“It would be easy to pigeonhole Norna as a mindless sludge beatdown, as concussions are bound to happen in Star is Way Way is Eye. However, contrary to its concrete-thick riffs, Liljedahl’s vocals and a melodic guitar performance keep it from descending into monotony – barely. Because first and foremost, Norna is heavy as fuck. Doom-infused riffs hit like a ton of bricks with an unforgiving density that recalls acts likeSunn O))) or BIG|BRAVE, edged by Macquat’s warbling synth presence.” Is this the Way?
Big|Brave
Doom_et_Al’s and Dear Hollow’s Top Ten(ish) of 2021
Lists are a gift and Doom_et_Al and Dear Hollow have presents to distribute. Prepare for tidings of anger and joy.
BIG|BRAVE – Ardor Review
“Ardor, the third full-length by Montrealers BIG|BRAVE opens with a sustained, unending riff. As it reverberates eerily, it suggests that the trio picked up right where they left off with their sophomore release Au De La, veering even further into fields of textures and sparse instrumentation. Their signature sound is a combination of elements from multiple genres and idioms, from post-rock to drone, shaped into an experimental, caustic, and often hermetic concoction.” Bliss in the abyss.
Concert Review: Sunn O))), Sun-Ray Cinema, Jacksonville, Florida – April 7, 2016
“Growing up in New England, very rarely did I miss a concert. Any and all big-name metal bands that came around, I would be there, no questions asked. However, having lived in Jacksonville, Florida for the last five years, there’s been a major dearth of quality metal concerts in my newly-adopted hometown. So when a co-worker of mine told me that the legendary Sunn O))) were playing here in Jacksonville as part of a tour to support last year’s Kannon, I thought he was absolutely full of shit.” Turns out that shit was about to get real.