Who the hell are Sleep Token? - Blunt Magazine (2024)

Even If you’ve only been a casual observer of underground music in recent times, chances are the name Sleep Token has come across your radar.

The UK-based, masked djent-pop collective made serious waves in 2019 with the release of their debut LP Sundowning – an existential rager that careened between thunderous breakdowns and frosty R&B numbers that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Lil Nas X LP.

To be fair, a gothed-up anonymous group of Brits slumming it onstage with the likes of Issues and Polyphia and firing the odd metalcore assault in their arsenal certainly doesn’t seem typically new in 2021, with every hyped heavy act seemingly possessing the industry starter pack of occult imagery, capes, and sweet sweet photoshop skills for that tip-top Insta wall.

When it comes to Sleep Token however, there are certain aces up their robes that comfortably make them one of the most fascinating emerging acts of the ’20s.

With sophomore LP This Place Will Become Your Tomb dropping on Friday, via Universal imprint Spinefarm Records no less, here’s everything you should know about the mysterious sleep-revering riff lords, and why they’re one of the actual best-kept secrets of the alternative underground. As Sleep Token fans say: Worship.

WHO ARE THEY?

No one knows – and that’s pretty bloody exciting for a band that, only two albums into their career, have been turning heads on both sides of the Atlantic, in addition to the odd headline slot on a festival side-stage.There has been feirce debate over who makes up the band, with most Reddit threads dedicated to speculating the identity frontman and main songwriter, ‘Vessel’.

With his combination of soulful crooning, infectiously catchy melodies and the occasional guttural shriek, Vessel has emerged as one of the most diverse vocalists of modern alternative music – and people are desperate to work out who it might be.

Theories have ranged from Bastille frontman Dan Smith, to Hozier, Jordan Hunt and even Sam Smith.Ultimately though the band has been tight lipped about Vessel’s (and the rest of the band’s) identity. With next to no interviews existing (and the ones that do are extremely guarded), and Vessel even going so far as to smear himself with charcoal paint to prevent any identifiable body markings giving him up, Sleep Token have channeled Slipknot circa 99’ identity preservation.

Many heavy and alternative purists would squirm at the above mention of bona-fide pop stars potentially fronting hyped new projects. But the music, as the saying goes, truly does speak for itself – trap beats be damned.

WHAT MAKES THEM DIFFERENT?

2021 has seen some absolute doozy releases from the likes of Architects, Jinjer, Spiritbox and While She Sleeps.While these acts are certainly exciting torchbearers for heavy music in the new decade, there’s no denying a certain air of familiarity that exists around said acts’ musical output – for better or worse.

Of course, if (for example) Architects’ most recent album For Those Who Wish To Exist is everything you ever wanted by way of big anthemic sing-a-longs, simple and satisfying breakdowns and larger-than-life sonic textures (Big Sky is surely the most coveted pedal by shred lords the world over), then right now is one hell of an exciting time to be downloading the next digi-issue of Kerrang!

However, if it’s daring and experimentation you’re after – and by experimental, we mean slickly produced, painstakingly crafted pop hooks and sensibilities, minus the absolute diva bullshit indulged in by the usual 2021 chart-toppers, mashed together with tech metal foundations – then the forthcoming This Place Will Become Your Tomb LP could well be your album of the year.

With many heavy acts in 2021 (excluding the namechecked above) overlooking the importance of the hook (looking at you Between The Buried and Me) Sleep Token not only possess the radio-worthy choruses by the bucket-load, but they present them with production that sounds like Northlane’s Alien one minute, and the glitchy minimalism of Billie Eilish on When We Fall Asleep Where Do We Go? the next.

It’s music from the future, fused with aggression, bleakness and – occasionally – optimism, in startling proportions. Top that off with Vessel’s hypnotising sermons and you have an act that simultaneously exudes genuine menace and beauty at once, whilst possessing crossover appeal akin to Bring Me The Horizon and Linkin Park.

SO WHERE DO YOU START?

Despite having a new album in the world, you could do a lot worse than the one-two opening combo of ‘The Night Does Not Belong To God’ and ‘The Offering’ from the brilliant Sundowning. A deeply conceptual album (released one song at a time every 14 days at sundown, Greenwich Mean Time), Sleep Token’s debut kept new listeners guessing every step of the way.

‘The Night Does Not Belong’ exemplifies their knack for vast electronic soundscapes and glitchy musical rabbit holes, before ‘The Offering’ kicks down the door with their more aggressive tendencies, dropping one of the filthiest breakdowns of the modern era in the process. From there, journey into the realm of This Place Will Become Your Tomb, a natural extension of the concepts birthed on Sundowning, albeit with a more dynamic (if possible) focus.

For the initiated, Tomb takes the grey pastiche of Sundowning and splashes it with colour across 12 tracks that each possess frighteningly addictive earworms, executed with unbelievable precision and care. Those who are new to the cult of Sleep Token however, can prepare to experience one of the most cutting edge contemporary bands, with songs to please everyone ranging from Veil of Maya faithful to Bon Iver lovers across their small but impressive discography.

