SLEEP-DOPESMOKER-

Released  for the first time in 1998 this ledfuelled Power trio originates from the bay area of USA. With an unparallelled match to anything earlier, this is either a masterpiece or a complete failure. But one thing is perfectly clear..nothing you´ve Heard erlier can match this HEAVY METAL thunder of recording, absolutely nothing.

Guitarist Matt Pike and bass player/vocalist Al Cisneros joined forces with drummer Chais Hakius in the eárly 90´s and toured with both Hawkwind and Cathedral, they got recognizion through their first release of “Sleep´s Holy Mountain”. London Records signed the band and gave them an advance of 75 000 dollars which was spent on custom amplifiers, guitars and presumably marijuana. The rumour has it that it took four years(!) before the track”Dopesmoker” was finished into the form,  which is presented on this release.

As the finished recording was presented to London Records, they where really dissapointed about the result and refused release the album. Sleep refused on their behalf, to do anything about the recording and the standoff was at full display. It would take two years after Sleep´s disolvment to release the album under the name”Jerusalem” and since then Three different reissues has occured. The final one by Southern Lord Records who, with a new remix and artwork, put out the definitive press of the album. A Wonderful job!!

Whatabout the drummer, Chris Hakius?? As much of the rest of the band this is a joint venture. Nothing good or bad just a raw, stoner fuelled asskick. I am impressed how this drummer can motivate himself to keep pounding those drums for over an hour and nothing ever falls through. This guy must be high as mount Kilimanjaro…:-)

To sum this album up I qoute what a New York Times critic wrote: “What seems disorienting and monochromatic at first grows richer and more rewarding upon repeated exposure. It’s like a Mark Rotho painting hitting you over the head with a bag of hammers.” ´Nuff said,  It´s hammer time….

If you´re into Stoner/Heavy/slow/psych rock this is one of the best albums ever recorded. On the other side of the scale, it´s just so comprehensive that it´s absolute crap. One way or the other, and what a perfect way to end 2016 on top, or bottom!!  🙂 Happy New Year!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

9-DIVINE-WOULD MAKE YOU WANNA LEAVE YOUR GIRLFRIEND-

1-WTF?-I DON´T GET IT??-