fun fact: Sleep Token, in the studio, is basically two people. The bassist and the guitarist (III and IV respectively) are only touring members. The instrumentals (keys, guitar and bass), the writing, composition, lyrics, some production and the overall artistic direction of the band are all done by the singer, Vessel. What is left are basically the drums, which you guessed it are done by the drummer II.
He's so good singer that I always forget about fact that all these sick riffs and piano parts were recorded by him. I wonder how various music he listened if he mixes so much styles while making everything by himself on these instruments.
Here is some background information about the band: Sleep Token is an anonymous, masked band which has a lore. The band doesn't do any interviews really and therefore don't actually explain much about their individual background, however one thing they have explained was their origin story. It is said that the main vocalist (Vessel) has been visited in his dream by an ancient deity, which he refers to as "Sleep". This deity has promised him glory and prosperity in return for his devotion and loyalty. Apparently, Sleep has send him on a mission to lure as many people into its cult as possible. In order to do that Vessel has created the band and all members are just as devoted to the deity as he is. Which is why they all function as "vessels" for this ancient deity. Lyric-wise it is very smart because they basically (according to MOST interpretations) write songs about love and relationships, which can also be interpreted as Vessel simply worshipping Sleep... It is all not an actual cult or anything like that, so dont worry. It is just a marketing thing, but the members take it VERY seriously. Their music is said to be a token to this deity...thats why they are called Sleep Token. The vocalist is technically called Vessel I, the drummer is Vessel II, the bassist is Vessel III and the guitarist is Vessel IV, however aside from Vessel I all the other instrumentalists are just referred to by their numbers, so II, III and IV. the drummer II has an AMAZING hour-long play through/interview of some of their biggest songs uploaded on the Drumeo channel, as well as 2 or 3 other uploads on the sleep token channel if you're interested in that. He is truly phenomenal and fascinating to watch! The bassist (III) and guitarist (IV) are touring/performing members only and the singer/frontman Vessel is the creative head behind the music (aside from the drums obviously, done by II) which means, Vessel not only sings and writes the lyrics, he composes, arranges, produces (alongside their producer) and writes the songs all by himself while playing the keys, guitar and the bass on the albums. INSANELY talented dude! Sonically the band is known for very atmospheric builds, huge epic choruses, lots of RnB/Pop influence, jazz, funk, prog metal, alternative, acoustic stuff too they kinda do it all and Vessel has the talent to somehow make these different genres blend well while maintaining a unique sound as a band...idk he is truly gifted. they do have some heavy songs or at least heavy parts within some songs, but they aren't your typical metal band for sure the heavier stuff would be something like Gods, Vore, The Summoning, Hypnosis, Ascensionism (partially), The Offering (partially), Higher (partially), maybe Chokehold and High Water? they have some GREAT RnB and pop stuff that could easily top the charts as well like Granite, Sugar, Aqua Regia, Rain, The Apparition, Atlantic, The Love You Want, Fall For Me, Descending, Like That they got Ballads as well and their first two EPs were very dark, spooky, artsy and atmospheric AF
While your info is correct, please edit some of the genres out. Hopefully he hasn't already read your comment. As listening to these songs for the 1st time and expecting one thing only to be blown away by another thing, is all part of the fun. Don't spoil that experience for him.
O like the fact you added you’re own well thought out description of this band instead of the usual copy and paste description from one article ppl normally plug. Well done. :)
This video is about to be one of your highest viewed because the Worshipers are coming. This is the best band I have ever listened to. The only band that could unseat Tool as my favorite band ever. They don't miss. Every song is playlist material. Next songs I would recommend are Take Me Back to Eden, Ascensionism, Dark Signs and then start from there oldest track and listen to each and every song in their discography in order of release. Enjoy the ride and we will be here for the whole thing. The worst thing about Sleep Token is that you can't ever hear their songs again for the first time. The closest we have is to watch people like you and live vicariously through it. Just know we are all jealous of what you are about to partake in.
Hello Anthony, this is my first (probably my last) RU-vid comment and it is to say; please, please, please, react to more Sleep Token. Vessel (Lead singer) is an absolute lyricist and I have a feeling you will appreciate and adore his writing and use of imagery. I highly recommend Take Me Back to Eden (the song, not the album), Euclid and Blood Sport (The Room Below version), each one is starkly different and would be awesome to see you react to those! Much love man and keep up the awesome reactions! 💪
One of my guilty pleasures is watching people discover Sleep Token for the first time. It’s like getting to experience it again through someone else! Got to see them live this year and the live show is such an experience.
