Sunn O)))

Episode notes

(Photo: Daniel Speer)

Sunn O))) is a drone metal band comprised of two guitarists, Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson. They’ve been making music together for over 25 years and just released their 10th studio album. It’s self-titled and features a Rothko painting on the cover. 

For many, Sunn O)))’s concerts feel like a spiritual experience. The duo often performs donning black cloaks, and with fog machines blowing from every direction. They’re also surrounded by stacks and stacks of old amps, which makes sense given that they named themselves Sunn O))) in tribute to a vintage amplifier company. 

When Steve and Greg take the stage, they plug in, power up their amps, and play. And the music they play is loud. Not just loud, like – concert loud. Louder than anything you’ve ever heard in your life. So loud, dust starts to fall from the ceiling. So loud, car alarms outside the venue start to sound. So loud that when they play their last chord, and the show ends, you leave in a daze, asking, “Is this what a sensory deprivation tank feels like?”

Sunn O))) joined us to talk about the new record and how they started making music together. The duo also chatted with us about what goes into putting on a Sunn O))) show, the gear they bring on the road, and much more.