The Sciences (album)

The Sciences is the third studio album by American stoner metal band Sleep, released on April 20, 2018, through Third Man Records. The album marked the band's first full-length studio release in nearly 20 years, following 2003's Dopesmoker (which was recorded in 1996 and 1997). Its release on the unofficial cannabis holiday of 4/20 was a deliberate nod to the band's long-standing lyrical themes and aesthetic.

Background and Recording

Following their reformation in 2009, Sleep had been performing live and released the single "The Clarity" in 2014. Recording for The Sciences took place over several years, with the band members Al Cisneros (bass, vocals), Matt Pike (guitar), and Jason Roeder (drums) working on the material sporadically. The album was largely a surprise release, announced and made available for purchase on the same day. This unconventional release strategy added to the mystique surrounding the band's long-awaited return.

Musical Style and Themes

The Sciences continues Sleep's signature blend of stoner metal and doom metal. The music is characterized by immensely heavy, slow, and repetitive guitar riffs, a prominent and often fuzzed-out bass, and deliberate, pounding drums. Vocals are sparse and delivered in a droning, almost ritualistic style by Al Cisneros. The album's compositions often feature extended instrumental passages, allowing the listener to sink into the hypnotic and monolithic sonic landscapes.

Lyrically, the album delves deeply into themes of cannabis culture, space exploration, ancient civilizations, and esoteric knowledge, often filtered through a psychedelic and cosmic lens. Titles such as "Marijuanaut's Theme," "Giza Butler" (a play on Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler), and "Antarcticans Thawed" exemplify the band's unique blend of humor, reverence for their influences, and exploration of fantastical concepts. The "sciences" in the title can be interpreted as both conventional scientific inquiry and the more mystical, mind-altering "sciences" associated with their lyrical content.

Track Listing

The album features six tracks, culminating in the epic title track.

1. "Marijuanaut's Theme"
2. "Sonic Titan"
3. "Giza Butler"
4. "Antarcticans Thawed"
5. "The Botanist"
6. "The Sciences"

Reception

The Sciences was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Reviewers lauded the album for its unwavering commitment to Sleep's established sound, its sheer heaviness, and its ability to deliver a satisfying follow-up after such a long hiatus. Critics particularly praised the album's production, the band's tight musicianship, and the way it maintained the essence of Sleep while still sounding fresh. It was frequently cited as one of the best metal albums of 2018.