How do you review a Sunn O))) record?
Well, I guess in 2025 Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley don’t need to be introduced. So here’s my approach.
The feedback that forms the foundation of the beginning of „Eternity’s Pillars“ is hypnotic. I lost myself in it while driving down the Autobahn. The car must have been driving by its self. You know, the feeling you only grasp when it’s gone and you are back in the cockpit, realizing the traffic in front of you. In my case there was no traffic, but a full moon night.
It truly shocked me and, at the same time, pulled me back into the driver’s seat the moment the feedback faded and gave way to a single, massive chord. A chord introduced by a long, sliding sweep across the fretboard. I felt that one in my body.
From there, the tone seems to be set: classic Sunn O))), right? Wrong. As the song progresses a melodic phrase emerges appearing in fragments throughout the track like a reminiscence of something that has long been gone.
Overall, the song somehow feels fast. I know that sounds odd for Sunn O))), but these round about fourteen minutes move with such a direct, natural flow. It almost feels inevitable that the record is being released via Sub Pop.
“Eternity’s Pillars” might be the best track Sunn O))) have ever written as a duo.
The first proper Sunn O))) release on Sub Pop comes as a maxi 12” vinyl. There are plenty of color option for vinyl. I love the red „Loser“ Version. The B-side features “Raise the Chalice” and “Reverential” both following in the footsteps of the opener. “Raise the Chalice” with its chime-like resonance, stands out for me on this side, while the closing track once again highlights the compositional sense Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley possess. After „Life Metal“ and „Pyroclasts“ in 2019 it is refreshing to see Sunn O))) realizing a record that fresh and oscillating.
But still, this record is defined by the A side. “Eternity’s Pillars” might be the best track Sunn O))) have ever written as a duo.