Sleep Token - NAZARETH Will Make You EAT THE TAPE From The Bathroom Mirror 

It's commonly theorized within the Sleep Token community that the whole first EP is about a relationship/break up gone totally sour, and then this second EP is basically the birth of Vessel as a being. Calcutta was Vessel becoming Vessel, and Nazareth is essentially possibly depicting an action or a ritual the man had to enact in order to fully become the Vessel for Sleep, the deity worshipped by Sleep Token, AKA: a Token for Sleep. And Jericho coming after Nazareth is sort of a call to arms for the worshippers of Sleep to gather and create this following

What if Vessel, since Sleep didn't believe his full devotion to them at first, wanted to prove it by torturing and inflicting pain to his former lover (Eden)? "Let's load the gun", "I'll show you what you look like from the inside", "See if she can guess what a hollow point does to a naked body", "Let's fuck her up". Vessel probably shoots Eden to prove his allegiance, he tells Eden that he "won't be missing her" to show Sleep he's serious. The mirror is not a metaphor at all, he literally ties her up in tape to hurt her. The djent ending makes me think of Vessel performing the act. Maybe he even kills her, since he'll "see her when the wrath comes", but we don't know for sure who this sentence is addressed to. Deeply dark theory, but perfectly fits into "Two", which is the consolidation of the beginning of the toxic relationship between Vessel and Sleep, which is endure until "Take Me Back to Eden", in which album Vessel finally realises that this new relationship is corrupted and learns to let them go. He ascends in "Ascensionism" and becomes a better man(?), someone new, and finally lets go in "Euclid". I don't think Vessel is comparable to Jesus (He doesn't just "load guns" lol), instead, as you said in the "Calcutta" video, the song names probably refer to worship sites, since worshipping Sleep is the core of Sleep Token's lore, as the very name suggests. Btw, nice videos and keep it up! WORSHIP.

One of my favorite songs from Sleep Token. Its haunting

Love this. It amazes me how vessel has been able to write lyrics and music that are so ambiguous, yet so impactful. The intentional subjectivity is genius.

This song is so different from the rest. I love that someone is deep diving into these in vlogs. Their lyricism is beautiful and deserves analysis (no right or wrong, more just like, 'well isn't this interesting?'...it functions on many levels ...sort of like literature). Reminds me of The Weeknd Kiss Land's narrative but also The Toadies' Possum Kingdom. Two seems an album of curses as nightmares from Sleep (distinction between dreams/nightmares) with a focus on cradles of ancient civilization/religion. No civilization was ever built without sacrifices, particularly the sacrifice of the feminine who are often scapegoats (even the yin is the cold 'darkness,' absorbing vs. yang, lightness, heat, reflecting). "Let's f her up." I think it's holding up a mirror about the ugliness of man (see the beginning of the lyrics). More reference to a gun, hollow point (bullets) as with Take Aim...love how he abstracted the language even there by using 'hollow point' instead of 'bullet.' It adds layers of richness or depth of potential interpretation to the lyricism. Referring to specific rooms, going to the bedroom door with money or eating tape in the bathroom mirror adds to the cinematic imagery and meaning as these are the most private rooms of any 'house'. Going to the bedroom with money...suggestive of ways in which people must sell themselves whether you're giver/receiver. Money as an exchange of currency representing, broadly, energy/"capital"...the life/blood-force every city runs on. Eating tape in the bathroom mirror; being forced to watch yourself eat what is inedible but also a desire to conceal someone's mouth so much, they're 'eating tape.' In dream interpretations, such rooms would reflect interactions with our most private, subconscious selves. Bedroom being the most private space where you assign your own personal value...money to build a kingdom as a subconscious private desire which informs their actions. The extent people are willing to go (sacrificing others) when they assign arbitrary value (build a kingdom) to currency ('rationalizing' flow of energy/capital). Makes me think of Francisco Goya and Mick Karn's album of same name, "The Sleep/Dream of Reason Produces Monsters." Monsters justifying actions from 'dreams' of 'reason.' Bathroom being a place where people get clean, empty themselves (lol), and ready themselves...where people define who they want to be/don and practice wearing the mask or otherwise 'put their face on'...how they wish to present to the outside world, the most. The narrator wants to be seen as ruthless more than anything in the middle of the song. 'Her' is perhaps someone/an aspect of the self who has seen too much, knows your most private secrets (as in an intimate relationship)...the cold darkness absorbing all your pain and secrets, the shadow self. The anger (wrath) that comes from sharing such intimate details of yourself, perhaps secrets you thought you would only ever take to your own grave, made known or shared with another regretfully, feeling naked and exposed as a result (in turn, making them as naked as you feel). The desire for control when the outcome is not what you wanted. Treating another body like it is a confession booth but then blasting that confession booth to smithereens...even only in 'dreams.' Holding secrets with you that are too much to bear, you have nightmares telling it to someone like a 'worry doll' but then getting further catharsis by destroying the 'worry doll.' From the room below, Vessel covers Billie Eilish's song which has the line, don't you know too much already? Vessel lyrics seem fixated on what mouths can do; mouths can project 'holiness' or enlightening things, can connect as much as separate, but also makes man no different from animals who need to consume (dripping from the mouth, an urge no different from animal behavior, an instinct characterizing man as having an almost animal-level a need to destroy in conflict with man's more enlightened sensibilities/potential). Post-enlightenment is about man trying so hard to distinguish himself from animals, needing to feel superior or powerful, convincing themselves they're better. Ironically, the most powerless men are those obsessed with control (the more conscientious murderers who are not psychopaths, have confessed themselves, their reason for taking a life is due to their feeling powerless/overcompensating for a need to feel powerful). In many ways, monsters are far worse than animals since animals are innocent and lacking in free will...animals are not capable of having a god complex. Their actions are out of an overarching nature of necessity; programmed by nature. However, is it so for man who is cursed with the burden of free will? Mouths are as beautiful as they are ugly. This song seems to be about secrets and sacrifice, power and control...some of the finest pillars of any civilization.

