Sleepwulf – Sunbeams Curl

Release date: 18 February 2022   
Label: Heavy Psych Sounds  

Intro

Hailing from Kristianstad, Sweden, self-proclaimed doom wizards Sleepwulf are continuing the tradition of creating new music with a classic sound. The quartet use low and heavy riffs that sound like they came from a Black Sabbath B-side but vocals that are a bit more trained than that of the legendary Ozzy. In fact, vocalist Owen Robertson has a rather lovely tone to his voice, not dissimilar from the melancholy warble of Mat McNerney (Grave Pleasures, Hexvessel). His clear vocals sit nicely atop the fuzzy wandering guitar of Sebastian Ihme and subtle stylings of bassist Viktor Sjöström. Combined with the persistent and cymbal-heavy drums provided by Carl Lindberg, it creates a vibe that is just as easy to rock out to as it is to just lay back and enjoy.

The band had their start with the release of the self-titled Sleepwulf (2020). The album is an incredible set of tracks that are daring, layered, soothing, and fun. Others seem to agree as the album reached #3 in the global doom charts, a feat for such a new band. While excited to have this kind of popularity, the quartet is more proud of what they have accomplished as, true to classic doom form, basically a homebrew. Not satisfied with just sitting around, Sleepwulf took time under quarantine to write another album. This time, they promise to be heavier and more dynamic, even going so far as to record the album on an old tape machine. The fruits of their labors is the occult and downright esoteric Sunbeams Curl.

The Album

The album immediately whirs to life with Satan Is King, a previous single, and the quality difference is already apparent. Clearer vocals and cleaner riffs are the backbone of this track, Robertson’s voice meandering along the scales. Ihme’s solo in the middle displays his fancy fingerwork and it is almost a shame for it to end. After this is the more mysterious Green Man Dead, Ihme allowing Sjöström moments throughout to beckon toward the listener. These pauses once broken make the song feel harder when it comes back, vocals and guitar coming in rolling waves.

Sex Magic Manifestation, another single, has more of a traditional sound with more solidly held notes. Although comparatively short, this track is particularly poignant and filled with mystical allusions. The last single, Stoned Ape, has a slow swaying start that builds up in speed and power over time. Behind the bold yet melancholy guitar, an organ plays long and low notes, further enhancing the old school sound. In terms of composition, this is one of the best tracks on the album, practically begging for attention.

Halfway through, the pace picks up again with Man Under The Mountain, a track that is heavy, creepy, and somewhat arhythmic. Robertson chooses brief parts to sing quicker that are catchy before slowing back down, shifting pitch from high to low like breathing. Lindberg shows off a bit here, which is appreciated, clashes of cymbals filling slight pauses between Robertson’s words. Then, when Tyrant Song starts, it’s hard not to bob your head along to this catchy little beat. Ihme is clearly having fun here, nearly stealing the stage when not harmonizing with Robertson. This track keeps you guessing with where it’s going, and it’s a wicked fun ride the entire time.

Toad Licker Mushroom Picker has a swaying beat that feels like waves of the ocean slowly sucking you into the tide. Removing Robertson’s vocals makes this track indistinguishable from an instrumental jam session recorded to a tape in the 70s and lost to time. Another short song, it is disappointing for it to end, so it is recommended to play it again. The final track, Bury Me Backwards, makes for a good closer. Winding down in speed, Lindberg’s low and firm beats carry Ihme’s somewhat uncertain strumming. Sjöström picks up the slack in the pauses, Robertson tying the whole thing together.

A Final Word

Sleepwulf are far from professionals and are willing to own that, but they have no reason to be humble. They create hit after hit with both skill and care that feels as old as it does new. The band pride themselves on their adherence to the occult and it definitely shows. Even the album imagery has a bit of mysticism to it, a strange code written across its cover and anamorphic imagery inside. Sleepwulf promise that the hidden secrets of this album will soon unravel, which can be taken as a hint of more to come. If that’s the case, then it’s heavily recommended to get a copy of not just this album but also their self-titled. Take them both for a few spins to enjoy the sweet beats and unlock the mysteries within before all is revealed.

Line up:

• Owen Robertson (he/him) – Vocals
• Sebastian Ihme (he/him) – Guitar
• Viktor Sjöström (he/him) – Bass
• Carl Lindberg (he/him) – Drums

Links:

Bandcamp
Facebook
Official