Known, stylistically, for combining the elements of Power and Doom metal, America's SLEEPY HOLLOW are, thus far, credited with three official releases; the self-titled “Sleepy Hollow” (1991) “A Legend Retold” (2000) and the “best of” collection “Rest In Pieces: 1989-1992" (2002).
In August of 1989, vocalist Bob Mitchell formed SLEEPY HOLLOW with guitarist Steve Stegg, bassist Steve Brink and drummer Tommy Wassman. December of '89 saw the release of the infamous "89 demo" which remained as such up until October of 2000, when it was officially released on classic vinyl through the now defunct Old Metal Records under the title "A Legend Retold".
Early on and throughout their entire first run, SLEEPY HOLLOW were privileged to share billing status with some of Heavy Metal's most prominent national acts including Manowar, EZO, Nuclear Assault, Whiplash, Savatage, Non-Fiction, Wrathchild America and Pantera.
Eventually, the quartet had amassed a strong enough following to headline several self-managed tours throughout North America which, eventually, lead to securing a distribution deal with AZRA/Ironworks Records. In June of 1991, the self-titled "Sleepy Hollow" cd was unleashed. After its initial release, "Sleepy Hollow" had, at one point, reached number one on independent album charts in countries such as Belgium, France, Greece, Sweden, Portugal and Germany. They also received rave reviews and have appeared in magazines and fanzines worldwide, such as Metal Hammer Hungary, Metal Hammer Germany, Baphomet, Rock Hard, Thunderbolt Magazine, Den of Iniquity and many others.
Along with press coverage, the band received media attention in underground radio stations across the US as well as radio stations in several European countries including Germany, Sweden, Austria, Russia, France, Italy, Norway and Greece.
SLEEPY HOLLOW, have undoubtedly made its mark on the world of Heavy Metal. This classic band is enjoying renewed popularity in the new millennium. Through the years and in its most simplistic way the band became obscure, then obscurity became curiosity, then curiosity turned into demand. Now, they are a legend that was created by you, the fans!
So now we fast forward to the year 2011 After an absence of more than twenty years, the US traditional Heavy Metal band has reunited with its original line-up; Bob Mitchell (vocals), Steve Stegg (guitars), Steve Brink (bass guitars) and Tommy Wassman (drums).
Musically, the band picked up where it has left off as they have written new material and polished up some unfinished songs for their comeback album "SKULL THIRTEEN". The recording sessions began on January 30th, 2011. The sessions wrapped up on April 27th.
During the making of “SKULL THIRTEEN”, it was discovered that original bassist Steve Brink would not be able to commit to the band in any capacity. However, Brink did contribute the artwork for the bands return album. While the mixing and mastering stages were in full swing, the band released its first video, “MIDNIGHT” on July 28th.
On August 3rd, it was announced that Symphony X bassist Mike LePond has joined the band as its new "live" bass player. A move that will help usher the band to the next level.
Along with the vinyl release (on HIGH ROLLER RECORDS), SLEEPY HOLLOW have signed an exclusive world-wide six year, three album deal with European label PURE STEEL RECORDS which is projecting a release for "SKULL THIRTEEN" on March of 2012.
The release will, subsequently, be followed by a string of live shows that will include a tour of Europe in 2012 that will culminate at the annual SWORDBROTHERS Festival in Andernach, Germany. Details on all will be forthcoming.
Andreas Lorenz, the general manager of Pure Steel Records stated; “SLEEPY HOLLOW are for all U.S. Metal fans a real legend. It´s a great honor for us to have this band on our label. Bob Mitchell is, for me, one of the best metal singers of all times. We know that the band will create a metal monster like the self-titled debut album”.
The band returned to the stage on Saturday November 5th and performed their first show in over twenty years at the METAL’CUSE Festival in Syracuse, New York. This show was followed by a co-headlining appearance at Reggies in Chicago, IL with Canadian Metal legends EXCITER along with former MANOWAR guitarist David Shenkel. The band wrapped up 2011 on Saturday December 10th at Bullits in Long Island, NY. This was to be Mike LePond's final show with the band due to his commitments with Symphony X.
The band, based on LePond's high recommendation, recruited bassist Alan D'Angelo who is now a full time member of SLEEPY HOLLOW. Rehearsals will resume in January for what promises to be the bands best year to date.
In the meantime let us welcome back to the Metal World SLEEPY HOLLOW! Visit them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.