Life Metal - Sunn 0))): Review
Sunn 0)))
are a pioneering noise metal band from Seattle that gained popularity in the 2000's with a blend of experimental soundscapes and creative experimentation in the realm of noise music. While they have a discography full of unique albums and exciting collaborations the band made the most impact with their universally acclaimed 2009 album Monoliths And Dimensions. The album was a blend of drone metal, dark ambient, doom metal and avant-garde music that sounded heavier and more dense than almost anything else like it. Since then the band has released a few collaborative albums but only one studio project which was met with mixed reviews. Now Life Metal is billed as a comeback record of sorts for the duo and has their fans anticipating another great release.
Review By Lavender:
I'll be the first to admit that I don't know every piece of the Sunn 0))) catalog like the back of my hand. I've heard every studio project behind the group and a handful of their collaborations but their best moments are among my favorites in the drone and dark ambient genres. 2006's Black One and 2009's Monoliths And Dimensions are among some of my favorite albums of their respective years and absolute necessities in experimental music. Their most recent record, 2015's Kanon was a slight disappointment for most fans that delivered less experimentation and innovation than the band typically worked in. Given the quality of the sole single released from the project and widespread acclaim from fans who got the physical copy early on record store day I was pretty excited for this project and while it won't change anyone's life, it is a pretty solid experience.
The album has four tracks, the first two are shorter 11 and 12 minutes respectively and the second two are pushing 20 minutes. The opening track is Between Sleipnir's Breaths opens up fittingly with a long dramatic build that sets up the sonic palette for Life Metal. The sound of this album is incredibly heavy and blends together numerous layers of sounds, guitars and effects into one massive mix that allows the project to sweep from powerful highs to gorgeous lows. Speaking of those lows they are created by a bravely clear quality used in the recording process of this album that allows for every little piece of the mix to be heard loud and clear. This gives the project a brightness and clarity that is unique within the Sunn 0))) discography. This takes light during the first track in the form of its first big crescendo. After a pretty grand moment the album pulls a surprise left hook by featuring vocals in a manner that very few Sunn songs do. Unfortunately there is a dichotomy in the tune as the song aims for an apocalyptic sound but the vocals don't tend to support this. But ultimately the song is still pretty good, it uses its length effectively and its phases are consistently captivating and engaging throughout.
The second track was the album sole single. Troubled Air is the shortest song here at under 12 minutes but one of the most captivating. It features a blistering and attention grabbing opening before promptly slowing down to take its time. The little bits of extra instrumentation added into its crescendos go a long way in helping it stand out and creates a series of worthwhile moments. It makes sense as a single as one of the shortest and easiest to follow tunes on the project but even given these factors it is a rewarding tune.
Review By Lavender:
I'll be the first to admit that I don't know every piece of the Sunn 0))) catalog like the back of my hand. I've heard every studio project behind the group and a handful of their collaborations but their best moments are among my favorites in the drone and dark ambient genres. 2006's Black One and 2009's Monoliths And Dimensions are among some of my favorite albums of their respective years and absolute necessities in experimental music. Their most recent record, 2015's Kanon was a slight disappointment for most fans that delivered less experimentation and innovation than the band typically worked in. Given the quality of the sole single released from the project and widespread acclaim from fans who got the physical copy early on record store day I was pretty excited for this project and while it won't change anyone's life, it is a pretty solid experience.
The album has four tracks, the first two are shorter 11 and 12 minutes respectively and the second two are pushing 20 minutes. The opening track is Between Sleipnir's Breaths opens up fittingly with a long dramatic build that sets up the sonic palette for Life Metal. The sound of this album is incredibly heavy and blends together numerous layers of sounds, guitars and effects into one massive mix that allows the project to sweep from powerful highs to gorgeous lows. Speaking of those lows they are created by a bravely clear quality used in the recording process of this album that allows for every little piece of the mix to be heard loud and clear. This gives the project a brightness and clarity that is unique within the Sunn 0))) discography. This takes light during the first track in the form of its first big crescendo. After a pretty grand moment the album pulls a surprise left hook by featuring vocals in a manner that very few Sunn songs do. Unfortunately there is a dichotomy in the tune as the song aims for an apocalyptic sound but the vocals don't tend to support this. But ultimately the song is still pretty good, it uses its length effectively and its phases are consistently captivating and engaging throughout.
The second track was the album sole single. Troubled Air is the shortest song here at under 12 minutes but one of the most captivating. It features a blistering and attention grabbing opening before promptly slowing down to take its time. The little bits of extra instrumentation added into its crescendos go a long way in helping it stand out and creates a series of worthwhile moments. It makes sense as a single as one of the shortest and easiest to follow tunes on the project but even given these factors it is a rewarding tune.
The 3rd track Aurora is another one I'm quite impressed with. At just under 20 minutes it has a much longer and steadier build over its three major phases and these are usually rewarding. With the exception of a just okay climax in the middle of the track it is bookended by some fantastic moments. It is probably the darkest song overall that spends most of its time in the very indulgent moments. Even though its first major phase is my favorite the droning guitars never get old over the songs next two phases and the climactic moment in the final phase is a very satisfying one.
The final track is the fantastic Novae, its length is captivating on its own but it is used so effectively from a compositional standpoint. It doesn't get started off on the best note after a series of chords that are allowed to drain out to an incredibly distant and quiet point that seems a touch excessive. When they come over and over again it can get a little bit dry, but from about 6 minutes on out the song is rock solid. The middle section is its best moment and features some of the grandest highs and most patient lows in the entire album and reminds me of all the fantastic range that Sunn can bring to a project. The final 4 minutes goes from a huge wail of heavy sounds to a gorgeous and resounding outro that leaves the album off on a sharp moment.
While Life Metal isn't a groundbreaking or brilliant landmark, it is a return to form for a band that had a few in the 2000's. It does inspire confidence that the band will continue to make great music after a series of tracks with great songwriting and complex soundscapes that are consistently rewarding. I'll be looking for anything Sunn 0))) does going forward. 7.5/10
Best Track: Troubled Air
For more experimental music check out my review of William Basinski's On Time Out Of Time here.
