Sunn O)))

The self-described "power ambient" duo Sunn 0))) (also known as Sunn) was formed in the mid-'90s by metal guitarists Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson. Both were experienced players in the doom metal underground, having been involved in numerous bands in addition to running the noted doom label Southern Lord. (Anderson's credits include Goatsnake and Thorr's Hammer, while O'Malley has been involved with Thorr's Hammer, Burning Witch, and Khanate, among other bands.) The Sunn project allowed the guitarists to stretch their wings by embracing extended, trance-like drones that featured low-end guitar and bass feedback. Such a sound took inspiration from the early works of the Melvins and Earth, the latter of whom even inspired some of Sunn's song titles. In fact, Sunn began as an Earth tribute band and originally played music under the related name of "Mars." Sunn 0)))'s basic approach was laid down on the band's first two releases, The Grimmrobe Demos (recorded in 1998 but not released until 2000) and 00 Void (recorded and released in 2000), both of which were the first two releases on the Hydra Head Records subsidiary Double H Noise Industries. Sunn's third album, the diverse Flight of the Behemoth, came out in early 2002 on the Southern Lord label and showed the group branching out from its droning guitar/bass foundation. Notable changes included the addition of drums and vocals on one track and the brief presence of noise/power electronics king Merzbow, who mixed two additional songs. Next came the companion releases of 2003's White1 and 2004's White2. Black One arrived one year later, sporting a sound that recalled the band's early work while also dabbling in electronics. Altar appeared in 2006, the live double-album Dømkirke followed in 2008, and the expansive Monoliths and Dimensions (which featured, among other things, a Viennese woman's choir and French horns) appeared in 2009.
— William York , All Music Guide