Sleep Paralysis – Sleep Paralysis

It’s time to reach for that battery acid left in the garage and take a few sips (notice I said sips). Sleep Paralysis is here to replicate that near-death experience in the weirdest ways possible, of course. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what Sleep Paralysis is about, but your humble servant would be satisfied if this wacky thing is at least entertaining. That’s usually the case with anything Avant-Garde, but as the genre suggests, you never really know what you’re getting into.

I’d describe Sleep Paralysis as a sick comedy. It’s filled with evil energy but presents it in the most playful way imaginable—like if your old Nintendo housed the most depraved and deranged games its minimalistic graphics could allow. That’s what we’re dealing with here: an album that feels like the most tasteless joke your drunk friend throws at you during the best part of a gig, making you rethink your entire friendship. The only difference? Sleep Paralysis is actually fun.

Calling this album drug-fueled would be an understatement, but let’s focus on the real protagonist here: the synth and piano work. It’s so unique! Every time it has the chance to shine, it absolutely steals the moment, and luckily, that happens often. The rest of the instruments bring their A-game too, but it’s the quirky combination of all these elements that makes Sleep Paralysis a fascinating take on Avant-Garde. This isn’t just another Disso-Death album—it’s something that lingers in your mind long after the music stops.

It’s clear Sleep Paralysis isn’t for everyone, but it goes beyond that. Even fans of weird music might find themselves confused, not because of heaviness or dissonance, but because… well, it’s just hard to explain. You have to experience it yourself. There’s no song structure to hold onto, no thematic cohesion—just pure postmodern chaos. It pushes the genre’s boundaries so far that it can feel completely alienating.

But hey, this is the work I signed up for: reviewing bands so strange they make me question the fabric of Metal itself. Sleep Paralysis might not be the most technical, the most complex, or even the heaviest Avant-Garde Metal band out there, but it’s certainly determined to carve its own path. This is music that can only be described as “Oh wow, that thing sounds like Sleep Paralysis.” Pan.Thy.Monium would be proud!

it’s so evil you’ve gotta click here to listen to it.

Label: I, Voidhanger Records

Release date: February 28, 2025

Website: https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sleep-paralysis

Country: Italy

Score: 3.8/5.0 but I might pump it up later!