments of complete sonic immersion, where the music washes over you, and moments of cathartic release, where the sheer power of the performance leaves you breathless. This is not a band that simply plays songs; they craft an experience, a sonic pilgrimage that will leave an indelible mark on all who witness it.

FAQs

Q1: Is Deafheaven primarily a black metal band, or do they incorporate other genres?

Deafheaven are widely recognised for pioneering the “blackgaze” genre, a unique fusion of black metal’s intensity, blast beats, and harsh vocals with the atmospheric textures, shimmering guitars, and melodic sensibilities of shoegaze. While their early work leaned more heavily into black metal, their sound has evolved considerably, incorporating elements of post-rock, melodic hard rock, and even pop, demonstrating a remarkable versatility and a willingness to push genre boundaries. Their live performances showcase this evolution, featuring both their signature sonic aggression and moments of breathtaking melodic beauty.

Q2: What is George Clarke’s vocal style like during a live performance?

George Clarke is known for his powerful and dynamic vocal delivery. In their heavier tracks, he employs the signature guttural screams and shrieks characteristic of black metal. However, he is also adept at delivering cleaner, more melodic vocal passages, particularly during the shoegaze-influenced sections of their songs. His vocal performance is an integral part of the emotional arc of their music, capable of conveying intense rage, profound sorrow, and soaring hope within a single performance.

Q3: How long does a typical Deafheaven set last?

A typical Deafheaven live set usually spans between 90 minutes and 2 hours. This allows them sufficient time to traverse their diverse discography, delivering a well-rounded performance that encompasses both their early, heavier material and their more recent, melodic explorations. They are known for crafting sets that build in intensity and offer a compelling emotional journey for the audience.

Q4: Can I expect to hear their most popular songs like “Dream House” and “Sunbather”?

It is highly probable that you will hear fan favourites like “Dream House” and “Sunbather” during their Madrid performance. These tracks are cornerstones of their live set and are often used to illustrate the band’s signature sound and its evolution. While setlists can vary slightly, these anthemic songs are essential to the Deafheaven live experience and are almost always included.

Q5: Is Deafheaven’s music suitable for those new to heavier music genres?

Deafheaven’s unique blend of extreme music and accessible shoegaze elements makes them a compelling entry point for those curious about heavier genres. While they possess the intensity and sonic power of black metal, their often-melodic and atmospheric passages provide a more palatable introduction. Their live performances, in particular, are known for their immersive qualities, which can draw in audiences who might not typically gravitate towards extreme metal. The emotional catharsis and sonic beauty they create can be a powerful draw, regardless of prior genre experience.