Black One

"Black One," released on October 17, 2005, is the fifth studio album by the American drone metal band Sunn O))). This monumental work stands out as a significant departure for the band, delving deeply into the realms of black metal while maintaining their signature drone and doom metal influences. The album's title and thematic content reflect this shift, incorporating elements of dark ambient and sludge metal to create a uniquely haunting and immersive experience.

Clocking in at a substantial 67 minutes, "Black One" features seven sprawling tracks that showcase the band's meticulous experimentation and commitment to the physicality of sound. The album benefits from the contributions of several guest musicians from the black metal scene, including Malefic and Wrest from Xasthur and Leviathan, respectively. Notably, Malefic, known for his struggles with claustrophobia, was reportedly recorded while confined in a casket, adding an eerie authenticity to his vocal performances.

The album's production is a testament to Sunn O)))'s technical prowess, with multiple exotic amps, pedal effects, preamps, and filters employed to craft its dense, oppressive soundscapes. Tracks like "Sin Nanna" and "Cursed Realms (Of the Winterdemons)" exemplify the band's ability to blend raw, intense black metal vocals with their signature drone metal textures, resulting in a sonic experience that is both brutal and meditative.

"Black One" was released under the Southern Lord label and has since been reissued multiple times, including a special 2CD edition. The album's enduring appeal lies in its ability to push the boundaries of genre conventions, offering a dark, immersive journey through the shadowy intersections of drone, doom, and black metal. Whether you're a longtime fan of Sunn O))) or a newcomer to their unique sonic universe, "Black One" is an essential addition to any collection of experimental and extreme music.