This song is haunting. I love it. You can dive into it and be part of it. When I listen to it, it’s like meditating.

You've managed to put in words why this is the most captivating song from ST, imo. I had the fortune to know ST by this song, lyrics aside, the instrumental and Vessel singing here are outstanding, and the drop, oh my Sleep that drop made me instantly fall for them. I find Nazareth quite unlikely to ever fall from first position in my podium.

Sleep Token got me back into my theological history again and I discovered much of the same that you did. I ended up going back to church after so much reading that Sleep Token triggered. Thanks, Sleep Token. Death is definitely not the end. They took me back to Eden. 🙏♥️

Nazareth really sticks out from pretty much all the other songs when it comes to lyrical content. That's also why I'm always interested in hearing peoples take on it, since people's perception of it varies so much. Personally I view very little of the things he says as literal. I believe the thrills, drugs and brutality are metaphores describing aspects of a romantic relationship ending. The video also shows a strong parallel between light / darkness, beauty / ugly. Perhaps a suggestion of the difference between the external and internal aspects of both himself and his partner. Good work on the video! Keep it up 🙏

If we go back that interview, where Vessel essentially says this deity promised him rewards/validation for servitude, and again that idea of “when the bough breaks” maybe being about asking a partner to embark on a new journey, I think this song makes more sense. I initially perceived the violence discussed as self-inflicted, but also an act of punishment toward the “her” in question. Fuck her up by making her witness this traumatic self-sacrifice. But maybe it’s sacrificing her metaphorically. Like, if you won’t join me down this new path, you get nothing more from me, bc I believe this is the path to glory.

I’ve always felt it was a song where Addiction is personified and it’s written from their point of view- music is so subjective and that’s why I love it

So I believe that all three songs from Two are dreams and this one is about renewing yourself. The word Nazareth means branch or shoot, sometimes when a tree is chopped down, a shoot will grow from the stump, allowing a new tree to spring up where the old one has died. The words are a metaphor for killing off the old self to become something new. I don't believe it is about actual violence at all but change is very difficult for people so in order to do it we might have to force ourselves and it feels like an actual violent act and the " make her eat the tape " is as you said shutting up the voices in your head that are afraid of change and the " hollow point does to a naked body" is the way we feel so raw and vulnerable ( naked ) and change can feel like it is blowing up our lives ( hollow point does.) The " her " he is referring to may be someone that he is also trying to get to change so that they can be together. He is telling her that even though this is very scary and difficult that they will not miss their old selves and they will be together in this new kingdom. I do think that the fact that it is a dream lends to the more extreme nature as dreams are always more intense.

This song it tremendously beautiful ❤️.. One of my favorites..

If you watched it till the end. You MUST press like 👍🏻 This guy made all this work for so lo amount of people. Put so much effort. Not for views and money. For you guys

"Dies irae", el día de la ira en latín. Poema medieval que se cantaba en las misas y que hacía referencia al Juicio Final

I really enjoy your breakdowns of the lyrics. My sister and I discuss and analyze each songs meaning. There are so many ways to interpret them. I wonder if one day we will get the meanings directly from Vessel/ Sleep Token. I'm a lover of all things music but Sleep Token has me completely invested in thier entire catalog. Down the Sleep Token rabbit hole.

