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Sunn O)))

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Sunn O)))

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.

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, reasoning that Sunn O))) "revolved around 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.

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.

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.

Stephen O'Malley, one of the guitarists for Sunn O))), creates roughly 90% of the artwork for Southern Lord, a record label he founded in the early 2000's. His primary style of art involves many random and sometimes connecting lines, and sometimes letters of the English alphabet, jumbled together very closely. It also involves a very fractured vision of seemingly formless shapes that give the impression of being very thick.

Collaborations with other artists

File:Sunn promo.jpg
Insert from the Black One album. Sunn O))) are noted for their well defined visual sense

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.

  • "Rabbit's Revenge" from ØØ Void (Melvins cover)
  • "FWTBT" from Flight of the Behemoth (cover of Metallica's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" - the full title is "F.W.T.B.T (I Dream of Lars Ulrich Being Thrown Through the Bus Window instead of My Master Mystikall Kliff Burton)")
  • "Teeth of Lions Rule the Divine" from Cro-Monolithic Remixes for an Iron Age (Earth cover)
  • "Catch-22 (Surrender or Die)" from Cro-Monolithic Remixes for an Iron Age (Merzbow cover)
  • "Cursed Realms (Of the Winterdemons)" from Black One (Immortal cover), although only the lyrics are used.
  • "Báthory Erzsébet" from Black One can be said to be a loose (even by Sunn standards) cover of "A Fine Day to Die" by Bathory.
  • "Candlegoat" from Black One also quotes the lyrics from "Freezing Moon" by Mayhem.

Discography

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