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@@ThePunkRockMBA also I meant here in the main channel and your other one... 🤦🤦 But.. either way... Hopefully a positive message was received! Tldr... We appreciate you Finn!
Just watched Bradley Hall tell me why Sleep Token sucks for ten minutes then this plays next "you cant say that sleep token sucks. Thats just a dumb thing to say." Made me giggle
Same. Though I think the line was "you can't JUST say sleep token sucks" and Bradley does explain is opinion, so it's a pass. But still made me chuckle ngl
This Vessel fellow is quite the lyricist, his ability to weave uncommon words into catchy cadences, case in point - “Aqua Regia” - they made a chorus all about chemical elements, compounds and reactions memorable. Plus, his voice is definitively a reason why ST is accessible.
Vessels voice is nothing short of beautiful, in a nutshell. It makes you actually feel the music and the lyrics. Listen to ST and try not getting goosebumps
I get goosebumps with every single song I try - but not a good one. I don't know what it is exactly, but I feel very uncomfortable when I hear his voice. It's terrible.
This dark goddess speaks thru me and use us to spread her message.. "I now command you to cover Hey Ya by Outkast"......Even the goddesses jam to to Hey Ya
Big metalhead here; I really appreciate that Sleep Token are bringing new people into the metal scene. They may not be my cup of tea personally, but it's still very good for the scene as a whole and I think it's awesome
Their music just feels really boring and kinda bland imo, or at least their newer stuff. Like yeah, they are mixing different genres, but they’re doing it in the most boring way. But then again, this is my opinion
@@octopusyogurt1883 Ay you’re entitled to your opinion. I discovered them when they released subdowning and it wasn’t until TPWBYT that I got interested and not until their recent album that I became a lover of the band. It’s something new but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone sound wise lol
Whenever a band succeeds in making their fans akin to loyal fans of a massive sports team, they've made it. It's that simple. That's the dynamic you need
This happened a few years ago with black veil brides, Andy Biersack said himself that bands that are popular among women, especially younger women, are usually unnecessarily hated
@@DuBoisInternationalSame with mainstream artists like Taylor Swift. What does they say about our culture and people in general? If being associated to women/womanhood is seen as a bad thing? 🤔
Saw them in an oversold venue, Girls would scream and jump up and down like it was beatlemaina or a boy band. Vessel would dance all goofy and they would lose their minds. Ive never seen anything like that
I really think Take me Back to Eden is their best album and one of the best. Varied and moody, heavy, catchy, and everything in between. That is when I went from liking them as a band but only a few songs, so really understanding their style. Every song is its own thing. I think they take a few listens to really capture everything that is put into it.
I respect the opinion, but I feel that to think Eden is their best album is to misunderstand Sleep Token. That album most definitely isn't their best if we put everything from production and arrangement into consideration. There were many more mediocre moves made than there were in the first few records, and you can see that with songs like Granite, and especially DYWTYLM, the latter being nothing more than a 'draft2' of a shitty pop song idea you have while doing the dishes, that doesn't even have a chorus or refrain, just aimless undulating. That's coming from a musician who does similar genres. Trust me, I know what I'm saying. Fuckers definitely just went "ahah yeah good enough, put that on the record lol many will think it's such a passionate banger even tho we just shat it out." And then you look at Sundowning; every single song is a passionate art piece. Same for This Place Will Become Your Tomb. Whether or not you like it more than the rest of their discogs, it's disingenuous to say it's their best.
The summoning breakdown is one of the best pieces of music I’ve ever heard. I got the pleasure of hearing it live first before anything at louder than life last year. My friend said you have to hear these guys and I was blown away.
That was a killer show. If you were like me we had to wait through some other bands, but the wait was definitely worth it. (Gotta give Zero 9:36 credit though. He was good.)
@@joey778alucard yeah never heard that in my life. I think you made it up in your head. If you know sleep token you know slipknot and knew slipknot first. You either liked them or didn’t before sleep token was even a thing.
