Sunn O)))

with steve albini’s meaty production at its foundation, the doom-drone trio create a titanically satisfying sonic atmosphere that, despite its intense decibel count (which must be as high as humanly tolerable), exudes a cathartic calmness.

Albini’s all-analogue production and the contribution of guests add heft and texture to sounds that combine Sunn O)))’s customary force with a subtlety that can be astonishing. More mellifluous than menacing despite its formidable display of power. 'Life Metal' may be the richest work in the band’s 21-year mission to reconfigure Tony Iommi-worthy riffage into a soundtrack for mindful meditation. “albini also deserves a medal: even at moderate volume, parts of ‘life metal’ may loosen your neighbours’ guttering” 4/5 – mojo.