SLEEP TOKEN | GRANITE | Are Albums Important Anymore? - Scottish Singer Reacts 

Check out 'Mel At the Movies' here: - :) ru-vid.com/show-UCMo_x-z3c-OhwftXluhiplQ

This entire album was a masterpiece! I certainly don’t say that lightly.

You are in for a treat lyrically with the rest of the album. Title track and Ascensionism are epic!

There is a whole concert Vessel did from the room below. He was sitting at a piano no production on his voice and 3 back up singers were there. That's it, and his raw voice is more than amazing!

I will say, although there is some processing on his vocals, on some songs more than others, he pretty much sound exactly the same live…it’s impressive for sure! And this song is my freaking jam when I’m in my car! 🙌🏻

I think Sleep Token's production is really unique and fits well. For those that don't like the added production, they do have the "from the room below" versions of a few songs which are basically just a sort of acoustic cutback version. Bloodsport is probably my favorite from the room below, but they give a unique taste of the songs.

To all the so-called “vocal purest” there are plenty of live and stripped down Vessel vocals on here including Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah that will blow your mind. I’m a vocalist myself and his vocals and lyrics are what sucked me in immediately. I love your comparison with vocals and guitar. So correct! Great reaction. I can’t wait to watch your journey. There’s so much magic for you ahead.

While it is an older Sleep Token track, I would highly recommend "Dark Signs". I'm loving your reactions!

On the vocal thing, i think a lot of people instantly dismiss autotuned or modified vocals because it's easy for a weak singer to tune their singing and push out a song. But with vessel, it's like you said early on, he's put these effects on some of his songs intentionally as an artistic choice. You can listen to many other songs where he sings with no effects added (such as Bloodsport from the room below) and his voice is still incredible.

There's a song called Blood Sport (From the room below) that is basically just Vessel singing raw playing the piano. There you can hear his actual singing prowess.

Absolutely love your reactions, keep them coming pleaaaase ✨

Vessel is incredible but can we talk more about II? That dude is their secret weapon. I've been focusing on the drum parts after the Drumeo interview. Our man puts in work.

This is def one of my favorites from these guys. Keep it up, Melisa! 🤘😎👍

Watching people react to sleep token is genuinely one of my favorite things to do these days. Seeing the joy in your eyes as you listen to the song and getting the same feeling I got brings me so much joy! Love the video! Don’t stop the sleep token train 🚂! FYI the lead singer vessel is unbelievable live! The band all together are all amazing!

How tf did you not shown up in my recommended sooner? This is incredible and I'm here for the vibes. Instant sub!

Dude….. dude. I almost fell off the couch laughing when that little “text” from vessel popped up onto the screen. Stop sending him your eyelashes!!

It's so weird, I have never met a Scottish person that was not charismatic (granted, there were some assholes but very charismatic ones lol), and you're probably the most charismatic Scottish person I've had the pleasure to watch! Sleep token takes over your playlist so easily that is scary. The music paird with the lyrical content paired with vessel's voice it's an addictive combination. Happy you've decided to do the whole album, Vore is my favorite but everything it's pretty epic

I can not wait for every Sleep Token video you do. The Love You Want song and video fukn crush me every time I hear it.... which is daily. The video it's self is beautiful. I love the faces you are making, almost like something tickled you a bit ..... hehe. The wait is going to kill me, but it is exciting to see other musicians down with ST.

Ive seen them live. And he sounds EXACTLY the same. I understand that vocals also have production in a live setting. But this mans voice is special. Its just different music. I love and appreciate your analysis. And i fucking love your channel in general. Keep it up!

Regarding the production on the vocals - definitely an artistic choice. You have a lot of Sleep Token to discover and holy fuck are there some incredible examples of him singing with much less post production that what we hear from this record. You're in for a series if treats should you choose to throw yourself down the rabbit hole

I think you would really dig the song Jericho. It almost has a beetnik jazz lounge feel. It’s an oldie from their 2nd ep before they had a full length album. You won’t be disappointed.