@@VGDomination I don't care for sleep token because its not real metal music in the first place I mean if you want to like their music that's fine but don't lump them in with bands like slipknot and messuggah and so on and so forth their not even in the same league. Sleep token should be classified as expieremental because honestly that's what their music is not my cup of tea though
I've been following Sleep Token since they relelased their second EP, and couldn't be happier watching them succeed. I'm honestly very shocked how they blew up overnight back in early-2023 and even more shocked when news hit that they were the most streamed metal band of the year. It's insane to think they went from an "underground" cult band to massive rockstars in the span of like 5 months.
Definitely, like remember when they put a new "song album" out on Spotify before the release of Sundowning? It made the release huge than it normally would of been
Seen them as an opener for Nothing More at the end of 2022. I thought the music was okay, but the performance was very well done. Then just a couple months later they blew up and I gave them a fair chance. I became a fan and am glad they're doing well. Wish I would've appreciated seeing them live more, but I'm glad I got to see them either way
On the bright side, it's better to not be blown away live and discover a love for them later than the other way around. It always a bit sucky to love a band's recordings and come away from a live show unenthused.
A lot of parallels with Ghost. Blew up really quickly, initially (on Ghost's part) ominous with costumes and uniformed band members. Detailed internal lore and both are cults and voices for a bigger being. Blew up on tik tok, both have a large female fanbases and both have a wide range of metal all the way from heavy stuff to pop metal.
@@BazekBlu don't know about Sleep Token but Ghost is very clearly 70s metal. Many of their songs and nearly all their lyrics sound like they could be Black Sabbath covers.
@@studioseppuku9454 With one very important exception: Ghost essentially pretend to be actual satanists. Which puts them closer, ideologically, to a band like Behemoth, and further away from BS (which has mostly Christian members at this point.) This band, whilst not overtly satanic, will befall that same overall cliche path, and it is unfortunately the most 'metal' thing about ST. People naturally gravitate towards underdogs, and lucifer knows it. The ruse? Lucifer loses in the end. So, not really an actual underdog. It's ironic that people confuse this thing, especially in the realm of metal, as even the godfather of death metal himself, Chuck Schuldiner, appeared to be much more closely aligned to Christian ideology versus the lie of satan, even going so far as to remove the upside mockery of the cross from the later half of Death's release in terms of their logo design. Not a coincidence, as Chuck's battle with actual death was far more sobering to him during his life than the average metal act will ever face.
@@BazekBlu very cool breakdown. One of the smartest aspects to Ghost's 'gimmick' is that the concept is that are using the poppier aspects of their sound to hook young people but with the satanic messaging, ironicly (or not) parodying the way Evangelional Christian rock does the same so much so I've heard people have requested 'He Is' to C Rock stations and had it played. That Lucifer style deception is incredibliy metal in theme. As a side the use of the 'upside down' cross as a sign of rebellion or mockery equally amuses and frustates me in it's stupidity as it is literally the symbol of the (first) Pope so they think they are upsetting the 'establishment' by using the actual symbol of one of the biggest establishments in history.
Been listening to them since the single Jaws. They’ve just been grinding since the beginning tbh. Their album marketing strategies are always amazing too. They really know how to build up a release. My favorite was sundowning because you knew the exact release schedule from the beginning.
Same. Soon after Jaws came out, it popped up on my Spotify when I had a station playing, and I was immediately intrigued. They've been one of my favorites since!
Ditto. Jaws was on repeat for a while for me. Ever since, I've followed these guys. I had a feeling they'd catch on. They are deep yet catchy. Saw them at the nightmare that was the last Blue Ridge Rock Fest w/ my siblings that have very different tastes in music, and got my siblings hooked as well. Can't wait to see what this band does next!
Ditto. Jaws was on repeat for a while for me. Ever since, I've followed these guys. I had a feeling they'd catch on. They are deep yet catchy. Saw them at the nightmare that was the last Blue Ridge Rock Fest w/ my siblings that have very different tastes in music, and got my siblings hooked as well. Can't wait to see what this band does next!
Ditto. Jaws was on repeat for a while for me. Ever since, I've followed these guys. I had a feeling they'd catch on. They are deep yet catchy. Saw them at the nightmare that was the last Blue Ridge Rock Fest w/ my siblings that have very different tastes in music, and got my siblings hooked as well. Can't wait to see what this band does next!
