Sunn O))) vs. Boris

[adace]

I prefer Boris over Sunn O))) by a really wide margin. In fact, I haven't found anything by Sunn O))) that I really like. Boris create crushing riffs and have a very diverse, dynamic sound (even incorporating pop and shoegaze at various times). On the other hand, Sunn O))) create extremely dark atmospheres but their music stagnates and doesn't keep my interest.

[Nihil-Morari]

Exactly the opposite for me. I haven't heard much Boris, so I'll try to do that more often. But I love me some Sunn O))) sometimes.

[Gadough]

I've never heard of Boris...but I would kill to go to a Sunn O))) concert.

[kári]

The only album I like by either is Altar by Sunn 0))) & Boris.

[Zantera]

I'm not a big expert on Boris, but from what I know I would say Sunn O))).

[Sigz]

Honestly, I'm not entirely sure why you're comparing the two.

But Sunn O))) for me.

[Iarwain]

I think it's a bit unfair to compare their entire works, since Boris plays more than just drone. But comparing drone/ambient Boris vs Sunn o))) I'd go with Boris because, while their music is experimental and weird I still find it very pleasant and easy to enjoy.

[seasonsinthesky]

no contest for me — much respect for SUNN O))) and their influence and record label, but Boris are in my top handful of artists ever, and i collect their shit like mad.

[Arch Benemy]

Sunn O))) all the way for me. The first drone band I ever listened to, and still my favourite from the genre

[adace]

Well I listened to more of Sunn O))) today and I have to say they're actually pretty good. Monoliths and Dimensions is quite impressive. But I still like Boris better overall.

[Bombardana]

I wanted to check out Boris but they have fucking dozens of albums... where to start?

[ClairvoyantCat]

Pink seems like a good starting place to me.  Feedbacker is my favorite of theirs, but it's probably harder to get into.   

As for the question posed by the thread, Boris by a long shot.  I'm largely bored by most of Sunn O)))'s material, but Boris has put out some great albums. 

[adace]

Ditto on Pink. It's one of their more accessible albums.

[Sigz]

Blackout makes me so hard.

[seasonsinthesky]

i'd start with Pink as well (ditto on "Blackout," absolutely essential song — but what really does it for me is "Just Abandoned Myself," best song they've ever done!).

after Pink, if you like it, think about it:
- if you like "Farewell" and "My Machine" best, try Soundtrack from Mabuta no Ura, Attention Please, the last half of Smile (especially the Japanese mix), maybe Altar, Rainbow, New Album and the Japanese Heavy Rock Hits singles
- if you like "Pink" and the other fast songs best, try Heavy Rocks (1 & 2), Smile (the Southern Lord version), Akuma no Uta, Vein (hardcore version)
- if you like "Blackout" best, try the drone/stoner stuff: Absolutego, Flood, Feedbacker, Amplifier Worship, Dronevil, The Thing That Solomon Overlooked 1-3, Klatter, Vein (drone version), some of the Merzbow & Michio Kurihara collabs

it's a rough breakdown, but it sorta works.

another easy method is the album Variations, which a compilation is designed for newcomers interested in the Pink-style fuzz-rock-stoner-metal thing. notable for containing the best recording (imo) of the song "a bao a qu," one of their finest hours.

[ClairvoyantCat]

While we're on the subject of getting into things, does anyone have a "last chance" song/album to recommend me from Sun O)))?  I've heard various things from them and not been interested in any of it, but I'd be willing to give them another shot just for fucks. 

[Sigz]

Have checked out Altar, their album with Boris?

As for 'pure' Sunn, I think Black One is my favorite.