THE DROP
Sleep just dropped "Have Spacesuit Will Travel" — their first new music in eight years and the first Sleep recording without founding guitarist Matt Pike *, †, ‡. Al Cisneros is now the sole original member, joined by Bubba Dupree from DC hardcore legends Void on guitar and Melvins drummer Dale Crover *, †, ‡.
WHAT TO KNOW
- First Sleep release since 2018's *The Sciences* *, ¶, marking a complete lineup overhaul after former drummer Jason Roeder was fired over the phone in November 2024 ‡
- Cisneros says the first jam with Dupree had "blue sunglasses-era Iommi" quality †, ‡, ¶, which is either promising or a setup for disappointment depending on whether you trust Sleep without Pike
- Fall 2026 North American tour runs September 8 (San Diego) through November 17 (Washington DC), including a headline slot at Levitation Festival in Austin *, †, ¶
- Third Man Records is releasing a Sleep comic book written by Cisneros about "The Marijuanaut" on Planet Iommia, because of course they are *, †, ‡
THE TAKE
Sleep without Matt Pike is a legitimate question mark — the press release "wishes Matt the best on his earth-bound maneuvers" * but offers zero explanation for why a founding member is suddenly gone. Cisneros invoking Iommi is a bold claim for music nobody's heard yet, but Dupree and Crover are serious players who've earned the benefit of the doubt.