Great video. I also really love to hear you mention how important women are to this scene. Unfortunately it seems we often get reduced to fan girls. I don’t care who the band is or what they look like, their art resonates with me, causes me to look within and reflect. It’s great to see these genres get energized and be brought to more people. It’s an exciting time in metal. I encourage those who are upset about “TikTok fans” to take a step back and try to find joy in the aspect that there’s a whole group of people appreciating the same art as you in community. Sleep Token in their own words transcends genres and believes this music is for everyone.
"To this day, they remain anonymous" It unfortunate that his video was released on the day when a lot of news came out about them being doxxed. At least III has apparently been fully doxxed and their identites were supposedly revealed. Rabid "fans" are absolutely awful and almost make me wish people would gatekeep harder. We don't need people that try to doxx our favorite artists and ruin our favorite creators lives in our hobbies or music fandoms and it usually seems to be "tourists" in these fandoms that cause doxxing or problems.
I hate how this happens so frequently to people/creators who want to remain "faceless." I don't get what the doxxers/etc. gain or hope to gain by it, aside from momentarily 'blowing up' or going viral, which is an awful reason in itself, especially for the high cost it has on the lives it negatively impacts
Saying a band is mid is not the same as saying they suck. For instance: I think Ghost is mid, but they don't suck, they have talent, I just don't like them very much.
Sleep token got my wife into metal. I have been a Sleep Token fan since the Sundowning album and finally got to see them at LTL 23'. I appreciate you covering this.
Being real about it - Sleep Token aren't a Metal band with Pop elements - they're a Pop band with Metal elements. The primary reason Sleep Token are so big is because a lot of Metal fans never realized they actually like Dark Pop/R&B - and they've totally cornered that untapped market.
Lamo did they CORNER the market? Or did they just do some things that make the common music enjoyer know they exist? It's quite a simple maneuver. If you want to be known practically over night there's this one WEIRD trick I can show you 🤣. There are an unlimited number of bands we could be talking about and listening to, so why are we talking about this dogshit trash that no one would've known existed had they not paid to tell you they are cool and you should listen to begin with? You buy you're way to the top, one way or another, my guy. Nothing is "organic" in nature, just like it takes a mountain of slaves to create the shit I am using to type and send this, so too does it take a system to bring you such bands as Sleep Token, convincing everyone they matter and you should care. No one would be caught dead saying they like sleep token 10, or even 5 years ago, if they are into heavy music anyway.
Just like with the Tool fanbase, the reason why Sleep Token fans are deemed “obsessive” is because the songs deal with subjects that they deeply relate to. Therefore if someone shits on the band they will take it very personally. Both Maynard and Vessel ( maybe even more ) write lyrics in such a way that hits all the right nerves and you kinda have to tip your hat at them for spelling out complex feelings that they managed to put perfectly into words. While Maynard usually expresses himself in a more convoluted way, Vessel sings about more down to earth subjects that more people will fully understand.
Sure, doesn’t make it any less cringe though. I promise you, you won’t get depressed again if the mean people say mean things about the band that “saved you”.
I’ve been making metal relationship songs too. What’s cool about what they do with it is they bring you into this world where the lyrics may tell relationship stories but the music,imagery, etc kinda puts the lyrics in the back seat. Like they’re still there and noticeable but you get lost into the everything else that you forget the lyrics are what they are
I don’t know you can classify them as relationship songs. Their songs can be applied to worshipping a god, fiending a drug, obsession with a girl or guy, basically a fixation of whatever you’re after. And it’s beautiful.
Their popularity is no joke. They sell out pretty large venues in actual minutes. My wife and I were planning on going to their Denver show, and it sold out in thirty minutes.
