London Stoner Rock Act Sleeping Mountain Release Punchy, Journeying New Song ‘Down The River’

Inspired by Seventies psychedelic, progressive rock, London’s Sleeping Mountain add their modern stoner and metal edge, as heard on their self-titled EP from earlier this year and the folk-informed new single “Down The River,” which signals a new sonic storyline.

Sleeping Mountain came together in late 2019 (and were “finalized” in March 2022), comprising India-origin vocalist Dhairya Anand, guitarist-keyboardist Aitor Mendez, guitarist Nando Thommessen, bassist David Saunders and drummer Alexis Humanes.

Dhairya, best known for fronting metal bands like Dark Helm and Acrimony back home, says he joined the band once he moved to London for his day job with a gaming company. “It’s a bit of a funny story as Aitor initially reached out to me for a death metal project, based on previous work experience,” the vocalist adds with a laugh.  

Compared to his metal projects, Dhairya explores a different vocal range with Sleeping Mountain. Songs like the 11-minute stoner jam “Break Me Down,” the angsty psychedelic “Weigh” and organ-driven grandiose “Evermore” off their debut EP see the vocalist channel classic rock and modern alternative acts.

Everything from Deftones to Pink Floyd to Bad Religion and of course, Black Sabbath, are counted among influences. He says the band members found common ground amongst themselves based on the songs they tuned in together while on tour or hanging out. “Just the fact that no one in the band feels the need to skip a song in the queue has made our bond even stronger,” he adds.

For Dhairya, joining Sleeping Mountain has proved how welcoming the U.K. scene has been for a seasoned performer like him. “It’s been a ride. I was at a gig the day I landed here, met quite a chunk of the scene and ended up in a band by the third month of being in the city,” the vocalist says.

With “Down The River” out now, Sleeping Mountain have found a space where they can record, mix and master their material in-house. “This will greatly help in fast-tracking the process of finishing our debut album, projected to finish by the end of 2023,” Dhairya adds.

Listen to “Down The River” below.