Forged in the depths of crushing riffs and atmospheric despair, Sundras is an instrumental doom metal two-piece that weaves a sonic tapestry of heaviness and introspection. Emerging from Pittsburgh, PA, the duo—comprised of Dan Moore and Russ Johnson—channels the weight of the cosmos into slow, brooding compositions that oscillate between monolithic riffs and hypnotic ambiance.
Without the need for vocals, Sundras lets their music speak through cavernous distortion, seismic drum work, and haunting, reverb-soaked melodies. Drawing influence from the bleak landscapes of bands like Sleep, Bongripper, and Primitive Man, their sound blends crushing low-end frequencies with meditative soundscapes, creating an immersive experience for listeners.
Their live performances are an overwhelming wall of sound, enhanced by minimalist lighting and psychedelic projections, enveloping audiences in waves of pure sonic gravity. Whether on record or in the flesh, Sundras crafts journeys through darkness and light, proving that words are unnecessary when the riffs are this heavy.
Their debut album "Walls of Nothing" (self-released in 2025) established them as a force in the instrumental doom scene, and with each release, they continue to push the boundaries of the genre.
For fans of: Isis, Pelican, Conan, Russian Circles
-Interview- (7/8/25)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Sundras" come about and is there any meaning to it?
Dan and I were in a band together and we decided to start Sundras. We share similar taste in movies so we've added samples from some of our favorites. Sundras doesn't mean anything; it's an anagram for Dan and Russ
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
We just want people to have fun and not to take ourselves so seriously.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Slow and hypnotic, with moments of chaos.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Russian Circles, Conan, and High on Fire.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
No Thoughts.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Doom Metal?
There is SO much good music right now. It seems to be more popular than ever.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Pennsylvania?
Everyone is really supportive of each other. I (Russ) moved to Pittsburgh in 2015 and quickly found friends in the music scene and I continue to meet people.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
They can afford to share a bit more with the artists.
9. What’s next for Sundras?
Our first recording, "Walls of Nothing", comes out on August 28th.
