Origin:	San Francisco, California, USA
Genres:	Doom Metal, Stoner Rock

Last update/review:	April 21, 2018

Sleep

Several years after their initial demise, Sleep is still highly regarded as a standout underground stoner/doom band. After a little-known debut entited Volume One, their followup, Sleep's Holy Mountain, scored critical and fan acclaim for it's doomy, Sabbath-styled riffing, reminiscient of the Hellhound bands at the time. Their next album was intended to be a single, hour-long ode to weed, named Dopesmoker. An early version of the album was recorded, but their new record label (London) was not pleased with it and refused to release it. A slightly shorter, somewhat cleaned-up version was also recorded, with new lyrics and a new name, Jerusalem. London still wouldn't release the album, the band promptly folded, and in 1999 a posthumous Jerusalem release was secured by Rise Above and The Music Cartel. (Four years later, the original version of Dopesmoker was released by Teepee.) An 60+ minute dronefest, the song/album definitely isn't for everyone but still is regarded as a classic by many. Following their breakup, guitarist Matt Pike formed High On Fire while the rhythm section duo put together Om. The trio reformed in 2009 and the band remains active, though drummer Chris Haikus has since left.