The birth certificate scandal is some of the most insane shit I have ever seen a fanbase do If you aren’t up to speed - a telegram dedicated to sniffing out their true identities got a hold of several members birth certificates and a list of their spouses and loved ones and older photos / twitch links which has resulted in one of the members or more nuking his socials The amount of “fans” drooling over this info and filing it under support is fucking disturbing and insane
They succeed because their music it's interesting and the guys are REALLY TALENTED. Vessel is an amazing vocalist with beautiful nuances and insane vocal range. The drummer is very innovative and talented. I don't consider them as poppy, they are more R&B, soul and gospel ( with metal) So happy this guys are blowing up. They are innovative and brought fresh air to music. Worship 🙏🏼❤
I stumbled across them by happenstance without knowing all the hype. Immersed myself in their music without any influence. They're just f*cking awesome.
Sleep Token is one of those bands that kind of exposes the subjectivity and meaninglessness of the tastemaker opinions. Every critic hated TMBTE and yet they are still growing insanely fast and one of the most beloved bands in metal right now. And it’s not just trend riders and radio plays, they’re selling out huge venues and building a real cult fanbase. So cool to see.
I liked the singles as they were coming out. It was my first experience with ST. When the album released and I listened to it in its entirety. I could not shut up about how amazing it is. I told everybody and even got a few of my friends who were on the fence about them into them.
Taylor Swift is huge too. Pop music with metal elements, nothing wrong with that. Overproduction and over the top "emotions" on the vocals do not seem genuine though.
@@opart Maybe that's just how he sings? Idk, I think it's more interesting than a 34 year old woman writing about high school breakups and how the industry mistreats her over and over every year
@@joshuabalsavage4695 Same here. My one caveat is DYWTYLM, might be an unpopular opinion but I think it's terrible. But the rest of the album is straight bangers.
Sleep Token feels like they are doing something similar to what bands like Tool or Opeth did back in the day but for the modern metal scene. Actual progressive music that takes big creative swings instead of just being technical for the sake of it. I’m definitely a fan of what they are doing.
This band doesn’t make any sense to me. I still think it’s an Imagine Dragons side project and you people are all just eating it up for some stupid ass reason.
Looks like these guys are ahead of the game. You can't just be a band and put put albums anymore, you have to do and be more. And they burry a lot beneath the surface and invite their fans to dig further. Good on them. I'd like to see this type of thing take off more.
They really do. I seen a video about how they hid secrets within the videos of all the singles from the last album that sent fans down a rabbit hole. They know what they’re doing and it’s fascinating to see.
I’ve been a professional touring musician since I was 20, and I’m now 47. I thought I was too jaded and cynical to have a “favorite band”, and then in 2021 I discovered Sleep Token. Sundowning was a good start. This Place Will Become Your Tomb ran the ball further down the field, and then Take Me Back To Eden demonstrated in no uncertain terms the incredible foresight, thought, effort, determination, and dedication to CRAFT that Vessel and ii put into their work. As the child of classical musicians, I can tell you that there are literally hundreds of respected and well known pieces by classical composers that were not as well thought out and constructed as the Sleep Token discography to date. Being anonymous takes a lot of the ego, swagger, and self-importance that has weighed down popular music for decades and redirects the focus to what really matters: the quality of the art and the performance. The songs are about love, loss, grief, rage, and mental turmoil; profoundly human themes and concerns. And it’s authentic as all get out. THAT’S why they are attracting such loyal fans and supporters. They don’t just defy genre classification, the songs themselves are often a rebellion against conventional song forms. The common thread is an emotional honesty that is sadly lacking from so much of today’s music and culture. And sure, there’s going to be haters. People that don’t get it, or don’t want to, for whatever reason. But for those of us who do, it’s a refreshing sign that true art is still alive today. If you know, you know. Humanity, honesty, and heart are things worth celebrating, crying over, and occasionally head banging to. This is true art made by educated, empathetic, broken people and it’s made FOR educated, empathetic, broken people. Like me. And I’m here for it. Great vid by the way.
Look, everything you said is based, and this is a nitpick. But "the songs themselves are often a rebellion against conventional song forms"? Bro, what? Which songs are you referring to? 95% of their songs follow some of THE most conventional and standard song structure forms. I'm not sure if you're referring to genre change with that and just used the wrong word, but I don't think they could be further from rebelling against conventional form.
