Sunn O))) at the Rilato theater in Tucson AZ.
There’s no way to fully explain their sound/live experience to the every day music goer. You either love it or it’s not your thing. That’s not a knock on the band or their sound, it’s a unique flavor that only their fans understands. Sunn O))) is a doom metal band from Seattle Washington birthed by Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson. They what they want and they’re damn good at what they do! I’ve tried multiple times to explain their sound and it finally clicked. In the deepest and darkest corners of hell the band that would be playing is Sunn O))). Think of their live performance as the perfect send off to the afterlife, the perfect setting for a funeral service. It’s dark, it’s loud, and reminds us that death can be a beautiful thing, even though it’s such a dark topic.
Their a band that enjoys pushing the limits and frequencies. There’s no rhyme or rhythm to their music and honestly we love them for it. It’s what Makes them special to their fan base and why we relate to their music. We live for their live show which is such an amazing experience. The feedback From the guitars, the high decibels that will kill your ear drums, their sonic wall of death that will hit you straight in the face. They’re unlike any other doom metal band out there. Sunn O))) creates their own atmosphere and adds to the already amazing live show by filling the entire venue with fog that way the listener is fully consumed by the music.
It was just after 9:30 when the Rialto theater started to fill with smoke and fans, as both sides of the stage had fog machines going full blast. As the lights started to dim, Stephen and Greg took the stage. As the feedback started to ring out through the venue, the entire venue was engulfed with fog. As I’d seen them once before at the Hollywood Masonic lodge, I knew it was going to be a challenge to cover them. Not only are you sucked Into a trance-like state , but getting actual photos of the members is a mission all in itself. As the band started to get into their live set, it seemed as if it got louder with the huge sound wall behind them. The massive wall of amps was impressive, as both members wore their black robes in a cloud of smoke and backlight. It was a straight onslaught for a little over an hour and a half.
If Sunn O))) comes through your city I highly suggest not missing them!
