Sunn O))) – Monoliths & Dimensions (2009) [Southern Lord] // Grade: A+

Stephen O’Malley is the Dario Argento of Doom Metal and Monoliths & Dimensions is his Suspiria. This terrifyingly beautiful trip into the abyss is so powerful in creating an atmosphere that regardless if you fully understand what’s going on, it’s still a gripping journey.

I know atmospheric, experimental Doom Metal will probably not be up most peoples alleys but I know a good deal of you have at least heard of Sunn O))). They have been name dropped by every tastemaker blog or zine at some point during the past 5 years. I really encourage you to check them out and Monolths & Dimensions is as good a starting point as any because my god is this album amazing! It’s been a good long while since one of these albums could hold my interest from start to finish, let alone warrant frequent repeat listens. Monoliths & Dimension is such an album that not only sends chills up and down your spine, it transfixes you. The pacing, the use of keyboards strings, feedback are so perfectly timed and deliberate that it’s downright breathtaking and epic journey that starts from the pure blackness and ends up in illuminating light.

Get your mind wrapped around this album in just the right  mood and it’s seriously like taking bong hits with Cthulhu! This isn’t an album, it’s an experience.

- My Pal the Crook