Altar is a collaboration between sunn O))) and Boris, two very different bands but both with large underground followings in the stoner & doom/drone community. While the music of Boris generally touches on both punk and stoner rock, and usually is pretty upbeat as well as heavy, sunn O))) explores sonic territory of a different kind. These guys are known for long, drawn out waves of ominous feedback, ondulating waves of guitar riffs, ambient textures, and ponderous death marches. Here on Altar, you kind of get a little of both worlds, although the style of sunn O))) seems to win the battle for the most part. Most impressive is a song like "Akuma No Kuma", complete with doomy drum fills, menacing horn riffs (sounding like a strange cross between Univers Zero and To Mega Therion era Celtic Frost) and a creepy vibe. Guest vocals on this piece are courtesy of Joe Preston from High On Fire. The guys certainly create some horrific noise on "Etna", thanks to some massive guitar riffs and plenty of pounding drums and sound effects. The ethereal female vocals of Jesse Sykes add an angelic flair to the mellow "The Sinking Belle (Blue Sheep)", and former Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil guests on "Blood Swamp", although you would have a hard time recognizing him. Part of the problem here is that most of the songs just go nowhere, and are really quite boring other than a few fleeting moments. It would have been great to hear some more upbeat arrangements considering that the guys from Boris are involved here, but in actuality there's a lot of droning, feedback, and endless noise, which for some might be wonderful, but for others might make this a tough listen.
Track Listing
1) Etna
2) N.L.T.
3) The Sinking Belle (Blue Sheep)
4) Akuma No Kuma
5) Fried Eagle Mind
6) Blood Swamp
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