The Band
Sleep Theory is an American rock band formed in 2019. The band started as a solo project of the singer and US Army veteran Cullen Moore. Their music is a mix of metalcore, nu-metal, hard rock, and R&B.
Band Members
- Cullen Moore – singer, clean vocals, harmonica
- Daniel Pruitt – lead guitar, unclean vocals
- Paolo Vergara – bass, backing clean vocals
- Ben Pruitt – drums
The Album
The band released an EP, titled Paper Hearts, in 2023, with several singles. Now, they have their first studio album, Afterglow, which was released on May 16, 2025.
I’ve been a fan of these guys for a while now, and I’m so happy that they finally have a full-length album, which is great.
I saw them playing live last year in Madrid, along with Hollywood Undead supporting Falling in Reverse, I went mostly to see them, and I was not disappointed, they rock!. Here’s that concert review https://metalbere.com/route-resurrection-madrid-2024-concert-review/
The Songs
1. Static. The first song on the album has some electronic and pop elements, but with a super catchy chorus, and also some growls by Daniel, same as in the breakdown that starts with him screaming. All of this with Cullen’s clean voice. Great song to start the album.
The song is about adapting to their new life, to all the noise that surrounds them now that they’re known.
2. Hourglass. This song has a two-step hardcore type of vibe. Daniel’s harsh vocals and growls.
3. III. Great, catchy. Daniel sings more; he starts and takes turns with Cullen. It’s about that saying that bad things come in threes, but in this case, it’s about a person who is worse than all of that.
4. Fallout. I love it. Nu-metal vibes. About ending a relationship.
5. Stuck in My Head. I love this track. This song, just like the title, always gets stuck in my head, too.
About having someone constantly in your mind.
This song would be ideal if someone wants to listen to the band as a first introduction, a gateway.
6. Gravity. Just Cullen on vocals. Pop, softer, synth, nice. He sings from the perspective of being interested in a person who’s in a bad relationship.
7. Afterglow. The title track. It’s a ballad. About not being able to get over someone. Beautiful song. Paolo sings some lines.
8. Numb. One of my favorite songs from Sleep Theory. Here, sing Cullen, Daniel, and Paolo. Daniel does the harsh vocals and the breakdown. I love that part when, before they say Numb, the instruments go silent for a second, and then they drop, which gives a feeling of intensity. About being stuck in a routine and feeling numb about it.
9. Parasite. Here sing Cullen (clean vocals) and Daniel, unclean and the breakdown, and even a blegh!, so that was a great surprise. About a leech type of person who’s always trying to take advantage of others.
10. Just A Mistake. This has a pop vibe. About being with someone you know that is not good, but you think it’s better than being alone.
11. Paralyzed. One of my favorite Sleep Theory songs. Daniel does some harsh vocals and the breakdown. About being paralyzed by fear and your insecurities.
It was one of the singles, so I already did a review about this that you can read here: https://metalbere.com/a-heavy-soulful-song-with-sleep-theory-paralyzed-song-review/
12. Words Are Worthless. The last track. A nice ballad. When you’re trying to help someone, yet it’s in vain, words become worthless.
Final Thoughts
I’m content with this release. It’s a perfect balance between heavy moments, a couple of ballads, some pop and electronic elements, but overall, that beautiful combination of clean and harsh vocals, which I love. The band is on point, drums, guitar, and bass, everything sounds amazing.
I wish these guys all the success, and I’m so happy to watch them become a bigger band; they deserve it.
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Tracklist
1. Static
2. Hourglass
3. III
4. Fallout
5. Stuck in My Head
6. Gravity
7. Afterglow
8. Numb
9. Parasite
10. Just A Mistake
11. Paralyzed
12. Words Are Worthless