Sleep Token
Sleep Token | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Origin | London, England |
Genres | |
Years active | 2016–present |
Labels | |
Website | sleep-token |
Sleep Token are a British metal band formed in London in 2016 with members remaining anonymous by wearing masks. After self-releasing their debut EP One in 2016, the band signed with Basick Records and issued a follow-up EP, Two, the next year. The group signed with Spinefarm Records and released their first full-length album Sundowning in 2019, which was followed in 2021 by This Place Will Become Your Tomb. A third album, Take Me Back to Eden, was released in May 2023.
History
[edit]2016–2019: Beginnings and early releases
[edit]Sleep Token debuted in September 2016 with the release of their first single, "Thread the Needle".[1] The track was followed in December by the band's debut EP One, which featured two additional songs plus alternative piano arrangements of all three tracks.[2]
On February 28, 2017, they released a cover of "Hey Ya", originally by OutKast.[3]
In May 2017, it was announced that Sleep Token had signed with independent label Basick Records and would release their second EP Two in July.[4] Ahead of the EP's release, the group issued two new singles — "Calcutta" in May and "Nazareth" in June.[5][6] In the publication's exclusive premiere of "Calcutta", Metal Hammer writer Luke Morton described the song as "an odd and unique mix of technical metal and expansive indie soundscapes".[5] Reviewing Two for Distorted Sound, Matt Corcoran also noted the combination of elements from multiple genres, explaining, "Across these three spellbinding tracks the band fully delivers on their genre-blending promise, moving between light indie atmospherics and dark, Meshuggah-esque heaviness and covering most of the spectrum in between."[7]
One of the earliest performances of the band was at O2 Academy Islington supporting Norwegian band Motorpsycho in October,[8] and at Student Central supporting French synthwave artist Perturbator in December.[9] During early 2018, they also supported Loathe alongside Holding Absence,[10] played at festivals including Camden Rocks,[11] and performed at Maida Vale Studios for the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show.
In June the band released the first in a string of standalone singles, "Jaws". In October, they released "The Way That You Were" and played their first headline (and eleventh overall) show at St Pancras Old Church, tickets for which reportedly sold out in 30 seconds.[12] "Jaws" and "The Way That You Were" were later issued together on 10" vinyl for Record Store Day in 2021.[13]
2019–2022: Signing to Spinefarm and first two albums
[edit]In June 2019, it was announced that Sleep Token had signed with Universal subsidiary Spinefarm Records. At the same time, the band's debut full-length album Sundowning was confirmed for a November release, with "The Night Does Not Belong to God" released as the first track from the record.[14] The group continued issuing songs from the album every two weeks up to the release of the album.[15] Sundowning received generally positive reviews from music critics – Kerrang! columnist Tom Shepherd gave the album a rating of four out of five, writing that it contains "moments here to truly savour, and ideas and experiences that feel unique", but noting that "the continuous nature of this dark mood entwined with the group's slow-burning, listless pace does begin to drag across [its] 50-minute runtime".[16] Prior to the album's release, Sleep Token played two sold-out shows in London and Manchester;[15] after its release, they embarked on their first North American tour supporting metalcore group Issues alongside Polyphia and Lil Aaron.[17]
After a short UK tour at the beginning of the year, several shows due to feature Sleep Token during 2020 were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These included planned appearances at Knotfest Japan in March,[18] Download Festival in June,[19] and Madrid's Mad Cool in July.[20] During the summer, the band released an expanded version of Sundowning with four new piano-based tracks collectively known as The Room Below, which included cover versions of Billie Eilish's "When the Party's Over" and Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)".[21] The group were due to return to live performances in March 2021 with five socially-distanced shows called "The Isolation Rituals",[22] however these were ultimately cancelled due to ongoing pandemic-related concerns.[23] They eventually returned in the summer, headlining the second stage at the Download Festival Pilot on 18 June.[24] The day before, the band announced their second album This Place Will Become Your Tomb and released a new single, "Alkaline".[25]
