Sunn O)))

I knew what their concerts were like going in, but was still amazed to see it myself. So imagine a band with no bassist, no drummer, no vocalist--and indeed, no rhythm, no melody, no harmony, no vocals. Just three dudes playing highly down-tuned, infinite sustained, maximally fuzzed out, and UNBELIEVABLY over-amplified guitars (I could feel the notes resonating through my sternum, teeth, even clothes). Onstage they wear hooded monk's robes, and the stage and indeed the entire venue is FILLED with smoke machine smoke accompanied by wildly colored lights. They played one 90-minute 'song' that consists exclusively of each of them striking a single, ponderously low, ridiculously long resonating guitar chord every minute or so. Oh, and there was a trombone solo!!!! It was one part "musical" event (although I think many, even most, people would strenuously debate whether this was actually music or not, it exists on the event horizon between "music" and "noise" or even "sonic terrorism"), one part neo-gothic/pagan ritual, one part avant garde performance art/Instagram moment. Oh, and because SunnO))) play literally ear-damagingly loud, almost everyone had earplugs in (they had a big free canister of them on the bar!), and everyone is just kind of standing there swaying, often with eyes closed--no dancing, no singing along, no clapping, for ninety minutes straight.
Sounds like it might not be most people's cup of tea, but it was seriously fun. As I said, definitely, 100% NOT like ANY concert, and any ROCK concert in particular, that I've ever been to before. More like the performance art events I've occasionally attended.

I’ve been to see SUN(O)) and the Barbican Theatre in London earlier in the year and I’ve five of their albums so I know what to expect from them. But this was different, the Barbican, stunning though it is is a big venue compared to the Leeds show. This means your much closer to the band, and you’re going to feel the full force of what SUNN(O))) can deliver.
My ears ache just thinking about the gig.
I went with a group of friends several who had not seen (and one had not heard) SUNN(O)) before so there was a feeling of in trepidation about the gig.
Way before the band come one dry ice fills the room (and the toilets) and form the mist emerges the mighty Attila and his voice of ancient magic. The man knows how to use his voice I can’t even describe how low that man’s voice can go.
In these times of quick fixes and “I want it now” there is a need to slow down, not to relax but slow everything down, to create what seems like a beginning and one that will never end. SUNN(O))’s music is called noise and most people just won’t get it. Yes it is crushing but so much more is going on, live they are at their best and they push you as a mortal to the brink. You don’t see much at SUNN(O)) gig but by god do you feel it and you feel it for days.
My highlight is always Attila’s glass costume at the end, truly a demi god.
If you want a description of what they sound like, it’s like putting to music to two galaxies crashing into each other.
I don’t think I’ll go see them again without ear protection again though.

Feeling alone in a room full of people is common among those with certain social conditions, but it’s not something usually associated with live music. Even when attending a concert solo, there is an obvious connection between performer and spectator. People don’t go to shows alone unless that connection exists. Last night was an exception to that rule. Shrouded in black, hooded robes, the members of Sunn O))) not only rejected any semblance of community, but they also drown the room in layers upon layers of fog, until every person in the audience was cut off from one another. Loneliness gave way to a slight case of claustrophobia as I hung on to the sounds of jazz that rang through a venue I could no longer see. Shadows in the shape of human beings could barely be made out through the thickening atmosphere of ominous clouds swirling in pale green light. When the sounds of guitars cracked like thunder through the amp stacks, loneliness and claustrophobia were immediately forgotten; everything that existed above the most basic and primal instincts was obliterated. - See more at: http://ilistensoyoudonthaveto.com/2016/05/03/sunn-o-gothic-theatre-05-02-16/#sthash.4YkYkQ34.dpuf

A Sunn O))) is atmospheric and memorable. The band plays wearing robes, fills their locations with fog and turns up the volume so loud your ears will be ringing for days. It’s a very cool effect that’s as much experimental theatre as it is live music; you certainly won’t find this at any other concert. Sunn O))) understand that experimental and drone metal is about more than just the sound – it’s about a three-dimensional experience and they provide this at every show.

