Sleep, Dopesmoker, Black Double Vinyl, LP, Reissue, Third Man Records, 2023
Dopesmoker – Sleep – Recorded in 1996 and not released (in slightly different edit/mix) until 1999 under the title Jerusalem, the legend and lore behind Dopesmoker would overshadow an LP of any lesser significance. But the 63-minute magnum opus dedicated exclusively to the sacrament of marijuana is not just the pinnacle of the goofily named stoner metal genre… it’s inarguably one of the most important and influential albums of all time. Double vinyl LP pressing. Reissue of the second version of the third album by stoner and doom metal band, originally released in 2003.
Stoner rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its heavy, sludgy sound, slow tempos, and a focus on creating a moody and hypnotic atmosphere. The genre is often associated with psychedelic rock, heavy metal, and alternative rock, and draws influences from blues, doom metal, and hard rock.
The origins of stoner rock can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when bands like Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, and Cream pioneered the sound of heavy, psychedelic rock. In the 1990s, a new generation of musicians took these influences and created a new sound that came to be known as stoner rock.
Some of the earliest and most influential stoner rock bands include Kyuss, Monster Magnet, and Sleep. These bands were known for their heavy, sludgy sound and their use of extended guitar solos, trippy soundscapes, and powerful vocals.
Over time, stoner rock has evolved and expanded to include a wide range of subgenres, such as desert rock, doom metal, and sludge metal. Despite these variations, the genre has remained true to its roots, with a focus on creating a heavy and atmospheric sound.
Today, stoner rock continues to be a popular genre, with a growing number of fans and musicians around the world. Some of the most notable contemporary stoner rock bands include Fu Manchu, Electric Wizard, and Clutch.
