Never heard of Sleepbomb before, even though they've been around since 2003. This San Francisco band consists of Charles Hernandez - guitars; Rob Johnson - drums; Claire Hamard - keys, vocals; Tim Gotch- bass, synths. They are described as a doom and sludge metal band, but I was getting a strong Goth vibe from the CD artwork, picture and title, hence the review here at Chain D.L.K. Sleepbomb seem to specialize in original live scores for existing films including The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), Conan the Barbarian (1983), Nosferatu (1922), Metropolis (1927) and Night of the Living Dead (1968). This release though is apparently their first full album dedicated to a single movie. It is 9 tracks, 64 minutes in length, divided into six Acts with also a Prelude and two Interludes. Although it's atmospheric as hell, I found everything up to "Act III" to be just a bit too basic and uninspired. I mean, it was okay for average doom metal, but not enough to make any sort of impact. The richness of "Act III" did kick the album up a notchl. This track seemed kind of Pink Floyd inspired and was the first I heard of Claire's (wordless) vocals, which although underplayed, added significantly to the atmosphere.

That track was really the highlight of the album, and I have to say I was rather disappointed that there wasn't much more in the vocal department. The majority of this is stoner/downer instrumental rock in the most basic compositions and progressions you can imagine. Full of lethargy and distorted power chords, it's hard to even really extract a theme as the music has this meandering quality to it. "Act V" had its moments but still did not live up to my expectations. "Act VI" is rather bombastic but by this time, all I can say is, so what? Without any strong vocal presence, all Sleepbomb has going for it is that they create sludgy "alternate soundtracks". Maybe in conjunction with the film it might be better, but I have my doubts. I didn't get any 'Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' vibes from this. The album is due out November 3rd and the band begins their live tour in Doyle, CA, October 14th.