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Kannon Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: The seventh studio release for the Seattle doom metal is a 30 minutes three-track album.
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  • Record Label: Southern Lord Records
  • Genre(s): Electronic, Experimental, Avant-Garde, Pop/Rock, Alternative Metal, Heavy Metal, Experimental Rock, Doom Metal, Experimental Ambient, Noise
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Top Track

Kannon 1
Vowing to never rest despite strenuous effort Her head split into 11 pieces Her two arms shattered into pieces Amitabha came to her aid and appointed... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Dec 4, 2015
    100
    This is the soundtrack to the decline of our species, once again illustrating that Sunn O))) is one of the most interesting and progressive groups in heavy music.
  2. Dec 3, 2015
    80
    Kannon, like Terrestrials, says its three-section piece in under 40 minutes, but is a more intense, punishing affair.
  3. Dec 3, 2015
    80
    The abstract, astral plane trifecta of the Kannon pieces is undeniable and one suspects that the spiritual connections these masters hold with their instruments and the frequencies which emanate are deeper and more remarkable than we could have imagined.
  4. Dec 11, 2015
    80
    ts concise nature, glossy finish and sense of clarity (something that even extends to the band photography) suggest that, as strange as it might seem, this is not a return to Sunn O)))’s metal roots, but is instead, for all intents and purposes, their pop album.
  5. Jan 28, 2016
    80
    What’s left is distinctly Sunn O))) in scope and scale, as heavy and loud and intense as anything they’ve produced.
  6. Dec 7, 2015
    70
    Even as they add unimaginable depths to a deceptively simple form, Kannon reasserts their commitment to merely existing, unapologetically out of genre and out of time.
  7. Dec 14, 2015
    50
    Ignoring the conceptual background, Kannon only achieves the very cusp of the transportative, magical power of past Sunn O))) albums.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Dec 8, 2015
    8
    Very atmospheric drone metal. The compositions are relatively uncomplicated, but still create a very heavy feeling. It is not an accessible orVery atmospheric drone metal. The compositions are relatively uncomplicated, but still create a very heavy feeling. It is not an accessible or commercial record by any means, and listening to it can be a challenge for someone who isn't sure what they're getting in to, but if you give this a chance I think you will find it a worthwhile listen. Expand
  2. Jan 2, 2016
    5
    A relatively short review for Sunn o)))'s three track long album, Kannon.

    An overall less interesting project with Sunn o))) playing it
    A relatively short review for Sunn o)))'s three track long album, Kannon.

    An overall less interesting project with Sunn o))) playing it even more safe. Less exhilarating and punishing, with the only exception being "Kannon Pt.2". It's pretty much the same sound they have been toying with for the past years without even the slightest of experimentation.

    Soused, the collaborative album they did with Scott Walker in 2014, sounds like they were going the extra mile in comparison.

    Kannon is quite the disappointing album. Maybe it 'll grow on me after some extra listens....if six were not enough...

    Fav Tracks: Kannon Pt.2
    Least Fav Track: Kannon Pt. 1
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