When you said about Vessel's voice and the fact that sometimes they use a little bit of autotune on his voice in production, on some songs more than others actually, more on the rappy bits or a vocoder like in the song Euclid for those small vocoderised parts. At the end of the day production is all about intent and what the artist(s) want to take the listener to and adding all those elements of spark, texture be it with electronic sounds like synthesisers/grains (edited audio samples) or a bit of autotune on the singer's voice or whatever. At the end of the day, Vessel can fricking sing alright! Just look up some videos of Sleep Token live and just have a listen to Vessel's voice. It is raw, unaffected, purely him live singing, and he sounds just like the studio versions, just without reverb, EQ, vocoders/autotune and other effects. Unlike other 'singers' that sound amazing in studio versions, but when you hear them singing live they sound totally different, and actually, very bad too!

Loved your video!! I suggest watching some of his live performances

I play electric bass guitar and this is an absolute blast to play. When it kicks in! Oh yeah!

6:11 it's amazing how there's some production on his voice but live he sounds the same and I'd dare say even better. I know they can also alter that live but I've heard him LIVE live. The man sounds amazing.

If you want to hear vessel is his purest, unlayered/unproduced best... Listen to bloodsport (from the room below). It will blow your socks off

When you listen to Vore,do the album version, but listen to the live version and you'll see how his voice is live. It's amazing. Even sick, his voice is amazing. I think Vessel adds voice mods to add to the storyline. Like this song, did you hear the car crash happen? Slow tire squeals?

Spot on with the “purist” bullshit. Totally agree. And I’ve been saying that about his voice for quite a while…and being an audio engineer, i gotta say, there’s def something up with the production on his voice. I still love it…but there’s some STUFF goin’ on. People have told us to react to the “Bloodsport” piano version, where they say his vocals aren’t as processed. We may need to give that a go one day….but you’re spot on homegirl! 🤘🏽😎🤘🏽

I would never dream of stopping you! Worship!

I seriously can't wait for your reaction to Ascensionism and Take me back to Eden!

I might have to check out some of your horror movie reactions. Love a good low budget horror, have done since I saw stuff like Creepshow, Evil Dead, Demons and Phantasm as kid back in the 90s

Sleep Token is so dramatically mellow. It's like getting knocked out by butterscotch pudding. Now slasher 80s films. Sleepaway Camp. Every other horror films are others. Perfect blend of tropes, a bananas plot, creepy characters/casting, campy acting... It;s the classic One Hot American Summer borrows heavily from.

Thanks Melissa!

YOU TELL EM ROSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do a live version of somthing. Vessel is even better live.

Listen to their song take me back to Eden, vocals are out of this world

Couldn't agree more about the position on effects on vocals. In my view, effects that enhance/alter are just icing on the cake. (and I love icing) I'd say it's only a problem if the effects are being used to replace or cover up lack of skill without adding texture or flavor. But, I fully accept that people like what they like, and that's the beauty of art in the first place :D Also, don't mean to harp on, but if folks are interested in effects on vocals, I would again point your ears toward SKYND .

Worship. The journeys I’ve taken listening to TMBTE alone have made me feel so much that I can’t help it.

My guilty pleasure is watching sleep token reactions.

High water, from this place will become your tomb.

I like to think of him as “Dark Hozier”.

Buckle the f*** in, Mel. This album is a ripper! More. MORE

Vessel's chops, II's rhythms and their exploration of genre blending with interesting lyrical content very much appeals to me as life long metal fan. I think metal always needs infusions of new ideas to keep it fresh and relevant. It grates on me that people can be so dismissive of talent or attempts to bring something new to the table... If you are interested in another vocalist that has some chops but I'm sure is dismissed as too soft by those with their heads in the sand, I'd suggest checking out Leprous. I'd suggest trying Below first to get a feel for Einar and the band's range (they have a fantastic drummer as well), but then watch Slave (Live at Rockefeller Music Hall) to see them in action (though note the song is 9 minutes, the last three minutes is just ambient noise once the band leaves the stage).