"Alkaline" was followed in August and September by "The Love You Want" and "Fall for Me", respectively.[26] This Place Will Become Your Tomb was released on 24 September 2021 and gave Sleep Token their first chart positions when it debuted at number 39 on the UK Albums Chart and number 13 on the Scottish Albums Chart.[27][28] The album was promoted on an eight-date headline tour of the UK and Ireland in November, with support from A.A. Williams.[29] In January 2022, Sleep Token were featured as a cover artist for Metal Hammer magazine.[30] More shows followed in the spring and summer – in April, frontman Vessel performed an "intimate" solo show (joined by only three backing vocalists) dubbed A Ritual from the Room Below;[31] in May, the group supported Architects alongside Malevolence on a short UK tour;[32] and in the summer, they played several festivals including Download,[33] as well as touring Australia with Northlane.[34] Later dates followed in North America supporting In This Moment with Nothing More and Cherry Bombs.[35]
2022–present: Recent events and Take Me Back to Eden
[edit]Towards the end of 2022, Sleep Token announced a UK headline tour for January 2023 supported by Northlane,[36] as well as an Australian tour for April/May.[37] Ahead of a string of shows in Germany, the band released the single "Chokehold", their first new material since This Place Will Become Your Tomb, on 5 January 2023.[38] This was followed by "The Summoning" the next day,[39] "Granite" two weeks later,[40] and "Aqua Regia" the day after.[41] All four tracks released since the start of 2023 were included on the band's third album, Take Me Back to Eden, which was released in May 2023.[42][43] Take Me Back To Eden marked a significant change in the band's creative process, as they stopped working with their long-time producer George Lever in favour of Carl Bown. Vessel also took on a co-producer role with Bown for the first time in the band's career.
In March 2023, Sleep Token were nominated for Best UK Artist at the Heavy Music Awards.[44] The band were also booked to perform at that year's summer festivals, including Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium,[45] Wacken Open Air in Germany,[46] and Reading and Leeds Festivals in the UK.[47] The band attracted significant international attention when video footage of their 29 April 2023 performance of "Atlantic" in Sydney, Australia went viral due to an audience member’s audible fart which was described in the media as "absolutely sinister" and "ferocious".[48][49][50][51] In May 2023, Sleep Token won the Best UK Artist award at the Heavy Music Awards. In the same month, the band announced a standalone headline show at Wembley Arena in December 2023. The show sold out within 10 minutes of the tickets going on general sale.[52] During the show, the band revealed new masks to indicate the band entering a "new era".[53]
Following their success in 2023, Sleep Token received accolades from the music press at the end of the year. Metal Hammer readers ranked Take Me Back To Eden as the best album of the year,[54] while the magazine's writers ranked it fourth best of the year.[55] Revolver also named it the #1 best album of the year,[56] as did Rock Sound who also named Sleep Token the best British band of the year.[57] Kerrang! staff called the album the third best of 2023.[58] Writers for the NME named Take Me Back to Eden their 21st best album of the year,[59] while ranking "The Summoning" the 18th best song of the year.[60] By February 2024, the album had sold over 50,000 copies in the United Kingdom.[61]
On 14 February 2024, Sleep Token announced that they had signed with RCA Records.[61][62]
On 22 August 2024, Sleep Token won Best Album at the Heavy Music Awards 2024 for their third album, Take Me Back To Eden.[63]
On 25 November 2024, Billboard Music Awards announced Sleep Token as a finalist for Top Hard Rock Album for Take Me Back to Eden,[64] which on December 12, 2024, they won.
Artistry, identity and musical style
[edit]Since their formation, the members of Sleep Token have remained anonymous. Rich Hobson of Metal Hammer explains that the members, who all wear masks and cloaks, "obscure their faces, they don't talk onstage, and they have only ever done one interview", with that very publication.[65]
The lead singer and primary songwriter of the band is known by the moniker "Vessel".[66] Vessel and II are the only members of the band who have been credited as performers on Sleep Token's studio albums. II is also the only member apart from Vessel who has been given songwriting credits.
