Oscar Isaac Reveals His Unlikely Heavy Metal Obsession
Oscar Isaac opens up about his passion for the band Sleep and their monumental album Dopesmoker, describing its unique blend of metal and Gregorian chant influences. The acclaimed actor discusses his enduring love for raw, powerful rock music.
Some people seem to have been dealt a rather generous hand when it comes to talent. Oscar Isaac, for instance, has managed to carve out a name for himself not only as a celebrated actor but also as a musician of no small ability. Those who caught his turn in the Coen brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis will recall his performance as both a compelling lead and a genuinely impressive singer and guitarist. It’s not widely known, but Isaac’s musical journey began long before Hollywood beckoned. Back in his school days, he was part of a band covering Nirvana, and after graduation, he joined a Christian ska-punk outfit that would eventually find itself opening for Green Day. Acting, however, proved the stronger pull, and after a stint at Juilliard in New York, he started landing roles on stage, all the while keeping his hand in with live gigs at local venues.
Once the film offers started rolling in, Isaac’s ascent was swift. Early appearances in thrillers paved the way for a memorable role alongside Russell Crowe in Robin Hood (2010), followed by supporting parts in Drive and The Bourne Legacy. Inside Llewyn Davis marked a turning point, showcasing his ability to carry a film and earning him a Golden Globe nomination, not to mention a clutch of industry accolades. Since then, he’s become a fixture in major franchises—Star Wars, X-Men, Dune, and Marvel’s Moon Knight among them—as well as starring in one-off projects like Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. Despite his packed schedule, Isaac’s passion for music has never waned.
From Ska-Punk Roots to Hollywood Stardom
Isaac’s musical tastes, it turns out, run rather heavier than one might expect. In a candid moment, he once shared his admiration for the band Sleep and their sprawling album Dopesmoker. The record, released in 2003, is notorious for its single, hour-long track—a relentless, hypnotic journey through the world of stoner metal. Isaac described his experience with the album in memorable terms:
This stoner metal album is actually just one epic, grinding track. I’ll listen to this when I really just want to wallow, man. I call it ‘sludge metal’ or ‘metal meets Gregorian chants.’ It’s real head music, if you know what I mean.
His words struck a chord with the band, who were quick to share his praise with their followers online. It’s not every day a Hollywood A-lister gives a nod to such a niche corner of the music world.
Embracing the Heavier Side of Rock
Isaac’s appreciation for Sleep isn’t just a passing fancy. He’s long been drawn to the raw, unpolished energy of rock in its various forms. Even as his acting career has taken centre stage, he’s continued to perform live whenever possible, keeping that connection to music alive. There’s a certain authenticity in his approach—no posturing, just a genuine love for the craft, whether it’s on screen or on stage.
Looking ahead, Isaac’s calendar remains as busy as ever. He’s set to reunite with Guillermo del Toro for Fury, a thriller following two criminals on a violent road trip, and will appear opposite Elizabeth Olsen in the retro vampire flick Flesh of the Gods. There’s also talk of him taking the lead in a new adaptation of Metal Gear Solid, stepping into the shoes of the iconic Snake. Through it all, his musical sensibilities continue to inform his work, lending a distinctive edge to his performances both as an actor and a musician.