You forgot to mention the actual composition of their songs is top notch. The atmosphere the melodies create take you on a journey and you are never quite sure where it's going to take you. Mix in the lyrics and imagery and it's something magical. Asensionism is a perfect example such a complex and haunting song.
I wish I liked this band. Not really into the peanut-butter mouth vocal style, maybe it’ll grow on me. Reminds me of the goth thirst trap Pete of Type of Negative making goth chicks giddy
Long time fan. Really surprised you decided to delve into the history and give as much of a detail into the lore, lyrics, and everything surrounded with the band. Fucking awesome stuff Finn, thanks for this! A respective tribute to these guys. Best band going right now, so happy for their success
It is a music band experiment with anonymity and social media. All music and rock\pop stars are super popular. Slipknot did not work for anonymity. Sleep Token got axed just because it was a dumb experiment. The viral part in TikTok is the CRINGIEST thing ever (as is 90% of most social media shorts).
I prefer bands such as The Contortionist, Our Oceans, Haken… as they fall in the same prog-metal\pop-jazz arrangements… without the women hoeing on videos!
I don't care about lore and stuff. I just love them.....And I discovered them when Will Ramos made some covers. I think they are like nu-metal bands who connected younger metal heads and those who like rap and rock. Like Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit and P.O.D. More poppy nu-metal that worked for everyone. So does Sleep Token
Seeing the way Sleep Token practically blew up over night blows my mind. They started out playing in churches and now they are playing arenas thy sold out within minutes. Their music is truly captivating and is definitely interesting. Vessel compiles multiple genres into one song and his lyrics seemingly speak to the soul. He truly is a lyrical and musical genius, breaking lyrics in a unique way and creating interesting beats and combining genres like in the songs The Summoning, Alkaline, Ascensionism, and Take Me Back To Eden. I haven’t been a fan for very long (since early 2023) but I think they are truly one of my favorite and the best band out there (yes, biased, I know). They are making music interesting again and I am all here for it! Also, their costumes and masks and anonymity are truly one of the best things about the band. I feel as though them being anonymous allows us to focus on the music rather than the artists creating the music. It allows us to feel their music completely, and feel the way Vessel wanted us to feel while listening to his music. I am so glad Sleep Token is becoming big and more people are finding and enjoying their music, I know they will become even greater as time goes on and I am eagerly anticipating their next release!
There’s a whole slew of dark fantasy book reading girls that lose their minds over Sleep Token. The fact that they’re masked really is a great gimmick and everyone gets to imagine their fantasy dudes under the masks. They’re genius.
I feel like this channel has gone super profit orientated in a subversive "punk rock" fashion kinda like a "hot topic" of youtube. I get people have the right to make money but when you have an underground channel that suddenly becomes laden in mid video mattress commercials, with links in the comments and merch sales everywhere you look, I cant help but wonder, does this guy get kick backs from record labels to do videos that seem to question a band's legitimacy only to blow them? I don't know, but that's the kinda stuff you start thinking when a punk rock channel starts offering a lot of ways to make money off you...unsubscribing
They may not have made music for Tik Tok deliberately. But they were definitely fortunate that they were able to really capitalize because of their exposure from it. Same as Lorna Shore and Ghost. And the music is great with broad appeal. Add in a little mystery and they're the perfect breakout band.
Tiktok was filled with 2000s children, prior to the "okay, I'll give this app a try" explosion in 2020. If you know anything about 2000s kids, they've learned to be helpless because every time they tried to climb the social ladder, misfortune and/or disaster would strike. From the first tech burst, to the WTC towers falling, Steve Jobs ruining the internet by pairing mobile communication with iPods, then recently the viral fun-times of early 2020. This helplessness goes a good way to explain the 2000s children and their taste towards dark pop.
I miss the days where a band like Pantera or Sepultura or Slayer could sound like an actual pissed off metal band, MAKE MONEY, and not have to be some 3 am R&B autotune soyboy on quaaludes complaining how his girl left him. Might as well call this Drake Metal.
