Shocking News: Doom Metal Pioneers Sunn O))) Jump Ship to Sub Pop and Unleash Fresh Tunes – Dive In Now!
Hold onto your headphones, music fans – the legendary drone metal band Sunn O))), known for their thunderous, immersive soundscapes that push the boundaries of heavy music, have just made a blockbuster move by signing with the iconic Seattle label Sub Pop. And get this: they've dropped three brand-new tracks that are already ripping through streaming platforms and hitting shelves as a special limited-edition 12-inch vinyl single. We're talking "Eternity’s Pillars," "Raise the Chalice," and "Reverential" – tunes that promise to echo their signature style while nodding to some fascinating influences. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this shift to a label famous for grunge and indie rock a bold evolution or a risky departure from their underground roots? Stick around, because these songs might just redefine what heavy music can be in 2025.
First off, let's break this down for anyone new to Sunn O))): This isn't your typical rock band. Formed back in the late '90s, they specialize in "drone doom" metal – think slow, hypnotic riffs that build like a storm, often inspired by experimental and spiritual themes. It can be intense, but it's also deeply meditative, drawing from everything from Tibetan chanting to improvisational jazz. Now, as a duo consisting of original members Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson, they've kept that essence alive while evolving. Their last full studio albums, Life Metal and Pyroclasts, dropped in 2019, showcasing their knack for blending raw power with profound depth. And if you missed that era, they even captured a live BBC Radio 6 session in the 2021 release Metta, Benevolence BBC6, which fans rave about for its raw energy.
So, what's the story behind these new tracks? "Eternity’s Pillars" takes its name from a TV show from the mid-1980s helmed by jazz icon and spiritual leader Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda. For beginners, she's a trailblazer – a musician who believed music could elevate the soul to higher realms, mixing jazz with Eastern philosophies. The song channels that vibe, exploring how sound can transport listeners beyond the ordinary.
Then there's "Raise the Chalice," inspired by a rallying cry from Northwest legend Ron Guardipee, who was a fixture in the Seattle music scene during the mid-1990s. Think of it as a toast to resilience and community in the face of adversity – Guardipee was known for his streetwise wisdom and underground cred, often shouting this phrase at gatherings. Sunn O))) use it here as a call to arms, weaving in heavy guitars that feel like a communal chant.
And "Reverential"? It's a heartfelt tribute to those who paved the way before us – artists and musicians who carried immense weight through their creations. The band describes it as an "antiphon," a musical response that honors the past with reverence and volume. For those scratching their heads, an antiphon is like a call-and-response in liturgical music, but here it's amped up with crushing distortion, paying respects to the unsung heroes of heavy music and art.
This release arrives on October 15, 2025, and you can stream it all right now or snag that vinyl for collectors. It's a perfect entry point for newcomers curious about experimental metal, or a treat for longtime devotees. But here's the part most people miss: By teaming up with Sub Pop – the brainchild of Bruce Pavitt, who put Nirvana on the map – are Sunn O))) diluting their avant-garde edge, or are they broadening their reach to a new generation? Sub Pop has always championed the weird and wonderful, from grunge to indie, but Sunn O)))’s music is pure, unapologetic intensity. Could this be the dawn of a hybrid era where drone meets indie sensibility? And this is where it gets really thought-provoking: In an industry obsessed with viral hits and clean production, does embracing a major indie label compromise the raw, spiritual core that makes Sunn O))) so special?
For more context, check out our retrospective on Life Metal, hailed as one of the best metal albums of 2019 in our feature list. And remember, while Pitchfork selects all features independently, any purchases through our links might earn us a small commission – but that's just how we keep the lights on.
Walden Green, our music scribe and cultural commentator since joining in 2024, penned this piece. With a background from the University of Pennsylvania and bylines in Dirt, The Fader, and Philadelphia, he brings a fresh perspective from his New York base.
What do you think, readers? Does this Sub Pop signing excite you or raise eyebrows? Is Sunn O))) staying true to their heavy heritage, or venturing into uncharted, possibly divisive territory? Drop your hot takes in the comments – let's debate!