The group's focus on anonymity and visual style have been likened to similar practices employed by Ghost,[65][67][68] Slipknot,[66][69][70] and Gwar.[69][70] Slipknot's frontman Corey Taylor has praised the band's image and artistry, comparing their approach to the one Slipknot took in the band's early days.[71]
In 2017, Sleep Token's then-new label Basick Records published a description of the band which read, "A band that goes above and beyond simply writing and playing music, Sleep Token are said to be "the mortal representatives of the ancient deity known only as 'Sleep', led by the masked and cloaked figure appointed 'Vessel' ... the master creator behind the music."[72] Since the band’s formation, only two interviews have ever been granted. The first, with Metal Hammer at the time of their signing with Basick, frontman Vessel expanded on the lore of the band, stating that "We are here to serve Sleep and project His message." When asked about Sleep, he stated that "He is everywhere, at all times. Vessel encountered Sleep in a dream, with promise of glory and magnificence if Vessel followed Him."[5] The second, a video interview and playthrough with drummer II with YouTube channel Drumeo, talking about his earliest influences of nu-metal drummers Joey Jordison of Slipknot and Matthew McDonough of Mudvayne to incorporating elements of the United Kingdom’s electronic music and hip hop scenes, to his playing style with Sleep Token which he considers a blend of gospel music with that of Deftones drummer Abe Cunningham.[73]
Musically, Sleep Token have been categorised in a wide range of genres, including alternative metal,[74] post-rock/metal,[75] progressive metal,[76] indie rock/pop,[77] and djent.[78] Emma Wilkes, of Revolver, noted elements of trap and jazz. According to Mary Varvaris of The Music, "[the band fuses] heavy metal, electronica, hip-hop, and modern-day djent/progressive metal."[78] Hobson has suggested that the band has a "fluid approach to genre", claiming that they incorporate "elements of everything from tech metal and alternative to pop and R&B".[65] Similarly, John D. Buchanan of the website AllMusic has written that Sleep Token "combine post-rock, post-classical, and post-metal tropes with soulful indie pop vocals into a blend that sounds like nothing else".[79] The band's label Spinefarm Records has simply stated that "in a world of form and genre, Sleep Token cannot be confined".[80] The band have been vague about their influences, simply crediting "a plethora of artists" as inspiration;[5] early in their career, though, they did name Leprous, Agent Fresco, Bon Iver and Meshuggah as influences.[81] Commentators have also posited performers such as Deftones, Cult of Luna, Explosions in the Sky and Ólafur Arnalds as possible influences.[79][82][83]
Members
[edit]- Vessel – vocals; studio guitar, keyboards and bass[84]
- II – drums, percussion[85]
- III – touring member; bass guitar[86]
- IV – touring member; guitar, backing vocals[87]
- Espera – backing vocals (live performances)[88]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
- Sundowning (2019)
- This Place Will Become Your Tomb (2021)
- Take Me Back to Eden (2023)
References
[edit]- ^ Kennelty, Greg (20 September 2016). "Sleep Token Sweetly Lures And Brutally Bludgeons With "Thread The Needle"". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ Mike (16 December 2016). "Sleep Token "One" EP Stream". The Circle Pit. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ "Sleep Token - Hey Ya!". 28 February 2017 – via YouTube.
