Sleep Announce New Album Hempispheres, Unveil Single “The Morrisist”: Stream

Sleep, the influential stoner doom metal band, is set to release their first studio album in eight years. Titled Hempispheres, this new record is scheduled for digital release on September 3rd, followed by a physical launch on October 30th through Third Man Records, owned by Jack White. The album marks a significant moment in the band’s discography, coming after their 2018 release, The Sciences.

Hempispheres introduces a lineup reshuffle for Sleep, as founding guitarist Matt Pike, also known for his work with High on Fire, is no longer part of the group. Instead, the band features founding vocalist and bassist Al Cisneros alongside newcomers Bubba Dupree, formerly of Void, on guitar, and Dale Crover of the Melvins on drums. This revamped ensemble worked together at the Melvins’ studio, with longtime engineer Toshi Kasai handling the recording process.

Ahead of the album’s full release, Sleep has shared the single “The Morrisist.” This track follows the earlier released “Have Spacesuit Will Travel,” which received attention as a Heavy Song of the Week according to consequence.net. Lyrically, "The Morrisist" pays homage to the guitar riff and nods to heavy metal pioneer Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, reflecting the band’s rootedness in genre tradition while pushing forward with new material.

Hempispheres comprises five tracks in total, including the singles already publicized. The complete tracklist features “Have Spacesuit Will Travel,” “The Morrisist,” the title track “Hempispheres,” “Arrival of the Industry Ships,” and “Whole Wheat Mountain Well Baked.” This concise set suggests a focused exploration of Sleep’s signature sound, intensified by the new members’ influences.

Complementing the album release, Sleep is collaborating with Third Man Books to produce the Sleep Comic Book. Issue No. 1 of this publication is set to ship on September 22nd, adding a multimedia dimension to the band’s output and providing fans with an immersive narrative experience connected to the album’s themes.

Following Hempispheres’ release, Sleep will embark on an extensive North American tour starting September 8th in San Diego. The itinerary spans multiple cities and venues, including a November 17th date at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C., indicating a sustained promotional effort and engagement with the fanbase across the continent.

The band’s decision to record at the Melvins' studio and enlist Dale Crover points to a close relationship with the Seattle-based group, which could influence the album’s sonic character. The presence of a new guitarist and drummer may also suggest a shift in the band’s dynamic and sound, potentially opening avenues for stylistic evolution beyond their previous work.

Sleep's return with Hempispheres after an eight-year gap highlights a period of transformation, both in personnel and artistic direction. The album’s concise tracklist and carefully curated singles indicate a strategic approach to maintaining relevance in the heavy music scene while honoring their legacy.

This release cycle also signals the continuation of Sleep's influence within the stoner doom metal genre, confirming their role as key innovators. The delivery of a comic book alongside the album further exemplifies a commitment to expanding their storytelling methods, offering fans layered content beyond traditional music formats.

The extensive tour plans underscore the band’s intent to reconnect directly with audiences, potentially revitalizing their live presence after several years. This sustained engagement through both recorded and live mediums could fortify Sleep’s position in the current metal landscape.

While details about further physical formats and additional promotional activities remain unconfirmed, the rollout of Hempispheres confirms Sleep’s active status and willingness to evolve. Observers will be interested to see how the new lineup impacts the band’s future recordings and live performances, as well as how fans respond to these changes.

Overall, Sleep’s Hempispheres represents a pivotal chapter in their career, combining lineup shifts, multimedia projects, and a robust touring schedule. This approach not only reaffirms their legacy but also positions them to influence the genre’s trajectory in the coming years.