SEVEN SISTERS OF SLEEP - OPIUM MORALS

While the word heavy is used to describe a host of bands, I feel that it truly is the best word to try and discuss California’s SEVEN SISTERS OF SLEEP. Their thunderous blend of sludgy hardcore and never-ending riffs are on full display during tracks like “Ghost Plains” and “Sunday Mass Graves.” Opium Morals is a vicious ten-track full-length, one that sees SSOS utilize a melting pot of genres all while keeping the urgent speed and ferocity that made their previous material so interesting.

The aforementioned “Ghost Plains” kicks the album off right with a blood curdling build-up and then an onslaught of brusque vocals and deafening drums. There’s no respite for the next thirty plus minutes. The riffs are a work of beauty that will make you just want to quite simply thrash. Everything gels together to create this cohesive beast and before you know it the album transitions into the second track, “Moths.” Despite a calmer opening, there is an ominous feel that dominates the start. You’re almost just waiting for the pace to pick up and when it does nearly two minutes in, SSOS delivers.

Without wanting to completely spoil the album, “Grindstone” is an absolute ripper of a track that harkens back to the band’s early work - a short and crippling sludgy masterpiece - as is “Orphans.” While the style may have evolved, SSOS still knows how to put together a good fast song.

One aspect I enjoyed - aside from the constant barrage of riffs - was the continuation of varying vocals. Back on the band’s self-titled EP (2011), they introduced a more guttural style - a la THE ARM AND SWORD OF A BASTARD GOD - and once again they use it to great effect on Opium Morals. It doesn’t come off as unneeded or even out of place, but fits the accompanying music perfectly. It’s much like with label mates ILSA where the vocals are integral in the band’s sound (And also just one reason why I cannot wait for that split to come out in April).

There’s always an underlying groove (“White Braid” especially) that gives SSOS a distinct sound, much like EYEHATEGOD. The important thing is that while the band’s influences may be clear, the music isn’t a copy of Take As Needed For Pain or Dopesick. As comparisons to previous releases always happen, I would say that Opium Morals sees SSOS progress in a more exploratory direction than the more simple bludgeoning on their first 12” (2010) or the sludgy violence that decimated listeners on the CHILDREN OF GOD split. If you liked those releases, chances are that you will love this record.

Scheduled for a late March release, Opium Morals showcases why SEVEN SISTERS OF SLEEP are one of the most exciting bands around.