Is Sleep Token Is The Next Big Thing?
Is Sleep Token the next big thing? The band continues to make headlines and with a passionate fanbase, it’s hard to argue they are not on their way. As metal fans, we’re always a bit skeptical whenever this happens. Let’s take a dive in and look at Sleep Token to see if they are indeed the next big thing.
Who Is Sleep Token?
Sleep Token is a UK-based masked metal band formed in 2016. Little is known about the actual identities of the band members as they remain anonymous. The band members are Vessel (lead vocals), II (drums), III (bass) and IV (guitars). Sleep Token worship and commit themselves to the ancient deity known as Sleep (although we have been told “no proper translation can cover it”).
Earlier this year it was rumored that a fan leaked online the member III’s birth certificate, address, and personal information. Shortly thereafter, III deleted their social media profile. Sleep Token’s Instagram was wiped only stating “Nothing lasts forever”. Distraught fans thought the leaking of the identity has resulted in the band calling it quits. Luckily this was a brief intermission before they announced their world tour.
The band has release two EPs and three albums.
- One in 2016 (EP)
- Two in 2017 (EP)
- Sundowning in 2019 (Album)
- This Place Will Become Your Tomb in 2021 (Album)
- Take Me Back To Eden in 2023 (Album)
Ticket Sale Demand Rivals A Major Pop Star
Last month, Sleep Token arranged a presale tickets for its fans. All did not go well. Fans that registered did not get their presale codes on time. This allowed ticket scalpers and bots to purchase tickets and the concerts quickly sold out.
For metal fans, this was our Taylor Swift Ticketmaster meltdown. This was such a disaster, the concert promoter AEG, had to issue a public apology.
“As a Sleep Token fan who took the time to register early for access to tickets, we know how committed you are to the band. That’s something we don’t take lightly, and knowing that, we tried to provide you with early access to the presale as a reward for your loyalty.
While our intentions were good, to put it simply: we failed. Our emails and sale codes were sent on time yet delivered to you late. And while there are many reasons for that, there’s no excuse. We let Sleep Token and you down. Since discovering the malfunctions, we have worked to provide codes to every fan that has contacted us.
We value our fans and our artists and will continue to work to created the elevated experience you all expect and deserve. We are so very sorry we let you down.”
The band had to quickly come to the aid of it’s fans on Twitter (X) on how they were going to remedy the situation.
Tickets for the ‘Teeth Of God’ North American tour have been swiftly depleted, save for limited remaining allocation in Montreal.
In the meantime, so-called “bot/scalper” purchases are being identified and cancelled, before being redistributed for genuine followers to procure. pic.twitter.com/CZ5bvTPQY5
— Sleep Token (@Sleep_Token) January 27, 2024
Major Label Signing
Sleep Token signed to RCA Records this month. RCA Records posted on social media “Welcome to the Family”. Inking a deal with a major record label is another milestone for the band. RCA represents major pop stars such as Britney Spears and Doja Cat and rock bands such as Three Days Grace, Tool and Foo Fighters.
Haters Are Gonna Hate
The band’s haters point out the anonymity of the band members and the masks are a gimmick. By all accounts, this is a lazy criticism. Using this logic means Kiss, Slipknot and Gwar would be lumped into this bucket. Conversely, not having a gimmick is a gimmick too.
The band’s detractors are missing the point. The music is taking center stage. It provides a even larger canvas to paint on without distractions of fame and interviews. In short, no, it’s not a gimmick. I propose it’s a well thought out, multidimensional vision. No different than a novel, a movie or a television series. Crafting and controlling your art, regardless of the platform, is extremely difficult to do.
Are you still not convinced? In a rare interview, leader Vessel told Metal Hammer in 2017, “The standard concept of gimmickry is none of our concern. We are here to deliver a message; touch people in their hearts and subconscious minds. Soon, regardless of cynicism, you will all be followers.“
He further explains “Our identities are unimportant. Music is marketed on who is or isn’t in a band; it’s pushed, prodded, and moulded into something it isn’t. Vessel endeavours to keep the focus on His offerings.”
“Our verses are a token, crafted to magnify and embody the multitude of emotion that writhes in our subconscious. Sonically our voice is rooted in the resonation between the notes and your emotion. Take our hand.”
Vessel describes the band’s sound in simple terms. “Life is dark. Life is bright. Life is ugly. Life is beautiful. Don’t get lost in genres, they’ll only disorientate you. Music is for everyone.”
When asked what lies in the future for Sleep Token? Vessel’s reply is the calling card for the band, “Nothing. Lasts. Forever.”
Sleep Token 2024 tour dates:
Apr 10: Melbourne Cain Arena, Australia
Apr 12: Sydney Qudos Arena, Australia
Apr 14: Sydney Qudos Arena, Australia
Apr 17: Adelaide Entertaiment Ctr, Australia
Apr 18: Melbourne Rod Laver, Australia
Apr 20: Brisbane Riverstage, Australia
Apr 21: Brisbane Riverstage, Australia
Apr 27: Las Vegas Sick New World festival, NV
Apr 30: Phoenix Arizona Financial Theatre, AZ
May 01: Albuquerque Revel, NM
May 03: Austin H-E-B- Center at Cedar Park, TX
May 04: Dallas Toyota Music Factory, TX
May 06: Tampa Yuengling Center, FL
May 07: Atlanta Coca-Cola Roxy, GA
May 08: Asheville Exploreasheville.com Arena, NC
May 10: St. Louis The Factory, MO
May 12: Denver Red Rocks Amphitheatre, CO
May 14: Des Moines Vibrant Music Hall, IA
May 15: Chicago The Salt Shed, IL
May 16: Chicago The Salt Shed, IL
May 18: Columbus Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, OJ
May 19: Pittsburgh Petersen Events Center, PA
May 20: Philadelphia The Met Philadelphia, PA
May 22: New York City Radio City Music Hall, NY
May 24: Boston MGM Music at Fenway, MA
May 25: Montreal Place Bell, QC, Canada
May 27: Toronto Massey Hall, ON, Canada
May 28: Toronto Massey Hall, ON, Canada
Nov 25: Glasgow OVO Hydro, UK
Nov 26: Manchester Co-Op Live, UK
Nov 28: Birmingham Utilita Arena, UK
Nov 29: London The O2, UK
Nov 30: Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, UK
Dec 02: Leeds First Direct Arena, UK
Dec 03: London The O2, UK
