Sleep Crime – Everything Secret Degenerates – Review

Sleep Crime loves you. And you will love them right back.  I met guitarist Andy Marino my first day of college.  I met bassist Matt Lambert a few weeks later.  Sophomore year during one epic night of partying Andy and I met drummer Lauren O’Reilly at a friend’s apartment.  They immediately bonded over metal forging their friendship with sparks and chaff.  At the time Lauren was in a sweet all girl band called Betty After Midnight with vocalist and guitarist Michele Lombardo.  Andy and Matt also had a great band with friends called Sayonara.  After years of bonding over Mastodon, drinking at Dragon Force, and generally rocking together they formed Sleep Crime.  Your dreams will never be safe again.  I immediately claimed the number one fan spot and dare everyone to try to take it from me.Everything Secret Degenerates is their first album.  I had the joy of videoing it being made, from the drum recordings to an unforgettable weekend in the Catskills. This album gripped my soul from the its birth in a shirtless head bang around open flames.  You can listen to it and buy it here.  Sleep crime is unabashed metal, with jugging baselines, screaming guitar solos, loud hard drums, and rich, wailing vocals.  Break out your flannels, beers, and lighters remember the better times to Everything Secret Degenerates.

I shot this live video of their new track the Christmas Truce.  Matt edited it.  Then he moved to California for love, leaving the band without his virtuoso skills and patented stage lean.  We all miss him terribly.  But like a phoenix from the flames Sleep Crime rises again to haunt your slumber.  Michele has mastered a petal that lets her play rhythm guitar, base, and sing at the same time.  Her uncanny skill makes me wonder how she could possibly be human.  Lauren continues to anchor the band with her unquestionable drum mastery.  And Andy has discovered his voice for both singing and witty stage banter.  Follow them on twitter, and don’t miss their next show.