Who Are Sleep Token? Are They Metal?

6 June 2025 rocknews

Sleep Token: The Masked Enigma Redefining Music

Sleep Token are an anonymous London-based band formed in 2016, known for their mysterious persona and genre-blending sound. Led by the enigmatic frontman Vessel, alongside members II (drums), III (bass), and IV (guitar/backing vocals), they hide their identities behind masks and worship an ancient deity called “Sleep.” Their music, described as offerings to this entity, is delivered through immersive live shows called “Rituals” that combine theatricality with raw emotion.

Since their debut single Thread the Needle, Sleep Token have released four albums: Sundowning (2019), This Place Will Become Your Tomb (2021), Take Me Back to Eden (2023), and Even in Arcadia (2025), which topped UK and US charts. In under a decade, they’ve gone from underground act to arena headliners, amassing millions of monthly Spotify listeners and a devoted fanbase drawn to their cryptic lore.

Are Sleep Token Metal?

Sleep Token’s sound defies easy categorization. Their early work, like Thread the Needle and the One EP, features heavy riffs and tech-metal breakdowns, appealing to prog-metal and metalcore fans. Tracks like “Chokehold” and “Vore” deliver crushing guitars and anguished growls, evoking bands like Meshuggah or Architects. Yet, songs like “Aqua Regia” lean into lush R&B, pop, and shoegaze, creating a sound that’s as melodic as it is heavy.

TV presenter Richard Osman, on his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment, captured this duality, calling Sleep Token “the least metal thing I’ve ever heard. Basically, you could put this in your hand luggage and it would go through the scanners.” His playful remark highlights their eclectic mix of nu-metal, EDM, alt-pop, and rap, which confuses purists but captivates a broad audience. Are they metal? They incorporate metal elements, but their genre fluidity makes them more than just a metal band—they’re a musical experience.

Why Sleep Token Stands Out

Sleep Token’s magic lies in their emotional depth and mystique. Vessel’s poetic lyrics explore love, loss, and spirituality, resonating across genres. Their live “Rituals” are legendary, with moments like the 2023 Wembley Arena show, where fans sang for a voiceless Vessel, proving their connection transcends the stage. Social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, has fueled their rise, with fans dissecting their lore and sharing live clips.

Should Sleep Token Headline Download Festival?

As one of the UK’s biggest rock and metal festivals, Download has hosted acts from Iron Maiden to Slipknot. Sleep Token’s meteoric rise and chart-topping Even in Arcadia make them a strong contender to headline. Their heavy tracks fit the festival’s vibe, but their pop and R&B influences spark debate: do they belong alongside metal giants, or are they too genre-fluid for Download’s core audience?

What Do You Think?

Is Sleep Token metal enough for you? Should they headline Download Festival? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Dive into their music on Spotify with Take Me Back to Eden or catch a live “Ritual” to decide for yourself.