The Grimmrobe Demos

I love Sunn O))). I'll get that out the way with now. I know they're a controversial musical group, but I respect them for what they do, and for the most part, I enjoy it. However, though, this is my most recent Sunn O))) album, and probably my least favourite.

It's a very good album. Because it's my least favourite doesn't necessarily mean I don't like it. I can accept it for what it is: 100% pure drone doom from the early days. It's just that by the time the album's over, I've zoned out, and lost interest. I appreciate it that the band sort of "expected" this, and put little sound effects, and a few rare chord changes in to keep you on your toes, but ultimately, it doesn't end up doing much extra.

It is absolutely superb background music, though. The almost ambient nature of this is excellent to lie down to after a hard day, and just relax to. It's definitely dark and disturbing, but there's something relaxing about it. It's also pretty nice to have playing on media player when you're on the PC. (I'm listening to it right now, as I'm typing this, actually). While it's stating the obvious, I'll say it anyway. When (or if) you pick this up, don't expect any 'It Took the Night to Believe's, or 'My Wall's. This is pure drone. Long, subharmonic, bass notes, driven slowly into your head. Drone. it does what it says on the tin. You love it or hate it.

Like I said, though, while it's a good album, it's very hard to listen to start-to-finish. You can't sit down with a walkman and headphones and listen to all 70+ minutes in one sitting. Or at least I couldn't. It's more background music, in my eyes. Depending on how you listen to it, you may enjoy it more.