While countless magazines will point to safe, mosh friendly groups as the future of heavy music, you’d be hard pressed to find an act that can be both as heavy as Sleep Token when they’re firing, or as destructively desolate, seemingly on a whim – and that makes them bloody exciting. 2021 has already been a stellar year for heavy music – but as far as art that pushes the underground forward goes, Sleep Token might be making a late play for the gold medal – and by God it’s worth checking out.

>> KEEP READING: Architects: Talking the talk, walking the walk <<

This Place Will Become Your Tomb is out Friday, September 24th via Spinefarm
Click here to pre-order and/or pre-save it

Who the hell are Sleep Token? - Blunt Magazine (2024)

FAQs

Who is the guy from Sleep Token? ›

Sleep Token's music, characterized by its haunting vocals and unique blend of genres, has left many fans intrigued by the mysterious frontman known as Vessel. Recently, it has come to light that Vessel is Leo George Faulkner, born on December 22, 1993.

Why is the Sleep Token so controversial? ›

The Backlash Begins

Sleep Token showed off their guitars — classic type, by one of the best guys who make them, Jackson's Custom Shop. This only made the comments get worse and even worse when they premiered their new masks. Some comments said things like 'Sleep Token is overrated' or 'their music is bland… basic.

What is the story behind the Sleep Token? ›

In 2017, Sleep Token's then-new label Basick Records published a description of the band which read, "A band that goes above and beyond simply writing and playing music, Sleep Token are said to be "the mortal representatives of the ancient deity known only as 'Sleep', led by the masked and cloaked figure appointed ' ...

Did Sleep Token reveal their identities? ›

Sleep Token are known for keeping their identities unknown. At least, until now. The identity of their bassist III has been publicly revealed against his will.

Who is the Sleep Token singer unmasked? ›

Who is Leo Faulkner from Sleep Token?
  • Leo Faulkner is the lead singer of the band Sleep Token, also known as Vessel. ...
  • Leo Faulkner is a music teacher on bandhappy.com, known for doing covers of songs by bands such as Periphery, Animals as Leaders, Karelia.

Is Sleep Token one person? ›

Sleep Token is a band with some serious lore. Vessel, alongside II, III, and IV, present themselves as servants of Sleep, an ancient deity whose message they spread throughout their otherworldly imagery, merch, fantasy-rich music videos, and cryptic lyricism.

What does the Sleep Token logo mean? ›

The rune is harbinger of positive change, concerning not only the material aspect of life, but also the spiritual, high. It portends an imminent improvement meeting with real love, which one can interpret as Sleep.

What kind of band is Sleep Token? ›

Sleep Token – an up-and-coming nu-metal band — has revolutionized the scene by introducing fans to never before heard sounds mixed with classic heavy metal riffs.

Why does Sleep Token wear masks? ›

Through the masks, the band members are able to create a sense of mystery, allowing the focus to be solely on the music and the emotions it evokes. The masks also serve as a way for the band members to dissociate their personal identities from their musical personas.

How popular are Sleep Token? ›

The album's most popular track on Spotify, 'The Summoning', has almost 92 million streams alone; by comparison, the most popular track on '72 Seasons' has just two-thirds of that (62 million). Per month, 'Take Me Back To Eden' saw 3,131,019 monthly listeners on Spotify, totalling at 357,324,681 streams.

What are Sleep Token concerts called? ›

It's their lore - basically the name Sleep Token comes from each song being an offering - a token - to a long forgotten deity, whose name crudely translates to Sleep. Their shows are called rituals, hence the call to worship.

What is the Sleep Token sleep deity? ›

Sleep Token are a masked, anonymous collective of musicians; united by their worship of an ancient deity crudely dubbed "Sleep", since no modern tongue can properly express it's name. This being once held great power, bestowing ancient civilisations with the gift of dreams, and the curse of nightmares.

Who is the leader of Sleep Token? ›

Sleep Token's live show gives fans a glimpse of the band's inner workings, as those who've seen it know, thanks to pre-recorded stage banter between Vessel, the group's frontman, and Sleep, the omnipotent presence said to be driving the band.

Who is Vessel1? ›

Vessel, also known as Vessel1; is the masked lead singer of the band. Much is still unknown about him as a person in the lore, but we know he worships the deity known as "Sleep".

Who is the IV Sleep Token? ›

In the world of Sleep Token, IV stands as a figure shrouded in mystery, delivering guitar riffs that range from hauntingly beautiful to crushingly intense. IV, whose real name is Rhys Griffiths, remains largely in the shadows, letting his masterful guitar work speak volumes.

What bands has Leo Faulkner been in? ›

Leo Faulkner
Real Name:Leo George Faulkner
Profile:British singer from Bristol. A member of Blacklit Canopy.
Aliases:Vessel1
In Groups:Blacklit Canopy, Sleep Token

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