ALBUM REVIEW: Metta, Benevolence BBC 6Music : Live On The Invitation Of Mary Anne Hobbs – Sunn O)))

You would think that to truly experience the true power of SUNN O))) live you would have to be there in person, such is their deserved reputation for sonic annihilation and power in the live arena. However, while this specially curated live session for Mary Anne Hobbs (a long time supporter of the band) and her eclectic and well-loved BBC 6Music show (recorded at the legendary John Peel studios) is designed for play in the confines of your own home, the power of the music is what counts, and whether you are playing it in your living room speakers or even on a full SUNN O))) rig, the music being played here definitely has that power.

The live session sees SUNN O))) mainstays Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson joined by Tos Nieuwenhuizen, Stephen Moore, Nord Stage and Tim Midyett, who combine for a lesson in formidable and inspiring soundscapes. The results are truly exceptional as they capture all manner of feelings and passion as they soar through the three tracks they play. Those three tracks – Pyroclasts F, Pyroclasts C# and Troubled Air – are all epic pieces of music, and demonstrate why the band are so highly thought of in extreme music circles and beyond.

Anna von Hausswolff (whose band accompanied SUNN O))) on the UK leg of their tour that preceded this session) lends her magic on the first two songs too. Her contributions are hypnotic and work perfectly in tandem with the power of SUNN O))) in ethereal fashion, adding both a mixture of beauty and a life affirming vibe to proceedings.

Troubled Air finishes things off in awe inspiring fashion, at once being truly heavy with its threatening atmospherics (especially as it nears its crushing conclusion) as well as triumphant and sublime, sometimes all at the same time. This is truly epic music done properly, and is utterly breathtaking to listen to and get immersed in as the track builds and builds, sometimes menacingly, but always majestically. When its half hour plus length reaches its end, it feels like no time at all has passed, such is its sense of experience.

Everything you love about SUNN O))) is represented here, especially their well respected droning heaviness, but it is delivered with an otherworldly feeling about it which seems to elevate their sound dramatically and works so well. To actually have experienced this collection of music in person would have been a truly special experience and one most of us could only dream of, but this audio memento of the live session seems like a good enough way to enjoy it as the music on display here is phenomenally executed and will have you transfixed each and every time you return to it.

Metta, Benevolence BBC 6Music : Live On The Invitation Of Mary Anne Hobbs (to give it its full title), is a truly special and exceptional collection of music and one that makes you long for SUNN O))) to return to the stage. Until then however, immersing yourself in its glory sounds as good as anything.

Rating: 9/10

Metta, Benevolence BBC 6Music : Live On The Invitation Of Mary Anne Hobbs is set for release on November 26th via Southern Lord Recordings.

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