Sleep token ranges from ballad to heavy to slow/almost seductive music, and flawlessly transitions through each style in one song. Take me back to eden (the song) is one of my favourites just because it's a full immersive journey to listen to.
Sleep Token is like an onion. 🧅 There are so many layers musically, vocally, & emotionally. They add flavor to your life. They will bring tears 😢 to your eyes.
What about cakes? Everybody loves cakes! Cakes have layers! And parfaits may be the most delicious thing on the whole damn planet. And I am definitely not quoting Donkey from the movie Shrek, I don't know what you're talking about. 👽🫏
This video brought me to your channel and this has got to be one of my fav reactions to ST. The fact you stopped the song only 1:30 in and asked "where have they been my whole life?" I knew you were set lol! Also, the fact you sat there with an eternal question of WTF and wonder on your face trying to figure out what was happening during that last section was amazing - everyone else I've seen react has had a totally diff reaction. But I could see the cogs moving in your brain. ANYWAY- thanks for reacting and welcome to the fan base. Thanks @rheath329 for making him listen!
Oh. My. God. I have been looking for the confluence of love for BTS and Sleep Token FOR YEARS! Thank you Anthony Ray for this. You have no idea how less alone I feel now. I'm upping my tier on your patreon or however I can do better at supporting you because this is everything. ❤❤
Me too. Not lonely anymore. My love for BTS, but at the same time Sleep Token ... or Bad Omen, Bring Me The Horizon, Falling In Reverse and more ... I have found a place here with Anthony as his love for different genres ...❤
@@amandah8225 This gives me hope. I didn't think I would ever find another Army who would also be a fan of ST. I hope Anthony explores them more. I would love to hear his perspective as he is Army too. So that would be THREE of us! Woot. The only 2 bands in the last 10 years where I listen to their entire catalog of music over and over without tiring of it. Ever.
This band changed my entire existence. Going down the rabbit hole of their entire discography is an unforgettable experience. Lots of tears, lots of headbanging, and tons of *love* Worship
Been a sub of yours for quite a while. So happy to see you doing Sleep Token. They're amazing. Even if you don't end up doing it for monetization--for your own personal enjoyment, go down that rabbit hole. Their entire catalog is absolutely phenomenal.
I hope there's more to come. This album especially is a masterpiece. These guys are mad poetic with their lyrics too, so they warrant analysis, if you ever have the time.
This is my favorite band 😭 I saw them live in April and it was a whole other experience. I suggest doing the deep dive and saving Euclid til you listen to the other albums since that one is basically an ending to the trilogy of albums and does callbacks to even their first EPs before their first album came out. Vessel (the singer) is actually the songwriter and does everything other than the drums on the studio versions. II is on drums, and III and IV join during concerts.
You *have* to listen to more! I HIGHLY recommend Ascensionism, Blood Sport (From the room below version), and Take Me Back To Eden. Love the content man ✌🏻
This was my first sleep token song. I caught this on a reaction last year before the album came out. I was so hooked from this track and went down the rabbit hole ... it just got better and better. Vessel and the boys are one of a kind. An amazing meal for the ears in a world of samesies.
I heeeeaaavily recommend listening to more Sleep Token, and I'd honestly love to see your reactions and hear your thoughts on their work. I personally most enjoy their music by listening to each album in order. But I started with this album, Take Me Back To Eden, from the top, all the way through. I don't wanna spoil anything, so all I'll say is: It's a journey. Transformative for me
I'm kinda late but @AR, if you liked hearing this you should check out their other songs Chokehold, Granite, Take me Back to Eden, and Alkaline just to name a few. ALSO, you should check out II's(Twos) Drumeo performances, he's one of the founding members and drummer for Sleep Token. People should upvote so AR sees this if they agree...just saying.
Oh thank God. I was waiting for you to do this song and this band. Pleaaaaase do more RU-vid reactions. Watching your face when things happen (and a lot of things happen in these songs) is priceless. 🖤 Everyone’s first listen is The Summoning. And it’s never anyone’s favorite song by the end of the album. And it’s an AMAZING song. So that should tell you something.
Controversial take - when someone hears The Summoning as their first song and they love it - they have to go through TMBTE before starting over. They’ll be enmeshed in the ST love and they’ll be able to appreciate the older stuff more.
