Have you ever wondered what happens when two heavenly bodies get too close to each other? Usually in the scientific world, if the bodies are of equal size, density, mass, etc, they tear each other apart. If one body is larger than the other, the smaller can be devastated. In lucky situations, the two bodies will (sort of) equalize and become a binary system. Boris is a band that enjoys collaborating. Their pairings with Japanese noise god Merzbow are great examples of how well they work with others. Sunn 0))) also has collaborated, but their situations have been in the form of guest spots or single song collaborations. So, how do these two increasingly monolithic groups fare in their collaboration, Altar?
Altar opens with what seems to be typical Sunn 0))) fare. Although, "Etna" does have a bit more of an orchestral feel, something that may be a hold over from some of what was on Black One. It is not as dark feeling as other recordings that Sunn 0))) has typically produced; however, the ominous tone is still evident. The percussion provided by Boris' drummer adds a good effect that definitely separates this recording immediately. The guitar leads make the song seem completely out of this world. "N.L.T." is the next track. The ambient mood that this short piece emanates sounds like something out of the first Alien soundtrack. It is an effective set up for the beautiful sounding "The Sinking Belle (Blue Sheep)". This song includes a very pretty sounding vocal arrangement by Jesse Sykes (of Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter). Her throaty almost whispered vocals play well with the music, which is interestingly structured almost like a pop song; but that might be as a result of the vocals. The music itself is very soft and carries an emotion that neither band has really ever explored prior to this collaboration.
"Akuma No Kuma" is super creepy sounding with Joe Preston (The Melvins, High on Fire, Thrones, frequent Sunn 0))) contributor) manning the Vocoder, which basically allows him to make all sorts of crazy vocal noises. The music and other sounds are bizarre. The collective utilize many sound effects. It is kind of a fun to hear. The track just stops except for drums, which make quite an equally strange ending to match the nature of the song. "Fried Eagle Mind" continues with the experimental nature of this collaboration. Wata of Boris gives a completely spaced out vocal performance for the malaise of the instrumentation. Again, they end the song rather abruptly. "Blood Swamp" is the album's proper closing song. This song has the sound of what I expected this collaboration between Sunn 0))) and Boris to actually sound like. It carries the more ominous mood and types of tones that I was hoping for when this was initially announced.
The extra CD that comes with this version of Altar is entitled satanoscillatemymetallicsonatas and features one long song, "Her Lips Were Wet With Venom". It is a bruising prelude to Altar that features a collaboration with Dylan Carlson of Earth fame/ notoriety. Initially, it is a more standard Sunn 0))) song in the vein of what they have done in the past with releases like 00 Void. There is some excellent lead guitar work going on at the roughly 11 minute mark that must be Dylan Carlson's contribution. It sounds like something that he has been doing recently with Earth. There is more interesting feedback sound in use later in the track that adds to the composition. I actually like this track immensely and it makes going out of the way to get the limited version completely worth it.
The artwork for the limited double disc version of Altar is nicely done. It resembles the packaging used for a gatefold double vinyl LP release. There is a booklet inside that is mostly photos of the guilty parties that created this record. It definitely adds to the overall presentation of the record.
Luckily for all of their listeners, these two bands accomplish the rarity of an excellent collaboration. This "binary" album works well and creates different dynamics for both groups work. Although, admittedly, Boris is to a point used to working with other musicians and groups. It might make a perfect partner for the Sunn 0))). The real trick here is that Boris makes an impact large enough that Sunn 0))) does not eclipse or dwarf them with their black hole of a sound. Altar is excellent.
