The recent news that Sunn O))) and Ulver, the, respectively, US and Norwegian pioneers of experimental metal, had collaborated on a new album has augured extremely well for the beginning of 2014. Terrestrials is out in February via Southern Lord, and is the result of a nocturnal recording session, following Sunn O)))’s set at the 2008 Øya festival, at Ulver’s Crystal Canyon studio. The bands recorded three "live in improvisation" pieces, which were then worked on by Ulver, with the occasional help of Sunn O))) man Stephen O’Malley, who says: "I remember the vibe in the room back then was more rāga than it was rock. And despite the fact that the walls were literally shaking from volume, it was actually quite a blissed out, psychedelic session. I wanted to preserve that vibe in the final mix." Daniel O’Sullivan, prolific collaborator, one half of Grumbling Fur and current Ulver member, adds: "You know that opening sequence of Koyaanisqatsi, where the desolate desert landscapes, waves and cloud formations roll over the screen accompanied by deep male chanting and organ ostinatos. That’s where we were."
The only taster we’ve had so far is an excerpt of the track ‘Eternal Return’ – have a listen below, and stay tuned for further coverage of the collaboration, as well as a review of Ulver’s Messe I.X–VI.X from this year:
