BAND – sunn O)))
ALBUM – LIFE METAL
RELEASE DATE – APRIL 13, 2019
LABEL –   SOUTHERN LORD RECORDINGS
BAND MEMBERS –
Greg Anderson
Stephen O’Malley
WEB SITE – sunn O))) OFFICIAL WEB SITE
FACEBOOK – sunn O))) OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE 
Review by – Ed H.

Life Metal is the first SUNN O))) studio album in four years. Over 2 decades SUNN O))) has established themselves as the preeminent drone metal band. Problem is when you have been around that long experimenting with the same sound structure the songs start to sound similar. That was an issue with the prior album, Kannon. The album was good but it sounded like I had heard it before. I think the members of SUNN O))), guitarists Greg Anderson and Steve O’ Malley might have felt that way also.

For Life Metal the members of SUNN O))) decided to try something different. They decided to record with.Steve Albini at his studio in Chicago. Steve Albini is known for just letting bands play and basically staying out of the way. The sessions were recorded over a 2 weeks in July 2018, which is much shorter recording period than the last 2 albums. Another change is Attila Csihar from Mayhem who has been a contributor to last 2 albums and a number of tours is not involved in this album. The other contributors on this album are Hildur Guðnadóttir on cello and vocals, Tim Midyett on bass, Anthony Pateras on organ, Tos Nieuwenhuizen on Moog Synthesizer. Tos has toured with them so he already has a synergy with the band.

I am glad to say that the changes have brought very satisfying results. The overall mood of the album isn’t as dark as previous albums but it is still heavy and more expansive. Yes, you still need to play at maximum volume to get full effect but would you want it any other way. I am reviewing a black vinyl copy of the album. It is an all analog recording (AAA) so vinyl would be the way to listen for the best experience. It is available in multiple colored vinyl and CD from Southern Lord.

The album opens with Between Sleipnir’s Breaths. The double album consists of 4 tracks. The guitar drones are intermixed with the vocals and cello. It is something I don’t think SUNN O))) would have done in the past but it is definitely them. Toward end of the song, the lower bass and synthesizer become more apparent. Troubled Air is next track up and uses the synthesizer to set the pacing for the guitar drones. Almost like a melody? It is quite apparent that SUNN O))) is trying to incorporate different sounds into the guitar drones and it works. If all this talk of change is bothering you don’t worry, the third song, Aurora, is what you expect from SUNN O))). Guitar drones take charge and fill the whole song. Novæ finishes off the album with what sounds like standard guitar chords playing under the sound of the drones and feedback. The song has more bass and lower frequency than the other songs. Each song on the album feels like it has its own mood but they all fit together nicely.

This album is the first album of 2 recorded during the same sessions. Pyroclasts is the second album and will be released in the fall of 2019 on Southern Lord. I have a feeling I will like that one as much as I did this album.

I do believe that SUNN O))) is a band that must be experienced live to get the full feeling of the music. If they are playing by you don’t miss them. Do not forget to bring ear plugs. I usually bring 2 sets in case some one next to me doesn’t have any and really needs them. I always come home with only 1 set.