Amber Webber and Stephen McBean of Black Mountain open proceedings in The Dome in Liverpool. It’s a venue steeped in character; as the name suggests, the main hall sits beneath a fantastic domed roof. With only two members on stage, it lets Amber’s voice complement and accentuate Stephen’s subdued guitar work. It’s a mesmerising performance, and while crowd interaction is minimal, the circular venue helps draw the audience into the music.
Sunn O))) take to the stage 30 minutes later, having used the time to fill the venue with enough smoke that you question when the band have actually arrived on stage. It’s a crushingly heavy set that few bands can compete with. From the opening notes, it’s more about physically feeling the noise than hearing it. Everything in the building is reverberating, the chair next to me shaking as guitarists Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson slowly thunder through the set.
It’s relentless for almost two hours, with the circle of amps towering over the band, barely visible as the smoke continues to pour out. Security definitely don’t understand the cacophony of noise emanating from the main room, with one member of staff in shock after experiencing the soundcheck. We previously witnessed a similarly smoke-choked performance when we caught Dragged Into Sunlight live in Glasgow earlier this year.
This is an experience that is truly unique in metal. Sunn O))) have mastered their craft, and for those who enjoy their music slow and heavy, they’re a must-see act. Just don’t expect to hear anything for the days afterwards.
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Photos by Eco Pixels UK
