We proudly bring you the unparalleled 2016 debut album from elusive multinational psychedelic/avantgarde black metal enigma 夢遊病者 (Sleepwalker) now officially re-released on cassette and finally also available on 12" vinyl.
夢遊病者 (aka Sleepwalker) is an abstract, improvisational, and experimental psychedelic black metal band in existence since 2015, and 5772 was their unprecedented 2016 debut album, which Sentient Ruin noticed after the band had quietly already self released it on Bandcamp digitally and as a limited run of tapes which quickly sold out. Mind-boggled by the bands absurd and visionary music we approached them for a tape re-release and vinyl release of the album which is being handled in collaboration with italian label AnnapurnA in the EU (who are also releasing the album on digipack CD).
The essence of 夢遊病者, is to take cues from the improvisational school of jazz and the cathartic nature of ritual folk music and couple it with the raw energy of bands like Voivod, Zeni Geva, G.I.S.M., and the most wretched raw black metal. Thematically and conceptually the band's lyrics and much of the visuals focus on different cultural traditions, superstitions, ritualism, and ceremonies, as well as familial experiences. But at the same time, 夢遊病者 goes far beyond what is apparent and obvious... Artistic, cultural and musical influences of the band range as far and wide as Keiji Haino, Kazuki Tomokawa, as well as Vladimir Vysotsky, Justin Broderick, Erik Rutan, American noise rock like Unsane, bands like NoMeansNoand, Finnish Black Metal, and 70's psych and prog rock and soundtrack music... And beyond all that still. In the world of 夢遊病者 the sole objective is catharsis, and fusing all of these seeming disparities together into something that is completely unheard of, unsettling and violent, but also familiar and seducing.
As a band - 夢遊病 isn't really "based" out of anywhere, assuming immaterial form, and existing as ideas, concepts, and visions that cyclically coalesce into sound. With its members based as far apart as Osaka - Japan, Tver - Russia, and New York - USA, the band was formed after they became acquainted online, and everything is written sharing ideas and recordings over the internet and finally, when the moment seems right, the three members convene somewhere in person to record.
夢遊病's debut album 5772 is a visionary collision of sounds and of different schools of thought in extreme and experimental metal and beyond, that bursts the listener's synapses open with a mind-shattering alloy of drone, raw black metal, kraut/psychedelic rock, free-jazz, noise rock, and tribal ritualism - a truly unparalleled mind-fuck suspended between the visionary opposites of Voivod, Zeni Jeva, Oxbow, John Zorn, King Crimson, Darkthrone, and Xasthur. Tapes are now available to purchase on our store and Bandcamp and already shipping worldwide, with vinyl (available in two colors - standard gold and limited black) is pre-oradble and slated to ship in the early weeks of 2018.