Metal Survivor Mania
Today we investigate the extremeties of Drone Metal. Next up is:
Sunn O))) - Monoliths and Dimensions
Now this is drone.
Starting with the 17-minute epic Aghartha, Sunn O))) immediately delve into some of the slowest music I've ever heard. With the usual fuzz of drone metal in there, I can also hear some low piano bits, as well as some random horns and squeaky noises in the background. This is the first album to feature vocals, in the slow, deliberate growls of Attila Csihar, who seems to have worked with Sunn O))) for wuite a little while. After a bit, it starts to sound like a horror movie, with the strings and creaking reminiscent of a haunted house.
Second track is called "Big Church". And it does sort of remind me of one. Typical drone stuff, along with non-fuzzy guitar bits, some choral arrangements, and a lot of strange vocals. Also includes bells and organ. Reminds me a bit of funeral doom as well. The third is "Hunting and Gathering", and is really fast for a drone song. Towards the end it devolves into just some wheezing guitar noises. "Alice" is basically like the others, drony and expansive. Perhaps with a bit more of a happy sound. Lots of horns, and sparkly effects. Really like that last one.
So, let's look at the pros and cons. In terms of pros, there's certainly a lot. The last song is great, probably better than any of the other songs I've heard so far. But on the other hand, the other two songs weren't spectacular or anything. This album is a drone album more than anything else, and is probably the slowest of the three. That said, I think I definitely like this one better than Boris, mostly for that beautiful last track. I don't, however, think I like it more than the raw and sludgy Earth 2, as this one can get a little intangible and uncomfortable at times. So, that said, here's my current list:
Earth
Sunn O)))
Boris