Deafheaven started as a project between frontman George Clarke and guitarist Kerry McCoy. After sending the demo to various blogs and receiving positive reception, they accepted offers to play live shows and added members of Whirl and Temple of Saturn to form the quintet that today tours as Deafheaven. On July 29th, 2010, Deafheaven played their first show and within months of forming, they began receiving interest from numerous record labels and officially signed on with Deathwish Inc. in December of 2010.