Sleep Returns with New Album, Tour, and Lineup Changes

Sleep, the influential stoner metal band, has released their first new music in eight years with the album Have Spacesuit Will Travel, announced plans for a North American tour starting in September, and revealed a significant lineup shift, according to Third Man Records and the band’s official social media accounts.

What Is Sleep’s New Album and Tour Schedule?

The band’s latest release, Have Spacesuit Will Travel, dropped on July 12, 2024, via Third Man Records. It marks their first studio album since 2016’s The Sciences, which was their final collaboration with guitarist Matt Pike. The North American tour begins on September 8 in San Diego and concludes on November 17 in Washington, D.C., with a stop at the Austin Levitation festival, as detailed on Sleep’s official website.

Why Is the Lineup Change Significant?

Frontman and bassist Al Cisneros remains as the band’s core, but longtime guitarist Matt Pike has left the group. Pike, who contributed to iconic tracks like Dopesmoker, is no longer part of Sleep, per a press release from Third Man Records. His role has been taken by Bubba Dupree, known for his work with hardcore punk band Void. Drumming duties now fall to Dale Crover of Melvins, replacing Jason Roeder, who returned to his own band Neurosis.

What Is the Sleep Comic Book About?

The band is also launching Sleep Comic Book, a limited-edition series written by Cisneros and illustrated by Dave Kloc and Arik Roper. The first issue introduces the “Marijuanaut,” an adventurer exploring Planet Iommia, encountering the Weedian, and delving into the spiritual practices of the fictional world inspired by Sleep’s discography. The comic is available as a standalone edition or in a bundle with a flexi disc of the new album, according to Third Man Records.

How Has the Music Industry Reacted?

The lineup change has drawn attention from metal publications like Revolver and Alternative Press, which highlighted Pike’s legacy in stoner metal. The new album’s release has been praised for maintaining Sleep’s signature sound while introducing fresh elements. The band’s decision to expand into comics reflects a trend among artists blending music with multimedia storytelling, as seen in projects by bands like The Flaming Lips and Nine Inch Nails.

What Are the Tour Dates and Ticket Information?

Sleep’s fall tour includes stops in major cities across the U.S. and Canada. Ticket details are available through the band’s official site and ticket platforms like Live Nation. The tour’s announcement came as fans celebrated the band’s resilience following years of lineup instability and industry challenges.