Album Details

• Artist: Sunn 0)))
• Album: Oo Void
• Label: Southern Lord
• Year of Release: 2000
• Original Release: 2011
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2011-11-22

The single chord, endless feedback and pace of the opening to "Richard" will bring tears to the eyes of those who understand the hypnotic and spiritual power of doom done right. This reissue of the classic second record by Sunn O)) is a reminder of the power of music in general. "OO Void" contains only four, fourteen minute plus songs, but enough was packed into them to make for a legendary release that has influenced all that has followed since its initial appearance in 2000.

Like "Richard," "NN O))" is all plodding, heaving greatness. A cover of the unreleased Melvins tune, "Rabbit's Revenge," reveals brilliant layers of sound and echo that are the foundation for doom and drone. The depth of tone in "Ra at Dusk" also features a nasty initial groove that formed the template for the sound of today's carriers of the faith such as Black Cobra.

For "OO Void," Greg Anderson and Stephen O'Malley had help from guests like Goatsnake's Pete Stahl and bassist Stuart Dalhquist, a veteran of both Goatsnake and Burning Witch. It is hard to tell where their contributions lied, since the sound and delivery is pure Anderson/O'Malley, with little chaff. As befits these legends, there is nothing here but bare-bones hypnotic grace. Had Sunn O))) only released this record, their legacy would be set. It is clear to me, though, that "OO Void" is among their best work, and certainly in the pantheon of metal's greatest achievements.

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