"Etna" opens with feedback, droning, and drums. The drone aspect is masterful though at times the drums seem random and out of place. In almost 10 minutes, though, the track wins more than it loses. "N.L.T." could accompany one's descent into a crypt. Jesse Sykes (without the Sweet Hereafter) guides "The Sinking Belle," her breathy voice sounding strained and saddened but ultimately hopeful. Not familiar with her own body of work, one must assume it to be essentially similar, vocally speaking, though the music here includes sparse, mourning piano and a Twin Peaks vibe. Almost alt-rock at times, the orchestration of multiple guitars provides a subtle backdrop of madness.

Joe Preston, the guy responsible for the pairing of these two bands, offers vocals as a transformed devil robot on "Akuma No Kuma," the title a twist on Boris' "Akuma No Uta." "Fried Eagle Mind" is a ponderous, echo-laden, guitar-driven track with female vocals of unknown/uncredited origin that make Jesse Sykes sound like a gospel singer. It sounds like the words "dream" and "sleep" are repeated at length, along with "fried" on occasion, and this must be what it would be like to fall asleep after drinking too much absinthe. Still this is a rewarding listen. Album closer "Blood Swamp" features Soundgarden's Kim Thayil and the sound builds from nothing into massive drone. Mostly clean guitar tones punctuate the murky darkness that is sunnO)))'s signature. Great closer.

And now a warning from the kind folks at the label: "The Altar album is NOT a split album. Altar is a collaboration album between sunnO))) and Boris, a result of both bands conceptualizing, writing and recording the album together as one entity. Both groups have stepped outside their previous sounds and created a wholly unique album that stands on its own ground. Elements of each group's characteristic sound remain but true to each group's progressive and experimental aspects, Altar moves in compelling new directions." One of those might be like Pelican Explosions in the Sky above Earth.... (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.)

Released on Halloween, this album should find the kids worshipping at the altar of sickness, indeed -- with or without a razor-filled candy overdose. As with many releases from Southern Lord, this stuff ain't for everyone, even if some pop "music" magazine has chosen to review such records and included the label on a "Hot List" (at #23, no less ["The Blender 100" which details the "latest and greatest in music and more"]), this is for the few, the proud, the truly sick or adventurous. But wait, there's more. If you actually buy this thing, there is a second CD with a 20+ minute track featuring the forefather of all that is drone, Dylan Carlson of Earth anti-fame. "Her Lips Were Wet With Venom" from the title alone sounds like it's worth the price of admission so track this one down, kiddies. Put on your grimm robe and head to the Altar now....

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 53:39