Sunn O))) bring their latest self titled album tour to UK/EU shores for a run of dates. The album marks their first release with legendary Sub Pop Records.
All live photography by Miley Stevens. You can find more of Miley’s brilliant work, here.
ALMIGHTY AMPLIFICATION
You can feel the excitement from the moment you arrive at Project House for the almighty Sunn O))). There is one of the widest ranges of fans this writer has ever seen at a concert, which really demonstrates the scope of their fanbase. The duo have now been operating for close to three decades, releasing the strange ØØ Void in 2000. They have been described by many genres: power ambient, drone, even doom. One thing was for sure: this was going to be an experience.
I had been warned about the volume of their live show, and I’m glad I listened. Walking in and seeing the towering stack of specialist amplifiers was a sight to behold. There were only two bands on offer this evening, the other being Black Mountain. I wasn’t familiar with them, but I was told to expect a blend of space and psychedelic rock.
BLACK MOUNTAIN
Black Mountain are comprised of only two members this evening. I’m not sure if this was due to the lack of space for a drum kit. They open with a gentle, melancholic start, featuring soft guitar and beautifully harmonised vocals. By the second track, the guitar had grown in presence and intensity, becoming increasingly drenched in reverb and considerably louder. The band played alongside a backing track to make up for the missing members, but everything sat remarkably well in the mix.
SUNN O)))
There is real a sense of anticipation in the air, in the best possible way. You can tell that some people didn’t know what to expect, while seasoned Sunn O))) veterans are just as excited. Tracks from Bathory’s first album ring out in preparation, which I thought was both a great and interesting choice.
This was actually quite a nice segue into the start of Sunn O)))’s set. The infamous Venom spoof, Venom New Jersey, played over the PA beforehand—a fun piece of lore for those in the know.
Then, a stream of fog engulfs the stage, and two hooded figures emerged. This is followed by the immense weight of the opening chord, something that could genuinely be felt through your chest.
THE PHYSICAL SENSATION OF MUSIC
That physical sensation remains throughout the entire set. There are frequent feelings of nausea, teeth chattering, and pressure on the rib cage. This is all caused by the overwhelming force of the sound that Sunn O))) create.
This feels more like a ritual than a concert, with lifeless bodies surrounded by towering walls of sound within an impenetrable mist. At times, the music resembles sonic warfare, truly pushing the boundaries of what live sound can be. Every move is calculated with the sole intention of moving you further.
I would highly recommend anyone who is a fan of anything adjacent to the rock, psych, or metal sphere to see this band live, even if you struggle with their recorded material at home. It can only be described as an experience. Sunn O))) are one of the most unique forces in music that demand your attention.
Sunn O))): Website