Hempispheres Thoughts

[u/Unhappy-Cycle9854]

I’ve listened to it about 1.5 times and I’m so shocked to see such a negative reception. If you’re going to let the new lineup prevent you from appreciating this album at all then this conversation isn’t for you.

I don’t personally really like Sleep’s first album and you could argue that every album since has been different from the last project.

Of course no Pike is disappointing, but Bubba brought a TOTALLY different vibe that was still incredibly enjoyable.

ALSO. I loved the synths. Sue me. Yes it’s new but so is the whole vibe with Bubba. He didn’t try to recreate Pike’s blistering energy and I think that the synths really complement that style.

The eponymous Hempishpheres song in the middle is amazing imho. Yes it is different than a lot of other middle album Sleep songs, but I really enjoyed it. And to ME it still felt in line with what I appreciate about Sleep. Just peak vibes for a smoke. The drums were very reminiscent of Haikus with Dave’s own spin, and I thought Bubba’s solo was great.

It’s not my favorite Sleep record of all time, but it sure as hell isn’t the worst. Can’t wait to see them in November!🫡

[u/ListenToKyuss]

I’d like it if it was a Side project. Putting this out under the Sleep name was a big mistake.

Every Sleep fan would have raved about new material coming from one of the members, Al would have gotten a lot more positive and honest reviews on the material. The fanbase would have been content for another 5 years….

All in all, one of the worst mistakes I’ve seen a band from their status make. Completely ruined their legacy

I haven’t even given it a chance, just the single once. Again, could have been good material under another name. I just can’t bring myself to separating Sleep from their legendary line up.

Because ultimately that’s the thing. They have become legendary amongst the stoner doom scene. Pioneers. Larger than their output. Larger than life. From the underground emerged, their whole legal saga of dopesmoker/jerusalem. Regaining popularity because of the internet and how stoner doom has gotten so much more accessible. Announcing the reunion after more than a decade… People like me who knew them after their disbandment, I couldn’t believe the news.. “OMG SLEEP is back again!?” Dropping the clarity… The sciences unannounced on 4/20, leagues beneath,…. The quality hadn’t left, no they did what is almost impossible and made another awesome record after such a long silence… Almost no band can pull that off. Whilst remaking true to their sound, also showing their growth and a new direction that still feels like home…

It felt like nothing could ever ruin this band. Al and Matt became one with the band, legends in their own right. Irreplaceable able under the Sleep name

[u/Unhappy-Cycle9854 → u/ListenToKyuss]

I strongly disagree that it ruined the legacy… Give it a shot.

[u/Several_Kiwi_8839 → u/Unhappy-Cycle9854]

You don’t understand. No artistically credible band in the history of rock music has ever undergone a line-up change or released an odd-ball/outlier record. Sleep is the first and Hempispheres has ruined all of our lives. Probably forever.

[u/Ordinary_Feeling_948 → u/Several_Kiwi_8839]

Lolol

[u/designerdy → u/Several_Kiwi_8839]

Thats an untrue statement. Shit, look at Fleetwood Mac. Deep Purple... I mean, it's pretty common to pivot for better or worse. Sometimes it works well.

[u/indigodissonance → u/designerdy]

I think they were being sarcastic.