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Sunn O)))

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Sunn O))) (pronounced simply sun) is an American doom metal band, in its broadest sense; however, more narrowly, it inhabits the drone doom sub-genre. The band consists of Stephen O'Malley (Khanate, Burning Witch) and Greg Anderson (Goatsnake). The band was formed as a tribute to Earth, another heavy-sounding band and pioneers of drone metal.

Contents

History

The band is named after the Sunn amplifier brand, whose logo includes a circle next to the "SUNN" banner with waves heading off to the right – reading those out as characters makes "Sunn O)))". The band uses the same logo for their albums as well. In interviews Stephen O'Malley has stated the name was also chosen as a play on Earth's name, with irony in the fact that Sunn O))) "revolved around the Earth." However, before the band members moved to Los Angeles the duo were called Mars, in another tribute to Earth.

Their sound is extremely slow and heavy, using droning guitars accompanied by feedback and other sound effects to create their soundscapes. There is very little drumming and a lack of any discernible beat. When playing live the band wears long hooded cloaks and create such a powerful sonic attack around themselves that it's said to cause headaches and involuntary bowel movements due to the extremely heavy bass. The latter condition is likely no more than urban legend, however. (See brown note)

The band is currently signed to Southern Lord and release most pieces through that avenue. However, they released ØØ Void, their sophomore album, on Rise Above Records, Hydra Head Records, and Dirter Productions, with the latter pressing the album as a double vinyl. The Grimmrobe Demos was first released also on Hydra Head Records. It was later issued as a double picture record set by Outlaw Recordings and finally reissued by Southern Lord in 2004.

Recently, Sunn O))) has been experimenting with a variety of drone styles and sounds, progressing the primarily guitar and bass style of The Grimmrobe Demos and ØØ Void. On White1 and White2, Sunn O))) noticeably expanded on conceptualization by inviting several guests (see collaborations below), resulting in everything from quiet meditative ambient sounds ("A Shaving of the Horn that Speared You" from White1) to a bizarre bass experiment track ("bassAliens" from White2). Black One continues this direction, utilizing far more electronics, synthesis and other instrumentation than earlier Sunn O))) material, yet still marking a significant return to their traditional sound.

Unlike related artists in the drone metal and dark ambient fields, they have enjoyed a high level of popularity from fans, and are widely regarded as leaders in the genre. [link] Reports have also surfaced of an incident in which Stephen O'Malley had an argument with a club owner on the latest tour, and rumours of a thrown amplifier were circulating among fans almost instantly. As of yet, members of Sunn O))) have declined to comment on the famous incident.

In the May 28th, 2006, edition of The New York Times Magazine, Sunn O))) is featured in the "Heady Metal" Article, with both members in their signature cloaks.

Collaborations with other artists

A picture of an insert inside the Black One album.
A picture of an insert inside the Black One album.

The band has notably and often collaborated with a wide variety of artists.

Cover songs

Sunn O))) occasionally covers songs by other bands, reinterpreting them to fit their style.

Discography

External links

 

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