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Sleep Token, a promising band in the metal scene, had their best year yet but almost ended it in disaster. Their third album, Take Me Back to Eden, released in May, propelled them from a beloved cult following to a much bigger audience. Tickets for tonight’s show sold out quickly, as did shows across North America and Europe. The four members of Sleep Token, who always perform wearing masks and keep their identities a secret, never speak during their shows. However, seven songs into their set, a crew member comes onstage to announce that Vessel, the powerful vocalist, has lost his voice. He asks the audience to sing along with them while Vessel takes on the role of a passionate hype man.
The audience mistakes the performance for The Summoning, but they soon start singing along. The rest of the show includes a mix of powerful instrumental versions of the band’s genre-bending songs and passionate group singalongs. Fortunately, their unique blend of post-rock, dreamy pop, and progressive music is captivating enough to keep the crowd engaged. While there may be moments of fluctuating energy, it never falters. As they finish their set, Vessel returns to the stage and delivers a heartbreaking piano ballad, “Bloodsport,” with audible sobs. In the few interviews they have done, Sleep Token has consistently emphasized that their individual identities are not important; it’s the music that matters. Tonight’s performance is proof of that.
Unfortunately, it is not the ideal celebration that Sleep Token had hoped for. Instead of traditional concerts, they refer to their performances as rituals and tonight was supposed to mark the beginning of a promising new era. Accompanied by backup singers and a group of dancers, the first 45 minutes are truly outstanding as Sleep Token surpasses their expectations. The opening song, “Chokehold,” has a catchy pop sound disguised as a heavy metal anthem. “Hypnosis” starts off as a gentle love song but quickly transforms into a powerful display of aggression, while “Dark Signs” incorporates experimental trap elements. Although it may seem jarring, the band’s unwavering belief in their music and performance saves the show. Despite the disappointment, both Sleep Token and their audience continue to fully immerse themselves in each moment, finding shared joy in the face of defeat.
Source: theguardian.com