I subbed to the movie channel cuz I’d be remiss if I didn’t. Love the content, keep it up!

oh gosh, glasgow! poppy will be @ barrowland ballroom tomorrow 02/15/2024. she's super artistic & creative with a ton of backstory. I think you'd dig her. her remake of kittie's "spit" is fantastic, as well as her recent collab with bad omens called "V.A.N." (violence against nature, about AI). for an older one, "concrete" is also catchy, dark and fun. enjoy, my dude! \m/

I love your reactions so much, and this sleep token album was easily my fav album of 2023 these dudes RULE. Ascensionism and Take me Back to Eden are my jam. Also as a dude that listens to almost nothing but metal, the weirdass gatekeeping weirdos rub me the wrong way too. All art is subjective at the end of the day.

"The Vessel", why is it so funny 😂😂

They’re playing in Glasgow in November 😉😉😉

Take me back to eden has been in constant rotation for me since the beginning of the year. As a multi genre music fan it ticks loads of boxes for me.

“You only drink the water when you think it’s holy” is one of my all time lyrics

He does use some effects on his vocals in the albums. But you can watch live videos where he doesn’t and it’s even better. Seeing him live is ethereal.

You want a treat… watch Will Ramos doing Chokehold… you’re welcome 😊

I have been trying. And sure, they have a few genius Numbers. But they would be nothing, with out Adam. He holds it all together!

They have a very atmospheric theme in their music(reminding me of Deftones in that way) and I think that is major influence for the effects they choose on the vocals. EVERYTHING in their music is modified because that is the vibe they’re going for- atmospheric/soundscape. They’re not going to have totally untouched vocals with synths and electronic drums and shit. I love natural, raw vocals and instrumentals but also NIN has been my favorite band for like thirty years so 😂 As you said in another video, some people just need to accept that a particular band isn’t to their taste and move on. Not everything needs to fit into a preconceived notion of what a genre is and for metal/rock fans, in particular, to whine about that is ludicrous.

The fact that sometimes there is production on his voice is definitely an artistic choice. Every artistic choice is intended by Vessel. But let me tell you, the man can SING. Just look up live videos if you want to, it's possibly even better. I've seen them live at Wembley last december and there is no doubt to how talented those men are.

I know you're gonna do all of TMBTE, but when you're done, there is a stand-alone single they put out a few years back called "Jaws" and you should really give it a listen! Picking a favorite song is harder than picking a favorite child for me most of the time, but Jaws may just be the one!

I love your accent 💕

spot on putting "purists" on blast! Production of Vessels voice is OK by me. It's about the experience not so much the method used to get me there.

This entire album is the finale of a trilogy. It’s a masterpiece from start to finish. The band got their name because the lead singer Vessel had a dream of a divine entity called “Sleep” that promised him magnificence and glory in exchange for Vessel’s devotion. Hence, all of the songs the band releases are “Tokens” to Sleep. Concerts are referred to as rituals, and listening to and enjoying their music is considered worship. These last 3 albums have been mainly about a relationship Vessel was in prior to becoming Vessel. The relationship was toxic and nearly destroyed both him and the woman he loved. Though all band members identities have been leaked they remain committed to their music and gimmick. In regards to their musical style and what genre they are, Vessel said this “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 you were talking about the whole thing with random people being picked off the street solely because of their appearance, the first thing that comes to mind for me is "Welcome To The Machine" and "Have A Cigar" by Pink Floyd. Because sometimes that's how the music industry seems to operate. Zero care for the artists and any talent. Another thing: music and art in general are worth multitudes more AFTER the Artist/musician has died. Think about how albums spike in popularity after the death of the artist and where the majority of those funds go to.

I would say, as far as Vessels vocals, go check out some Live sleep token, he is so damn good live. You'll see what I mean when you check it out.

On the subject about dark souls. Maybe a bit tin foil, but the band being anonymous is fun for that, I think Vessel or the band in general are huge gamers. A lot of the other albums have drops like the Doom soundtrack and there are a bunch of references that make me think of games. But one that got me is the song Ascensionism and how the piano sounds a lot like the piano in the OST song for Mass Effect 3 called "Leaving Earth". Someone else on Reddit said it also sounds like another game Catherine. But the general vibe from some of their earlier stuff really screams Doom to me.

