Sleep Nation has found a productive outlet for its existential anxiety with the Four Horsemen series, a weighty collection of politically charged releases inspired by the division, detachment and uncertainty of modern life. The Destructor — War closes things out on an appropriately combative note with a collision of muscular riffs and rhythmic intensity reminiscent of Rage Against The Machine.
“It’s best described as Royal Blood-style riff rock mixed with elements of metal,” says frontman Bran Merritt. “Set against the backdrop of global conflict, political division and ongoing turmoil, the music served as a crucial outlet to process our feelings about the state of the world.”
Growing up in Tennessee, Merritt was initially drawn to cartoon illustration. But after losing his mother to breast cancer at age 12, he turned to music as a vechicle for processing his grief, later teaming up with drummer Joey Lauretta to form Sleep Nation as a student at Tennessee Tech. The band’s approach has evolved considerably over the years, from the early alt-rock sound of singles like “I Want You Back” to the more theatrical slant of 2024’s Deadbeat Disco, with its heavy guitars, dark grooves and more accessible hooks.
The Destructor — War opener “15 Minutes From Chaos” features an unconventional twist, with producer Jonn Nicholson stepping out from behind the boards to handle lead vocals.
“He thrives in this style,” says Merritt. “So when he brought up the idea, taking him up on it was a no-brainer.”
We’re proud to premiere Sleep Nation’s The Destructor — War.
—Hobart Rowland