- ^ Ryan (22 May 2017). "Sleep Token Sign to Basick Records + Announce New EP 'Two'". Sound Fiction. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ a b c d Morton, Luke (19 May 2017). "Who and what the hell are Sleep Token?". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ "Mysterious musical collective Sleep Token release new single/video". Hold Tight. 21 June 2017. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ Corcoran, Matt (21 July 2017). "EP Review: Two – Sleep Token". Distorted Sound. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ Trenwith, Roger (28 October 2017). "Motorpsycho / Sleep Token". The Progressive Aspect. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ de Gallier, Thea (8 December 2017). "Perturbator/Hypno5e/Sleep Token at Ulu, London – live review". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ Haberfield, Rhys (9 March 2018). "Live Review: Loathe, Holding Absence & Sleep Token – Boston Music Rooms, London 08/03/2018". When the Horn Blows. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ Higgs, Matt (5 March 2019). "Sleep Token – Live Photo Gallery From Camden Rocks Festival 2018". Rock Sins. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ "Sleep Token release video for new single 'The Way That You Were'". Original Rock. 8 October 2018. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ Taysom, Joe (8 April 2021). "Record Store Day 2021: The full list of releases". Far Out. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ wookubus (21 June 2019). "Sleep Token Sign With Spinefarm, Debut "The Night Does Not Belong To God"". Theprp.com. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ a b Peacock, Tim (5 August 2019). "Sleep Token Release New Track, 'Dark Signs'; Album 'Sundowning' Due In November". uDiscoverMusic. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Shepherd, Tom (22 November 2019). "Album Review: Sleep Token – Sundowning". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Mike (13 August 2019). "Issues, Polyphia, Lil Aaron, Sleep Token – North American Tour". The Circle Pit. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Greenwood, Koltan (5 March 2020). "Slipknot cancel Asian tour, Knotfest Japan due to coronavirus concerns". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "Download Festival Will No Longer Be Taking Place This Year". Download Festival. 26 March 2020. Archived from the original on 9 April 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Skinner, Tom (12 May 2020). "Mad Cool 2020 say festival "will not happen on the current dates"". NME. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ wookubus (21 June 2020). "Sleep Token Release Deluxe Edition Of "Sundowning" With Whitney Houston & Billie Eilish Covers". Theprp.com. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Peacock, Tim (1 December 2020). "Sleep Token Announce Five Socially Distanced 'Isolation Rituals' For 2021". uDiscoverMusic. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ @Sleep_Token (9 February 2021). "As decreed by the powers that be, the scheduled Isolation Rituals in the month of March have been forbidden, and thus shall not proceed as intended. Followers shall be recompensed by their relevant vendor. Be safe and be patient. Soon begins the next chapter. Worship" (Tweet). Retrieved 29 January 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ Childers, Chad (18 June 2021). "Mysterious Band Sleep Token Unveil Creepy 'Alkaline' Video, Announce Second Album". Loudwire. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ wookubus (17 June 2021). "Sleep Token To Release New Album In September, Debut "Alkaline"". Theprp.com. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Childers, Chad (17 September 2021). "Sleep Token Deliver Brutal Introspection With New 'Fall For Me' Video". Loudwire. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "The Lathums score Number 1 debut album with How Beautiful Life Can Be". Official Charts Company. 1 October 2021. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Peaks in Scotland:
- This Place Will Become Your Tomb: "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100: 01 October 2021 – 07 October 2021". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- Take Me Back to Eden: "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100: 26 May 2023 – 1 June 2023". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
- ^ Carter, Emily (1 September 2021). "Sleep Token announce 2021 headline tour". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Hobson, Rich (7 January 2022). "New Year, New Heavy: Spiritbox, Sleep Token, Loathe and Zeal & Ardor make their Metal Hammer cover debuts". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Kondov, Pavel (13 June 2022). "Live Review: Sleep Token @ Lafayette, London". Distorted Sound. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Carter, Emily (1 February 2022). "Sleep Token and Malevolence join Architects' For Those That Wish To Exist UK tour". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Shutler, Ali (13 June 2022). "Download Festival 2022 review: metal's fearsome energy rages on the smaller stages". NME. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "Northlane Obsidian Australian Tour – June 2022". Destroy All Lines. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ DiVita, Joe (21 June 2022). "In This Moment Announce 'Blood' 10th Anniversary Tour With Nothing More, Sleep Token + Cherry Bombs". Loudwire. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ wookubus (26 September 2022). "Sleep Token Announce UK Tour With Northlane". Theprp.com. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Mack, Emmy (23 November 2022). "Sleep Token Announce 2023 Australian Tour Dates". Music Feeds. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Rogers, Jack (5 January 2023). "Sleep Token Release Gripping New Track 'Chokehold'". Rock Sound. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Peacock, Tim (6 January 2023). "Sleep Token Premiere Second New Track 'The Summoning'". uDiscoverMusic. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Rogers, Jack (19 January 2023). "Sleep Token Release Breathless New Track 'Granite'". Rock Sound. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Rogers, Jack (20 January 2023). "Sleep Token Release Stirring New Track 'Aqua Regia'". Rock Sound. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "Sleep Token Announces Third Studio Album, 'Take Me Back To Eden'". Blabbermouth. 16 February 2023. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- ^ Ingle, Alex (20 January 2023). "Sleep Token have debuted a new single, 'Aqua Regia'". Upset. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Colothan, Scott (14 March 2023). "Halestorm and Ghost among nominees for The Heavy Music Awards 2023". Planet Rock. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
- ^ Kennelty, Greg (29 November 2022). "Graspop Metal Meeting Adds 103 Bands Including Amon Amarth, Behemoth, In Flames, Pantera, Lorna Shore & Way More". Metal Injection. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
- ^ "20 more bands will reinforce the W.O.A. 2023!". Wacken Open Air. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
- ^ Richards, Will (28 February 2023). "Reading & Leeds 2023 line-up: Rina Sawayama, Sleep Token, Yard Act lead over 80 new names". NME. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
- ^ Geraghty, Hollie (2 May 2023). "Sleep Token gig disrupted by "absolutely sinister fart", moment goes viral". NME. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ Metal Hammer (2 May 2023). "Watch: A fan let off an almighty fart during a Sleep Token gig and totally killed the vibe". louder. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ "Sleep Token Concert Disrupted by Fan's Ferocious Fart". 1 May 2023. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ DiVita, Joe (1 May 2023). "Fan Rips a Big Ol' Fart During Quiet Part of Sleep Token Song + It's on Video". Loudwire. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ Shutler, Ali (4 June 2023). "Sleep Token sell out huge Wembley Arena gig in 10 minutes". NME. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
- ^ "Sleep Token unveil wild new masks". Revolver. 16 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ "The 50 best metal albums of 2023 – as voted by the readers of Metal Hammer". Metal Hammer. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ Alderslade, Merlin (8 December 2023). "Creeper's Sanguivore is Metal Hammer's album of the year". Metal Hammer. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ "30 best albums of 2023". Revolver. 4 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ "Rock Sound's Top 50 Albums of 2023". Rock Sound. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ "The 50 best albums of 2023". Kerrang!. 11 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ "The best albums of 2023". NME. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ "The best songs of 2023". NME. 4 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ a b Garner, George (14 February 2024). "RCA Records sign British alternative metal sensations Sleep Token". Music Week. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ Rigotti, Alex (14 February 2024). "Sleep Token sign new record deal with RCA". NME. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ "Heavy Music Awards 2024 Winners Revealed". Heavy Music Awards. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- ^ Grein, Paul (25 November 2024). "Zach Bryan, Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen & Sabrina Carpenter Are Top 2024 Billboard Music Awards Finalists: Full List". Billboard. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- ^ a b c Hobson, Rich (24 March 2022). "Forget Ghost – Sleep Token will be your new favourite masked metal band". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ a b Belling, Alasdair (23 September 2021). "Who the hell are Sleep Token?". Blunt Magazine. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "Hear Sleep Token's Eerie New Song "Chokehold"". Revolver. 5 January 2023. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Morin, Max (21 September 2021). "Album Review: Sleep Token This Place Will Become Your Tomb". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ a b Hobson, Rich (26 January 2023). "The 10 best Sleep Token songs". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ a b Askew, Robin (22 January 2023). "Review: Sleep Token/Northlane, O2 Academy". Bristol 24/7. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Shutler, Ali (21 May 2023). "Corey Taylor praises Sleep Token, compares them to early Slipknot". NME. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
There are hints of early, early Slipknot there... At first we were like, 'Nope. You get nothing. This is what you get, you figure it out. We'll let the music speak for ourselves'.