I’m glad I found you. I have been going back an forth with ppl about some of the meanings of their songs. They always seem to forget that they are centered around this deity. Sleep is at the center of Vessels thoughts. When he writes he isn’t simply thinking of worldly things like his worldly relationships. Yes, those are in there but the main thought is of Sleep

I nearly cry when I hear this song because it sticks with me

I interpret it at Sleep promises Vessel everything he wants (love, fame, musical talent) in return for his sacrifice and permission to possess him. This is the “wrath” that he sings and the fame is the money that Sleep gives to him. Sleep is the personification of everything someone wants while simultaneously being the greatest temptation. Vessel had his heart broken horridly, and he’s angry about it but also still has feelings for this lover. Sleep is eternally jealous and envious of Vessels longing for her so Sleep coaxes out that depraved anger and encourages him to violently murder her. The line “I’ll show you what you look like from the inside” isn’t sleep talking to Vessel, it’s Vessel speaking to his ex lover that Sleep has contorted his view of to be evil. There’s is a theme throughout all of Sleep Tokens songs involving deep rooted jealousy and Sleeps control over Vessel (“if you had a problem then you should told me before getting all aggressive and controlling” lines from the song Granite) There is strife between the two of them due to Vessels realization that while Sleep granted him glory, money, fame and fortune, it also possessed him to reach into parts of himself he doesn’t like. “Dark Signs” tells this narrative well when he’s talking about the signs that Sleep wasn’t what it said it was and he misses the man he was.

Hello again Alex. This is sensational stuff. I really don't know where to start with trying to interpret this and I'd admire your bravery in attempting to do so. It's really difficult to apply to the Lore. The title 'Nazareth' is clearly key, as is the repeated use of the word 'wrath' in the lyrics, which is emphasized by the disturbing lyrical content. I suspect I'm not alone in not wanting to take the disturbing lyrics literally. It feels like there's an element of judgement and self-reflection. Musically it's on a different plain. So hauntingly beautiful, it really pulls you in. This was the first Sleep Token song I ever heard, and I am now fully immersed. It goes without saying that I am really looking forward to your take on 'Jericho'. W O R S H I P

"Tangled up like branches in a flood" "I come as a blade" As a Christian I've NEVER felt anything like Vessel singing. I look for meaning but he doesn't leave the breadcrumbs in each song.

This is very interesting! I really like Nazareth, the fact it is so ambiguous and strange makes it all the more intriguing.

I like the analogy of Jeckel & Hyde as a means to further explain the theory. Just a personal one from my side, not nearly as in depth as yours but related to the former statement - those lines at 8:39 could be the result of both "Vessel" and the man behind the mask; one statement with 2 DIFFERENT connotations depending on which perspective you view it from. Great video :)

People should know about you! Worship!

I think 'hollow point' is an analogue for his J0hnson.

I really enjoyed listening to this take.

I’ll save everyone fifteen minutes. Listen to Nazareth while watching Jaws MV with the sound off. Hit play at the same time.

Sleep Token by the way of Cormick McCarthy. Deeply disturbing and undeniably beautiful.

"Nothing good comes out of Nazareth" - is said in the bible and maybe we see this sentence with the money part in the beginning. Maybe the violence is also a bit of a view the way Jesus died on the cross and the whole procedure that let up to this and also the way Vessel has to sacrifice himself to serve. To serve someone can give you pleasure, so maybe the pleasure comes with the sacrifice. "I see you when the wrath comes" - I always understood this the way in the end, when the wrath comes that his sacrifice will be worth it. So like Jesus knew that him bearing the cross will result in the wrath one day, as he is th Lamb of God, Vessel has a different way before him. I myself am Christian, so I'm pretty much intrigued by those words, but also open-minded.

Like Digital Bath, it's sexy AF and it shouldn't be.

🎵IAnd i'll see you when the wrath comes...🎶

This song kinda scared me away from ST for a bit... the song made me think... hostage situation... and other incredibly scary situations. Still impressive piece of work, but scared me.

Hello!

The origin and true meaning of the word Nazareth is not clear and in an issue of debate for centuries. The clearest explanation is given in a book titled Bloodline if the Holy Grail by Laurence Gardner on page 46. It is even stated that the town is only referred to after the 6th century Ad and does not appear at all in the Hebrew Talmud. In this context maybe its English mistranslation is being referred to here.

Do you have Lithuanian heritage? Just saw the flag in the background

I had to watch this twice to understand what you are saying. To me, maybe he doesn't like how well his ex is getting along after a break up, he's jealous, doesn't like it and plans on bringing the wrath to her. Her demise. That's what I hear in the lyrics, but what does that have to do with the meaning of Nazareth, a branch?

What if the song is referring to the "idea" or idealism of seperation by religion all-together?

Just as Satan counterfeits Christ... this is about Satan and his people sacrificing.

Could the female he speaks of be a vulnerable part of himself that Vessel and Sleep are trying to destroy? 🤔

Nazareth is not the place of birth of Jesus, it's the place he was raised in and began to preach. Jesus is believed to be born in Bethlehem.

Thank you for another wonderful breakdown. I want to gently say to please call "hookers" sex workers instead. "Hooker" is a slur against all sex workers.

Interesting interpretation but your analysis feels a bit watered down / pacified... One day I'll my my own thought to words

maybe vessel is a trans guy(like me) and was really pissed off by people seeing him as girl(like me) or he jus singing abou the toxic relationship of god with who believe on him