I dunno man. I love every genere of metal/hardcore under the sun. I love pop, especially 90’s pop. I love electronic music, Machine Girl, Björk etc. I love experimental music, like Arca. Sleep Token has all the elements of something I would like, but everytime I have tried to get into the music, I can’t, as much as I want to. This shit just kind of sucks. The pop parts are boring, generic, and his voice is grating, and the metal parts are also just boring ass generic djent/metalcore. I simply don’t get it but I hope I do one day.
Dude my wife is obsessed with sleep token. Bought her an overpriced vinyl record for her and she listens to it all the time. My wife loved punk rock and metal for a while then switched to pop music. Now thanks to sleep token she's back listening to more metal and punk. So it kinda cool to see
I get that traditionally females have not really had a large presence in the hardcore/metal scene but in the uk at least it seems like thats not really a thing anymore. Each year it seems more and more of the audience is female. Id say these days im not surprised to see at least a quarter of the audience are female which is way healthier. A lot more of the better heavy bands in the uk feature female members now which again is a nice divesity that seems to be a legitimate shift instead of a perceived gimmick.
I'd rather have the nail pulled off my big toes than hear another riff from Sleep Token. At least I understand why they are being pushed so hard now, thanks.
They have a few tracks that I like with like the melodic parts mixed with the heavy guitar parts is great, I’m hoping they go heavier on their next record with more guitar stuff and the melodic parts but some of their “pop” fused stuff is ok
They don't suck as much as i think they are super pretentious and thier music is boring. I prefer Loathe for metalcore and Dillinger for disonnance and Chaos. Tesseract and Karnivool do prog better. Devin Townsend writes better pop music and isn't so self serious. The fanbase is alot like tool fans where they are so up their own ass with the "lore" it alienates non fans. Finally the gimmicky nature of the "lore" is just corny to me
But don’t you know? Western culture is inherently more superior so they get special attention. Hell, Sleep Token themselves probably have far more respect for Babymetal based on what I have seen about them so far.
Aye Finn! This video made my day! I just got some bad news about an ultrasound on my male parts & it has me in a deep hole.. Just having this new video gave me the pick me up I needed to get out of bed! Thanks for all that u do!! 😊
If you're talking about what I think you're talking about then get the treatment you need soon. My husband went through that a few years ago. Easy surgery and recovery. He's doing great and has fun joking around about it. Good luck and keep a smile on your face during the emotional rollercoaster. Music always helps too.
Like others have said, I acknowledge that they don’t suck, but I couldn’t possibly care. Probably my age though. It’s simply not possible to be born in 1976, have been through the first wave of heavy metal, arena metal, thrash metal, crossover, death metal, grindcore, black metal, etc. and still care about a band that (to my crusty ears) sounds like it was created in a board room somewhere and shit out of a computer. Even if it wasn’t.
I find their music boring and not for me, but that doesn't make them a bad band. I respect their image and concept, it's 10/10 to me. It's just as you told us so many times, Finn. They're willing to do what others rockers don't want to do to make it big.
Agreed, and I’m a female lol!. Not for me at all but still props to them in all sincerity and I hope they keep going and rising for their fan base! Good on them, truly!
I discovered ST when they released the deluxe version of subdowning and it’s been a trip. I love the whole lore concept between the band. Reminded me of when Hollywood undead had their mask. I can’t wait for more music from them
The two things I have really noticed as a long term ST fan are that A.) There is sort of something for everyone in their music, and their ability to keep it fairly coherent is impressive. B.) They are MASTERS of "leave them wanting more." Every song, every album, I always wish there was a little more. The parts don't often overstay their welcome. For me, they are sort of the opposite of Tool in that aspect. Tool songs usually make me want the end of the song. Sleep Token makes me want the beginning again.
Bleh, next time I cook a meal for someone, I'm just gonna throw in a bit of everything: here's some chicken, with spaghetti, and now I'm gonna put in some just a little pizza, and now I'm going to mix in some tacos, and now I'm going to add some tuna fish, and some mayo and celery, and plus I'm going cake and chocolate ice cream, and I'm also going to add some wine and wiskey and also eggs plus peppers and honey and molasses and..... All of those things can be appealing, when seperate or combined in certain ways. This band sounds like what the above might taste like, ALL AT ONCE.
