While their ex-bandmate Matt Pike chose a road toward destruction and mayhem, the rhythm section of stoner rock trio Sleep--bassist Al Cisneros and drummer Chris Haikus--sought a path of enlightenment. Or least a place to smoke more dope in peace. Whatever the case, their duo Om has taken a concept that felt a little thin on paper--the bass-and-drum duo--and actually found ways to grow within its limited palette. Pilgrimage finds the band playing with more comfort and fluidity than ever. A 'metal' band that gets 'heavy' by forsaking volume for presence and patience is a beautiful thing indeed.