Sunn (band)

Sunn O)))
Sunn O))) performing in robes at Brutal Assault 2015
Background information
Origin	Seattle, Washington, United States
Genres	Drone metal experimental metal
Years active	1998–present
Labels	Southern Lord
Associated acts	Boris Burial Chamber Trio Burning Witch Earth Goatsnake Gravetemple Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter Khanate KTL Leviathan Merzbow Nurse with Wound Teeth of Lions Rule the Divine Thorr's Hammer Mayhem Scott Walker Xasthur
Website	sunn.southernlord.com
Members	Stephen O'Malley Greg Anderson

Sunn O))) (pronunciation: /sʌn/ sun) is an American experimental metal band from Seattle, Washington that formed in 1998. The band is known for an extremely heavy sound that blends diverse genres including drone, doom metal, black metal, dark ambient, and noise rock and for very loud live performances. Supported by a varying cast of collaborators, the band was formed by two core members: Stephen O'Malley (also of Khanate and Burning Witch) and Greg Anderson (of Goatsnake and Engine Kid).

Sunn O))) is named after the Sunn amplifier brand, the logo of which includes a circle next to the "SUNN" banner with waves heading off to the right. In interviews, Stephen O'Malley stated that the band's moniker was also chosen as a play on the name Earth, a band widely regarded as pioneers of drone metal throughout the 1990s. Before the band members moved to Los Angeles, it briefly used the moniker Mars.

The band's style is characterized by extremely slow tempos, heavily distorted guitars, avoidance of rhythm and melody, and alternate tunings. The guitars are notable for their low register, frequently utilising tunings as low as dropped A. Additionally, the band is known for using resonant feedback to create monolithic soundscapes and eerie atmospheres. Percussion is almost never incorporated, with a lack of any discernible beat. When performing live, the band wears robes, fills the air with fog, and plays at an extremely high volume.