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Sunn O))) / Ulver - Terrestrials [Collaboration] review




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Band: Sunn O))) / Ulver
Album: Terrestrials [Collaboration]
Release date: February 2014


01. Let There Be Light
02. Western Horn
03. Eternal Return
04. Eternal Return (Rough 2009) [Japanese bonus]
05. Fidelio (Experiment 2009 feat. Attila Csihar) [Japanese bonus]

Within the realm of experimentation in the metal genre, Sunn O))) and Ulver need little introduction. Both have consistently pushed boundaries over the past decade, the latter barely even being metal anymore at this point. So really, it was only a matter of time before some sort of joint effort between them spawned in 2014's Terrestrials, which can only be described as a complete and natural synthesis of the parties involved.

Terrestrials is essentially what you'd expect from a fusion of these two bands: the dreamy, psychedelic vibe of modern Ulver, but applied in the heavy, monolithic style that Sunn O))) have come to employ. Influences from each band's recent work can be felt in the overall mix, and the music is warm, dreamy, and beautiful, but also dark and haunting as well, somehow all at the same time. Some of the more melodic, ambient touches from Sunn O)))'s Monoliths And Dimensions can be picked up, and on the part of Ulver some subtle elements from Messe I.X-VI.X can as well.

The music dances back and forth between its spine-tingling moments and more mesmerizing vibes. They come in various degrees, but each track more or less strikes a very laudable balance between the two. "Western Horn," for example, is likely the darkest track of the collaboration, bearing the closest resemblance to Sunn O)))'s style, but it still has traces of Ulver's trippy ambiance sprinkled in, especially towards the middle. Likewise, the closer "Eternal Return" is easily the most psychedelic and Ulver-ish, yet the thick, monotonous style in which this technique is applied unquestionably borrows from Sunn O))).

Terrestrials is thus a true gem of experimental metal, and, indeed, experimental music in general, the logical result of musicians who said "we both make weird shit, let's see how it goes together." This is an interesting technique, and it opens the door for pondering on other such collaborations that could come about in later years. Since Avantgarde music generally keeps itself open to possibilities, one would think that its adaptability makes it highly possible for more such projects like this to take place in the future (that means you, Mories and Vindsval). Whether you're a fan of Sunn O))), Ulver, or both, the chances that you'll enjoy Terrestrials are pretty high, as it combines both bands' styles almost flawlessly, and doesn't push you too far into either direction. As far as I'm concerned, this is some truly fantastic music, and although this might just be a one-time-only occurrence, it definitely raises my hopes that the guys from both groups will form some sort of new project together, because I need more of this. Definite AOTY contender.

Begin your daze, mortals.





Written on 03.05.2014 by Metal Storm’s own Babalao. Comforting the disturbed and disturbing the comfortable since 2013.


Comments

Comments: 10   Visited by: 216 users
04.05.2014 - 00:15
Erik M.

Nice review.

Going from your description it seems like my cup of tea as well, so I'm definitely going to check this one out.
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04.05.2014 - 00:51
Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress
Written by Erik M. on 04.05.2014 at 00:15

Nice review.
Going from your description it seems like my cup of tea as well, so I'm definitely going to check this one out.

Thanks man, definitely let me know what you think of it.
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I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go.

~ II. VII
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04.05.2014 - 10:16
Cynic Metalhead
Paisa Vich Nasha
Western Horn - Christ, have to wait til 9:15 to drop a tune of guitar. Otherwise, it was such a marvellous typical-Sunn O))) dark intro.

Great collaboration. Well, they could have add another 2 more tracks to complete the journey at high note. Good stuff.
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04.05.2014 - 11:40
Rating: 7
BloodTears
ANA-thema
I thought it was a good album. I went in without expectations and ended up enjoying it.

It's not what I would normally listen to and that's good too. It's also demanding at times, but I guess that's to be expected.
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Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29

Like you could kiss my ass.


My Instagram
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04.05.2014 - 15:23
Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress
Written by Cynic Metalhead on 04.05.2014 at 10:16

Well, they could have add another 2 more tracks to complete the journey at high note.

Really kinda have some mixed emotions about that, actually. Like I said, I DEFINITELY want more of this type of music from them, but I still think Eternal Return is a perfect closer.
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I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go.

~ II. VII
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04.05.2014 - 15:32
Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress
Written by BloodTears on 04.05.2014 at 11:40

I thought it was a good album. I went in without expectations and ended up enjoying it.
It's not what I would normally listen to and that's good too. It's also demanding at times, but I guess that's to be expected.

This is exactly what I meant when I said that if I ever get you a CD, it'd be something I know you probably haven't heard, but that I think you'd like anyway. Glad you did
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I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go.

~ II. VII
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04.05.2014 - 16:05
Rating: 8
mz

Written by Erik M. on 04.05.2014 at 00:15


Going from your description it seems like my cup of tea as well, so I'm definitely going to check this one out.

I seriously think that you will dislike this record.
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Giving my ears a rest from music.
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05.05.2014 - 00:04
Erik M.

Written by Auntie Sahar on 04.05.2014 at 00:51

Thanks man, definitely let me know what you think of it.


I listened to it and I have to say I definitely like it. But I'm also not amazed by it by any means. There doesn't really seem to "happen" a whole lot, as it's just very atmospheric ambient music. Probably will re-spin this though, because it's such a short album and it's very relaxing as well. I just hope it's a grower.
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05.05.2014 - 00:05
Erik M.

Written by mz on 04.05.2014 at 16:05

I seriously think that you will dislike this record.


You thought wrong then. But as I said, I really wasn't amazed by this, as I just said to Che.
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06.05.2014 - 14:26
Rating: 8
boo-boo

Great review, seriously.
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World won't end today - it's already tomorrow in Australia.
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