Pyroclasts
by Sunn O)))
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
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  1. Under The Radar
    Dec 12, 2019
    80
    Pyroclasts is a sharp reminder that Sunn O))) can go deep but is nowhere near the bottom of their creative well. Just the opposite; Pyroclasts sounds like a new light breaking forth from below.
  2. The Wire
    Nov 20, 2019
    80
    It’s tempting to call these outtakes but their vision is sharp and purposeful, sustained by a consistently monolithic interplay and helped by Steve Albini’s signature traits. It all makes Pyroclasts one of Sunn O)))’s heaviest and most penetrating albums. [Dec 2019, p.55]
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  3. musicOMH.com
    Nov 14, 2019
    80
    The recorded experience of the band is entirely different to that of seeing them live of course, but these last two albums are perhaps about as close to the bone shaking, mind expanding, air shifting onslaught as has yet been committed to tape. Somehow, Pyroclasts is more stripped back than Life Metal, but that merely adds to its live and immediate feel.
  5. PopMatters
    Nov 8, 2019
    80
    Pyroclasts oozes with the same bright quality of Life Metal.
  6. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 30, 2019
    80
    While Life Metal serves as the stronger of the two LPs, Pyroclasts holds its own, musing reflection placed boldy alongside atmospheric fury – two elements that have shaped Sunn O)))’s career and why they continue to be ranked as a top-tier act capable of reconfiguring heavy metal and pushing it into new territory.
  7. Pitchfork
    Oct 29, 2019
    80
    Pyroclasts feels about as close to that completeness as a metal album by a druid-robed group named after their amplifiers can get.
  8. The 405
    Oct 28, 2019
    80
    Like a gong bath that actually works, Sunn O))) are an entirely preternatural entity who exist within a state of liminality, sound created within but also between time, in contrast to the banality of music as narrative. Pyroclasts is best listened to loud, obviously.
  9. Uncut
    Oct 23, 2019
    80
    The results may comprise the most finely distilled example of Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson's deconstruction of heavy riffage, with each of these tracks demonstrating the infinite varieties of fuzz and rumble that exist within a single mighty note. [Nov 2019, p.33]
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  10. Consequence
    Oct 23, 2019
    75
    While effective on its own, the LP offers an even more intriguing journey when played as a continuation to the band’s previous album. That said, each of the four tracks offers meditative instrumentation, allowing listeners to soak in the atmospheric vibes that make up Pyroclasts.
  11. AllMusic
    Oct 23, 2019
    70
    The forward evolution of Life Metal has been balanced and extended into a mercurial spirit through formless, receptive interaction on Pyroclasts.
  12. No Ripcord
    Oct 25, 2019
    60
    To an extent, it may sound like just another day at the office for Sunn O))). Nevertheless, this team-building exercise is still more compelling than whatever employee engagement activity your day job offers.
  13. Mojo
    Oct 23, 2019
    60
    This sounds raw and mighty, but somewhat same-old. [Dec 2019, p.94]
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  14. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 23, 2019
    30
    Four 11-minute "Improvised modal drones." [Nov 2019, p.85]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. BirthdayBee
    Oct 30, 2019
    8
    This is definitely a record for the open minded. Sunn O))) have made some incredible records over the years and I believe there is a lot toThis is definitely a record for the open minded. Sunn O))) have made some incredible records over the years and I believe there is a lot to take away from what they do. Although I wouldn’t suggest new listeners go straight here, this is is still a sterling example of drone at its most primal and raw. ‘Pyroclasts‘ allows your head to be taken over and filled with pools of thick, warm washes of guitar driven noise and the result is glorious levels of transcendence.… Full Review »
  2. KrannerGanner
    Oct 30, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. If you left an electric guitar in open tuning, turned it up, left the amp on, and hit record, you’d end up with “Pyroclasts” - a ‘record’ of droning notes masquerading as high art. It’s a struggle to even call this music - music implies thought, creativity, effort and composition. This album sounds like someone recorded feedback for forty five minutes, realized they needed to pay for the studio time, and released this mess to try and pay for it. Your better off listening to radio static. At least that way you might actually hear something interesting. An insult to music, musicians and music lovers everywhere, “Pyroclasts” is an affront to art.… Full Review »
  3. FatOliveDude
    Jun 2, 2021
    10
    This is definitely Sunn O)))'s best record of the 10's it is one of their shortest and most profound pieces of art. The album cover is one ofThis is definitely Sunn O)))'s best record of the 10's it is one of their shortest and most profound pieces of art. The album cover is one of my favourite pieces of artwork. it expresses the emotion and gargantuan drone sound this album uses, In my opinion this is much better than Life Metal… Full Review »
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