When it comes to the experimental layers of post blackened sludge metal, the turn of the century was an exciting time. Many bands around the world came to leave their mark on the new genre and even more people attended closely. As far as Greece was concerned, it had thorough representation from respectable artists and Sun of Nothing was right in the middle of that shortlist.
Formed in Athens in 1999, the group of 4 set out to explore the darkest ends of contemporary metal, infused with sludgy vibes and monolithic attitude. Such was the atmosphere around the sessions and in that way it was reflected in the rehearsal demo tape they introduced themselves to the world, as soon as 2002.
Material for the debut album was assembled rapidly, the continuing live appearances forced it all to solidify and by the mid-April of 2003 “…And Voices, Words, Faces Complete the Dream” was released to critical acclaim. The unmistakable mix of the obscure atmosphere, the sludge drenched tempos and the distinctive vocals made quite an impression to the affiliate public and the band’s name circulated. In a time when a whole new generation of extreme metal fans were looking for a sound to call their own, Sun of Nothing provided a rescue pad in the form of these 9 tracks. Supported by all-out war live shows in Greece (alongside Septic flesh, Rotting Christ, Sunn O))), Electric Wizard, Black Cobra) that helped their reputation to grow; a solid cast of fans was formed, eager to get more material.
However, Sun of Nothing’s MO was never attached to any kind of commercial fulfilment, so they took the time necessary to prepare what had to come next.
It was a common feeling among the community that the second album would make a difference and this only heated up the anticipation. Nobody could tell how the band felt about it, but the long lasting effect and the conquering attitude of “…In The Weak And The Wounded” as it was displayed in the 2007 release via Venerate Industries, left no room for doubt. All the elements that made for their unique identity were present, enhanced by bleaker aspects of apocalyptic black metal of a new breed. The fusion with complex, hardcore riffage and massive sludge breakdowns gave a whole new approach to the catastrophic disposition the band represented and it all came in a package of uncomfortable satisfaction.
Another round of successful lives shows took place in the following period with the likes of Paradise Lost, Type O Negative, Cult of Luna, Tombs, OM among others, spreading the word and getting them one step closer to a ‘regular’ professional group working cycle.
In that vein, the time needed to complete the work for the next album was significantly shorter and by the end of 2010 “The Guilt of Feeling Alive” was ready. Released on January 11th 2011, the latest instalment to their discography pointed out a more urban and nihilistic side of the Sun of Nothing psyche, prone to numb eclecticism and forceful hatred. The most widely representative album in their catalogue at the time towards the various influences and affections of the characters involved had a clear message to deliver. And it did, by refusing to belong to any genre and category, keeping the artistic integrity intact and being consistent in communicating all this through violent, introspective shows. An important milestone in their course was reached in the spring of 2011 when they embarked on a 20 shows tour of the Balkans that was concluded in the acclaimed underground New Long Fest in Athens.
After that frenetic year, the pace had to be regulated and the band focused on rehearsing and slow build-up of material. Time can often occupy its own place and the recording of “Maze”, the forthcoming Sun of Nothing album started in March of 2018 and were completed by June of the same year. Another round of difficult times and tensions brought a change in personnel and further delay, all resulting for the final mastering to be finished by the end of December 2020.
2021 is the year of the regeneration of an important piece of the Greek underground scene. Venerate Industries will be coming back to life, revitalizing the vibe from one of the most poignant eras of the European extreme sound and Sun of Nothing will once again be at their rightful place. The brand new album “Maze” will get a release date in the autumn of 2021, carrying all the weight and significance of a time once gone, but not forgotten.