Sleep’s first new album since 2018 drops

Sleep is charting a new course, stepping into an era where the stoner metal legends are not just revisiting their history but forging something entirely new. After making a surprise return in June with the single “Have Spacesuit Will Travel” and announcing the first leg of their North American tour, the pioneering outfit has unveiled its long-awaited new album, Hempispheres, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the band.

This latest release is more than just a collection of songs; it represents a fundamental shift in Sleep’s sonic landscape. While the new material retains the signature tectonic weight and Sabbath-sized DNA that defines them, the sound has been subtly reshaped by key personnel changes. Following the departure of founding guitarist Matt Pike, bassist Al Cisneros orchestrated a fresh musical geometry, bringing in drummer Dale Crover from the Melvins and guitarist Bubba Dupree, who himself carries the heavy credentials of Void.

The chemistry between these new members proved instantly electrifying. Cisneros found that Crover’s playing was “otherworldly” and “life changing,” while Dupree brought his own distinct voice to the mix. Rather than attempting a simple recreation of the past, the band embraced this dynamic, allowing their unique influences to converge. Al Cisneros sought out a guitarist who understood Sleep’s legacy but had also completed his own journey with Iommi-inspired work, suggesting that the new sound echoes the mystical atmosphere of the Holy Mountain era while remaining distinctly modern.

The recording process for Hempispheres took place in the familiar environment of the Melvins’ studio, working alongside engineer Toshi Kasai. The album emerged from several writing sessions, solidifying a sound that is both deeply rooted and surprisingly expansive. The anticipation for this new material was further fueled by the release of another preview track, the towering riff workout “The Morrisist.”

Beyond the music, Sleep is expanding their mythology into tangible forms. Al Cisneros has begun exploring the band’s cannabis-fueled cosmology through his first foray into comics. Published by Third Man Books and illustrated by Dave Kloc and Arik Roper, the inaugural Sleep Comic Book follows the adventures of the Marijuanaut through Planet Iommia, weaving deeper threads into the lore that has defined the band’s lyrics for decades.

The new era is set to hit the road quickly. Sleep will commence their North American journey on September 8 in San Diego, kicking off a run that includes a headlining spot at Austin’s Levitation festival and multi-night performances across Seattle, San Francisco, and various Midwest and East Coast cities throughout November. Get ready for the full experience of the new sound and the expanded universe of Sleep.