- ^ "Basick welcomes Sleep Token". Basick Records. Archived from the original on 5 January 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "An Offering From Drumeo | Sleep Token II". YouTube. 19 December 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ Selected sources referring to Sleep Token as alternative metal:
- Weaver, James (5 January 2023). "Sleep Token release new music video for 'Chokehold'". Distorted Sound. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- Keenan, Hesher (5 January 2023). "Sleep Token's Latest Single "Chokehold" Leaves You Gasping For Air". MetalSucks. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- "Sleep Token Surprise Release Another New Single "The Summoning"". The PRP. 5 January 2023. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- Carter, Emily (6 January 2023). "Sleep Token have just released another new single, The Summoning". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- Schaffner, Lauryn (19 January 2023). "Why Is Everyone Talking About Mystery Band Sleep Token?". Loudwire. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ Selected sources referring to Sleep Token as post-metal or ambient metal:
- Buchanan, John D. "Sleep Token Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- Trapp, Philip (21 July 2023). "Are Sleep Token a Metal Band?". Loudwire. Archived from the original on 3 March 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- Mack, Emmy (23 November 2022). "Sleep Token Announce 2023 Australian Tour Dates". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ Selected sources referring to Sleep Token as progressive metal or "tech metal":
- Hobson, Rich (24 March 2022). "Forget Ghost – Sleep Token will be your new favourite masked metal band". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- Pementel, Michael (5 January 2023). "Watch: Sleep Token Unleash Heavy And Dreamy Vibes On New song 'Chokehold'". We Are the Pit. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- Weaver, James (26 January 2023). "Live Review: Sleep Token @ Albert Hall, Manchester". Distorted Sound. Archived from the original on 26 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ Selected sources referring to Sleep Token as indie pop:
- Buchanan, John D. "Sleep Token Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- Morton, Luke (19 May 2017). "Who and what the hell are Sleep Token?". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- Spenceley, Haydon (14 October 2021). "Sleep Token: This Place Will Become Your Tomb (Spinefarm)". Under the Radar. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ a b Selected sources referring to Sleep Token as djent:
- Wilkes, Emma (15 December 2023). "20 greatest Sleep Token songs". Revolver. Archived from the original on 10 April 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- Varvaris, Mary (27 May 2023). "Sleep Token's 'Take Me Back To Eden' Debuts At #3 On The ARIA Charts". The Music. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b Buchanan, John D. "Sleep Token Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ^ "Sleep Token To Hold 5 Socially Distanced 'Isolation Rituals', Covering England And Wales, In March 2021". Spinefarm Records. 1 December 2020. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Croft, James (22 July 2017). "Introducing: Sleep Token". Distorted Sound. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ "Did Sleep Token Ripoff Deftones On New Track "Gods"?". The PRP. 27 September 2019. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Marshall, Will (24 September 2021). "Album Review: Sleep Token – This Place Will Become Your Tomb". Hardbeat. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ Owens, Henry (18 May 2023). "Sleep Token: Who Are They, And Why Doesn't It Matter?". Junkee. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ Enis, Eli (19 December 2023). "See Sleep Token drummer II's first-ever interview". Revolver. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ Dimuro, Claudia (24 January 2024). "'Nothing lasts forever': Was Sleep Token doxxed, and III's identity revealed?". The Patriot-News. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ Weller, Phil (2 May 2024). "How to sound like IV from Sleep Token". Guitar World. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ "Malevolence release 'Higher Place' feat. Espera (Sleep Token) live video!". Nuclear Blast. 30 January 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.