Superheaven : Superheaven
Doylestown, Pennsylvania’s Superheaven made a name for themselves with the release of their 2013 debut album, Jar, an album whose unique sound combined hardcore with shoegaze and grunge. The group concocted a compelling blend of sound that felt strongly reminiscent of ’90s-era rock aesthetics. Yet while the ’90s references are recognizable in their work, Superheaven convey a unique identity through their aggressive riffs and melancholic atmosphere, as showcased through their sophomore effort, 2015’s Ours Is Chrome.
Come the following year, however, Superheaven announced they were taking an indefinite hiatus. The silence that trailed Ours Is Chrome is finally over, as the band is back with a new album, their self-titled third full-length. Making new music after a 10-year hiatus might, for certain bands, result in rusty sounding material; music that sees an act relying heavily on their past without expanding upon their craft. In Superheaven’s case, it’s quite the opposite. Here, they elevate their craft to an even heavier and more accessible level.
Whereas album opener “Humans for Toys” offers intense distortion over melodic groove, the band push that combo to eleven on “Numb To What Is Real,” which carries an irresistible melodic gloom. Songs like “Long Gone” and “The Curtain” are relatively more restrained when it comes to tempo, yet, the band’s performance strikes a middle ground where the tone is aggressive, while moving at a sludgy pace, creating a mesmerizing drone effect.
Throughout each of the album’s 10 tracks, Superheaven offer a well-balanced duality. On one hand, as a rock record, it’s exhilarating—there’s plenty here to fuel pits. On the other hand, the vibes are impeccable. The soundscape of each track overwhelms with thick atmospheric layers, and when combined with more traditional rock elements, creates experience that’s beautifully evocative.
Superheaven’s return is stunningly eclectic, the band sounding even stronger after all this time on both a technical and emotional level. While Superheaven lean into their grungy roots, their approach to writing and performance has matured. To come off a decade-long hiatus and create something as thrilling and moving as this is the best kind of comeback.
Label: Blue Grape
Year: 2025
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