So I think the song is about a car crash. Re-read just the lyrics. The Breakdown acts as the impact of the car. Just my thoughts. Loved your Sleep Token vids.👍👍

I cannot wait until you get to Euclid, last track, it's my very favourite song EVER and it makes me sooooooooooooooo happy, however, some of it may be a little lost on you without listening to sundowning (especially 'the night belongs to god') so you might need to listen to that first

Tbh, my favourite song from the entire album. Is Are you really ok, that's a masterpiece

If you want to see his raw untouched vocals watch his live cover of hallelujah.

Very cool! The vocalist reminds Me of Trent Reznor. If You want an unforgettable Spooky/Trippy music video with keyboards and killer drums, check out The Perfect Drug by Nine Inch Nails! Also a cool song for Valentines Day! Keep up the great work My Fine Scottish Valentine Lady! ❤❤❤

It all comes down to personal taste, but someone saying they don't want any effects on vocal tracks is like saying you don't want any effects on guitars. Just because you use effects doesn't mean that the person singing/playing can't sing/play without them. They're not always a crutch, but often times, they're just artistic choices to create a mood on the track. Vessel can absolutely sing without any effects (any video of a live performance and lots of other Sleep Token tracks will provide evidence of this), but he chooses to use certain effects on his voice in post-production to create a certain feel to the track. In that case, he's using them for artistic merit, not because he can't sing. That's where I disagree with people who say that any effects whatsoever are bad.

Sleep Token is Post-Genre. #Worship 🙌🖤

I hate singles personally. When bands drop singles I prefer to wait for the album to come out. Keep going on your journey; VOLA, Zeal & Ardor and Leprous are bands you may want to check out when you reach your destination.

If you want to show your friend that Vessel is talented without vocal effects they just need to listen to Blood Sport (From the room below) or any of his live room below performances, notably Hallelujah.

5:22 the music videos only point to focus on the music. It’s all suppose to be puzzling. It’s suppose to be participation based music experience

The Vessel does have very highly produced vocals on the songs, BUT he fkn backs it up live :3

Listen to Vessel live. Still awesome singing

You should react to some songs from Meshuggah’s latest album, if you haven’t heard it.. I highly recommend it

He sounds just as delicious live. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Blood Sport From The Room Below will kill you dead.

Haven't watched the video, but to answer the question in the title: To casual music listeners - probably not. To me? 100% definitely. Didn't know Sleep Token wrote a song about Aberdeen 😎

I consider them to be progressive metal. Bands like Pain of Salvation, Leprous and Caligula's Horse are good exemples of bringing elements of others genres into metal.

Something you should know about vessels voice is that yes obviously in studio there is production behind some of it. But he can actually sing and hit vast majority of the notes in all of there most hard core or soft songs live. He’s mostly legit is what I’m saying So purists shouldn’t have much of a problem

More SleepyTokes? On purpose? Somehow, I get the feeling, that St. Peter's gonna let you waltz right past those pearly gates, because he's seen how much you've suffered in listening to them! (I'm gonna light some candles for your soul's safe passage!) 🪔🪔🪔

What ever you do please listen to the night does not belong to god before you listen to Euclid so the song makes more sense

guitar frets are cheating

This song is the embodiment of my last relationship. Every line is my Ex. Get out of my head, Vessel.

They are not really my cup of tea, to be honest. But about the distortion of a voice, I'm completely with you: it'll never turn a bad singer into a great singer. But what about that kinda "jodel" (for the lack of better words), that was electronically put on the voice of Cher Bono? (I don't recall that song exactly and it's too late for me to look it up.) HUNDREDS have copied this, since then. Makes me think, many times: "can't you come up with something new?" But it was surely ingenious. And noone could blame Cher for not having an outstanding voice, herself. It was an effect, put on top. I rather pity the singers and sound engineers, who haven't come up with something other, since then. Some will never need it (Cher herself didn't). A joke about Floor: "Most singers sing what they can sing. Floor sings what she wants to sing." That is so sweet! Reminding me of a moment in my life: I was making breakfast. And Gail, standing behind me, murmuring: "the spice fairy cooks again." Not meta: did I tell you about the band, opening up for Elles Bailey, here in Hamburg? Morganway. They blew our minds, with only 4 of six, that evening. My job, as a new fan, to spread the word. The song "Come Over" would be my 1st guess. Anyone reading this: pls come back to me to report your thoughts. The answers will feed the algorithm on here as well ;-)

Check them out live, they sound the same.. that's just his voice..