Sunn O))) eschew the use of a drum line and rhythm altogether. Their soundscape is built on insanely low frequencies and incredibly slow songs that can extend to ten minutes each. Eventually, all of the individual elements of a Sunn O))) song merge together and you are left with pure vibration.

Fans of the band love their live performances of “It Took the Night to Believe”, “Aghartha” and “Sin Nanna” for their particularly intense sound. You really have to be a fan of drone metal to understand what Sunn O))) are about, but once you know what to expect you know that these guys deliver.

I ve seen sunn 0. 15 x. and their last concert. was. even louder..then 15 years ago. THEY DO NOT COMPRIMISE
the first 30 minutes where like.beeing ..in hell..slow loud endless drone..great lights and massive bong fog cannons..i climbed. on the shaking balcony..the concrete was moving!! earthquacke alarm .then in the midst of the fog..it even enveloped the street..the firebrigade. run .in...
sunn didnt blink..and to my amazement. soma i think. started playing like. speed metal it seemed..my high friend. his first sunn gig. told me. dude aliens. are landing? who knows. i answered..anything can happen. feel that bass..he blurted out. and there we were like 2 men on the bow of the titanic..shaking. to the most amazing live expierence. one can have. bless sunn o..only a close minded fool .misses. these ALWAYS MIND ALTERING EXPIERENCES. OH. THE LPS ARE NOTHING. NOTHING LIKE SUNN O LIVE..DO.NOT M8SS EM. EVEN THE DUO SHOWS ARE JUST AS GOOD..OH AND THE LIGHTS. ARE JUST INCREDIBLE..NEVER BETTER. 31 JAN 2020 DE KREUN BE

Seeing Sunn O))) live was more than just a live show; it was an experience. These guys are dedicated to playing heavy music, so if that's what you like - raw, loud, heavy music - you're in for a good time. I say it's an experience because the band goes the whole nine yards when it comes to immersing you into the ambient experience. Costumes, immense amounts of fog that fill the entire venue, and music louder than any live show I've ever been too. Seriously, these guys play loud. Make sure you bring some ear plugs unless you're a serious masochist. And even, bring some for your health.

Understand that Sunn O))) isn't like other bands and their shows aren't like other bands' shows either. If you can't imagine yourself just listening to drone metal for over two hours straight, it may not be for you. If you want a hell of an experience and a show you'll remember and appreciate, grab yourself some Sunn O))) tickets.

Sunn O))) shows are very memorable. The sound, the vibration you feel from distorted guitars and synths, the growls, the thickly lit fog that's truly a member of the band onstage, and finally the crowd of fellow metalheads sitting quiet and motionless in their seats through the whole show. Mesmerizing!

The band had an extra member playing the trombone this show. It sounded great.

Funny or not, but the fire alarm went off from the fog machines: once during the sound check (fog check?). The fire brigade actually came and checked the place out. But the crew handled it, making some kind of a deal to let the show start. They suppressed the strobes and the sirens when it happened again during the show. Props to the venue and the fire crew!

Un concert excellent tout en couleur Melangé d'une epaisse fumée, difficile de distingué les musiciens.
Un son incroyablement fort et maîtrisé.
Les Sunn o))) Sont en forme pour leur première tournée en France.
J'ai eu aussi l'occasion de rencontrer le producteur de Atypeek et de me faire dédicace un vinyle par le leader des SUNN O)))

Sunn O))) does not do concert, but occult sonic masses for those who dare to venture. Sound is not only for the ears, but to feel through all your organs.

See http://wp.me/p2uwtD-Ts for my review (in Dutch) for Sunn O))), as part of an evening also with The Black Heart Rebellion and Jambinai

Incredible night! Second time I've seen them live, and it was even better this time around. Place was packed to the rafters which were vibrating with Sunn's brutal and beautiful drones. Catch them live if you can!