I will 100% be back for more Sleep Token. Their older stuff is also amazing (Sundowning is my fav album). The Offering, Dark Signs, Higher, The Love You Want, Atlantic, Alkaline, so many good songs to react to and experience for the first time.
Live, II plays a really cool drum solo during the synth break before the last section. Would highly suggest checking out his performance of it on Drumeo.
ST is one of those bands that all it takes is one song, any of their songs, and you are hooked, intrigued, and wanting more. They are so good it takes awhile for your mind to sync with your brain to understand the complexity of what you just heard...and then it starts all over again on their next song.
Holy shit, from Bo Burnham to the best got damned group in the world! Don't listen to those who tell you immediately "to back to the beginning" first. Please listen to more from this album before going back. Also, we Worship ❤
I've been hooked for almost two yrs and I was the same "where have you been all my life!!" Then i seen them back in May 8th and it was absolutely magical w clear, loud, seeming to have been arena ready a decade ago. It was a beautiful laser/ light show🛸 it was more than a concert, a beautiful journey!! I know it sounds lame, I've seen tons of awesome bands, big names... this was different. My new favorite band. Also, I've LOVED catching up on the story/trilogy of all albums! GOOD S**T!
best rabbit hole you will ever fall down, i guarantee it one thing i will say - sleep token does NOT let you get comfy with knowing what to expect from them in any given song, so heads up there (but i LOVE that about them) pls pls pls PLS more sleep token reactions! they are one of my fave things to ever watch. i can never listen to these songs for the first time again, but seeing other people discover them for the first time evokes the same joy!!!
I really enjoy your Kpop reactions so seeing this was a really nice surprise. This is a great song to have as your first listen as it introduces how heavy Sleep Token can get but also how RnB they can also get.
Black Veil Brides got dethroned (still love BVB) by Sleep Token when I found them, been obsessed with their music ever since. Hope you dive into the Sleep Token rabbithole and do a lot more reactions! You'll be in for an amazing rollercoaster, they are so diverse!
oh god, Anthony. When you reacted to will ramos cover i knew there would be a reaction to sleep token. When i first listened this band i've got trapped instantly. it's a deeeeep rabbit hole, but an amazing one. it'll be awesome if you post more reactions of this band. i really recommend you: Take me back to eden, Ascensionism, Sugar, Chokehold, hypnosis, granite, the offering, etc. have a good day !!
Just discovered Sleep Token about a year or so ago, quickly became the most played music in the house. Top 3 (repeated) songs for me are: Chokehold, The Summoning & Alkaline. Plenty of other great songs of course too. Great reaction man, hope you cover some more of their music. Cheers!
During that ambient section, ii (the drummer) plays a fantastic drum solo live during this part. He's an amazing drummer. He did do a Drumeo interview and playthrough that's very good. There's also a couple videos floating around where iv (guitarist and backup vocalist) joined Bring Me the Horizon onstage for Antivist. You should definitely check out their entire discography. The last three albums are a trilogy that begins with "The Night Does Not Belong to God" off of Sundowning and ends with "Euclid" off of Take Me Back to Eden. I love most everything I've heard from this band. They're also fantastic live. They just wrapped up a headlining tour in the US.
going through your series on them rn and I thought I should say, if you're digging this, check out the series of videos I think they're on their channel and maybe also Drumeo's channel, but it's called an Offering from II, their drummer. Dude is seriously so gifted.
Every sleep token song is a journey. Some are beautiful and some are so sad that you want to cry. One of the best new bands I have heard in a seriously long time.
Pleaseee react to more sleep token! Their trilogy of albums are my favorite musical project, ever! The lyrics, Vessel’s voice, the production, and II’s drumming are all pure genius ❤
This band truly is revolutionizing music. It's going to be interesting to hear music develop over the coming years because of this band. I've been drumming for 16 years and now am so influenced by II. As for the lyrics, they are astounding, and the voice is incredible; so, passionate, vulnerable, tender, yet aggressive, angry, gnarly. This band is truly one of a kind; there won't ever be another Sleep Token, not even a cover band.
F**k yeah!!! I'm going to their concert in Decemebr and I can't freaking wait!! I first heard of them on Drumeo tiktok, someone was doing drums to one of their songs and I just had to listen t the original. I've been hooked ever since!!! This is the only thing I listen to nowadays and I don't even care!!! I feel like they're gods and I'm a part of a cult!