Sleep Token just sign with rca record

guess I'll never get the Fleshgod Apocalypse reaction now....she's down the rabbithole called Sleeptoken

lol I said the same thing about 1/2 way through the album. “There’s no way these guys are American, the lyrics are too good. I bet they’re British.” Hahaha

Music is always going to be tuned whether its through a computer or not. The acoustics in the room your in is tuning the sound even. There is no such thing as a sound that is not tampered with. Sorry. Lolll thats why ppl sing in bathrooms a lot 😂

If you like horror movies you have to check out Ice Nine Kills. Then thank me later.

I do t mind processing cause like you said it’s all over the place. I just ain’t a fan of autotune.

Her heads going to explode listening to this album lol

You know what? The gag of it all is that they SOUND THIS GOOD LIVE. 😂 The production and effects exist, yes, but literally who gives a shit? Go listen to a live Chokehold or The Summoning or Granite. They sound THIS 👏🏻 GOOD 👏🏻 purists can dislike heavy production, effects and mixing on vocals, but that means that I can dislike purists. Thank you for continuing this Sleep Token journey 🫶🏻✨️

Well, I am not THAT much of a Sleep Token fanboy, but hey, we can't have it all. We already share some very special interests, like, ehm, Queen of the Damned, Massive Attack (!), and probably a thousand other ideas about music and nerdy stuff. Buuuut, but, to come back to the topic I really wanted to write about: Are Albums Important Anymore? Shortest Answer: NO. Longer Answer: Nowadays, you get the best out of marketing your music, if you keep your listeners interested in shorter intervals. Social media and YT have become the most important factors to gain an audience. So, I would go for: Produce a single. Make a video. Do some advertising on social media. Do a countdown in social media and on YT! Release the video. Produce a new song. Same as above. Do more advertising on social media and listen to the feedback. If there is enough interest: Go for a 3rd single and do produce 2 more. Release the 3rd single. If there is still interest in the audience: Go for an EP, you have already 5 songs. Do social media stuff. Events. Q+A on your project's FB group, whatever. Write 5 more songs and go for another EP with 2 or 3 singles beforehand. Now - if you have enough positive feedback to justify it: NOW go for an album. You probably have 2 or more years with the project already and enough feedback to know where you are going - if you are going anywhere ... After 3 or 4 years the average band already is at an end of its existence. So, if you get out a second album or 3 EPs and one album, congratulations. So, how do you produce in these intervals? Studio time is expensive? Yep. Produce at home. In your rehearsal room. That's where it is going, anyways. 2024. You produce yourself, you market yourself. You only sign a label contract, if you really see an important advantage. Most of the time: Don't. Because they buy a finished product and take a substantial part of your income from your previous work. Oh well. Yeah, it sounds a bit disillusioned, doesn't it? Well - maybe, but the good thing is: You CAN produce your own stuff and shove it into the internet, and you learn a shitload of things about music and how it is produced. It's worth it. Sooooo, See ya on the new channel also, Mel! Have a great day and all the best, my dear dudette - and go on with your Sleep Token fangirl channel. No. Ehm. New music reaction channel? Whatever! 🙂 Ciao bella! 🥂❤🤘

The Greta insert sent me to the moon 😂😂😂

You'll be fine doing TMBTE. Just don't do the last track Euclid. You'll be doing yourself a disservice. There are soo many callbacks on this track. You will need to start on the trilogy of Sundowning then This place will become your tomb. And the tracks before being the 2 eps and the single Jaws. Then the whole trilogy will make more sense ish. Lol😂😂

Vore vore vore vore vore