Sleep Token are an English rock band formed in London in 2016. Their music combines elements from multiple genres and incorporates thematic and narrative concepts alongside introspective lyrics. The band has released four studio albums, two extended plays, standalone singles, and cover versions.
The members perform under the pseudonyms Vessel and II, with additional touring members known as III and IV. Their identities have not been publicly disclosed. In performances and promotional material, they wear masks, robes, and body paint as part of a consistent visual presentation.
The band self-released their debut EP "One" in December 2016, following the release of the single "Thread the Needle" in September 2016. In February 2017, they released a cover version of "Hey Ya!". In May 2017, Sleep Token signed with Basick Records and released their second EP "Two" in July, preceded by the singles "Calcutta" and "Nazareth". Contemporary reviews highlighted the band’s blending of different musical styles.
In 2017, Sleep Token began performing live, including support appearances for other artists in London. In 2018, they focused primarily on live performances and released two standalone singles, "Jaws" and "The Way That You Were". These tracks were later issued together on vinyl in 2021. During this period, the band also performed at broadcast sessions and music festivals in the United Kingdom and held their first headline concert in October 2018.
In June 2019, Sleep Token signed with Spinefarm Records and released their debut studio album "Sundowning" in November. The album was promoted through a series of single releases issued at regular intervals prior to its release and received generally positive critical reception. The band supported the album with live performances in the United Kingdom and North America.
In 2020, planned live appearances were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to multiple cancellations. During this period, the band released an expanded edition of "Sundowning", which included additional piano-based tracks under the title "The Room Below", as well as cover versions of "When the Party's Over" and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)".
Sleep Token released their second studio album "This Place Will Become Your Tomb" in September 2021, following the release of the singles "Alkaline", "The Love You Want", and "Fall for Me". The album marked their first chart appearances in the United Kingdom. Promotional activities included a headline tour and additional live performances in subsequent months.
In 2022, the band continued touring, including performances at festivals and support tours with other artists. A solo performance by Vessel titled "A Ritual from the Room Below" was also presented.
In early 2023, Sleep Token released a series of singles including "Chokehold", "The Summoning", "Granite", and "Aqua Regia". These were included on their third studio album "Take Me Back to Eden", released in May 2023. The album was produced with Carl Bown, with Vessel serving as co-producer. It received widespread critical attention and achieved commercial success, including chart placements and industry awards. The band also performed at international festivals and held a sold-out headline concert at Wembley Arena in December 2023.
By early 2024, "Take Me Back to Eden" had sold over 50,000 copies in the United Kingdom. In February 2024, Sleep Token signed with RCA Records. The band also announced a graphic novel titled "Teeth of God", based on themes associated with the album. The album received further recognition through industry awards and retrospective rankings.
In 2025, Sleep Token began a promotional campaign for new material through online media and interactive content. In March 2025, they released the single "Emergence" and announced their fourth studio album "Even in Arcadia", which was released in May 2025. The single achieved chart placement in the United States. Subsequent singles included "Caramel" and "Damocles", both of which received media coverage and chart activity.
At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, "Emergence" was nominated for Best Metal Performance and "Caramel" was nominated for Best Rock Song. In December 2025, the band released an official colouring book through a UK publisher.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_Token
Studio albums
Sundowning (2019)
This Place Will Become Your Tomb (2021)
Take Me Back to Eden (2023)
Even in Arcadia (2025)
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