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In the sphere of alternative music, we occasionally get to witness the rise of sensations, the division of opinions and the gathering of the faithful. Hand-in-hand, these three components can craft life-changing moments for us, lending to core memories that can make our hearts race in the moment, and ache once they're over.
How strange it is to feel at home in a room full of strangers, and how beautiful, too.
Sleep Token witnessed a surge of popularity thanks to the fanbase cultivated specifically in online spaces like TikTok, their music being used for trends, relatable content and creative expression. Personally, the use of The Summoning for many fan-edits of loved and important characters was my first discovery of them. As much as these kind of things brought waves of new fans to worship at their altar, it split apart a sea of opinions...
Their performance at the Co-Op solidified one thing for me that I have always believed in; no matter how you discover a band, you are one of the faithful, and we will all be brought together. Sleep Token have an unyielding and uncanny ability to bind together the souls in a room, and reach their influence into all corners of what we go to gigs for; the music, the vocals, the stage presence, the crowd.
Being stood among a sea of people with their faces upturned to the stage, the sensational light show, the commanding presences of the band and the enigmatic Espera, I felt at home, surrounded by people who, regardless of the many, many things which divide us, are bound together by one thing; they have found something within Sleep Token.
The show itself was heart-stopping. Well, not according to my watch, which alerted me that my heartbeat went over 120bpm several times through the night, but you get my point. Being a short King, I sometimes couldn't see the stage fully, but the light show that accompanied the set was captivating, and many times I found myself just gazing up at the lasers and mist as I listened, the music pounding in my veins and ears and heart.
I went through a hell of an emotional rollercoaster that night, from making new friends to throwing myself head-first into the pit (then being helped out by someone because I got trapped and have no sense of self-preservation), then crying through all of Take Me Back To Eden and Granite. I left feeling lighter and heavier, a knot in my stomach that told me I wasn't alone, and that everyone leaving that venue felt the same.
Having the privilege to witness a Ritual, with friends, in the company of others who found solace in Sleep Token is an experience that I feel has affected me profoundly, and I'll be remembering that night for some time.
Oh, and to the mother-daughter duo who I reunited and then proceeded to be the sweetest, funniest people I've ever met, you are amazing.
And to the tall guy with the Beartooth battle jacket who saved me from the pit by the scruff of my neck, I owe you a beer.
Writer: Sam Parkin
I was introduced to Sleep Token last year by our writer, Sam Parkin. Initially, I didn’t quite understand the hype surrounding them, and their sound didn’t immediately resonate with me. However, as I kept hearing their music over time, curiosity got the better of me. I decided to give their latest album, Take Me Back to Eden, a proper listen. The moment those first haunting notes from Vessel hit, I was captivated. As the album unfolded, its depth and artistry drew me in completely. Now, I can proudly say that I’m a devoted Sleep Token fan.
Attending their ritual at the Co-Op Arena in Manchester was a transformative experience. I can’t stop thinking about it—the sheer power of their sound, the stunning visuals, and the effortless way they commanded the stage. What struck me most was the organic connection with the audience. They didn’t have to ask for phone torches or lighters to create a sea of light; it just happened naturally. Hands swayed in unison without a single cue from the band. The only moment they requested crowd participation was during a track’s drop when they called for a pit to open up. That kind of unspoken synchronisation between artist and audience is rare—it’s a testament to the spell Sleep Token casts through their music and presence.
Before witnessing Sleep Token live, my all-time favorite band to see in concert was Avenged Sevenfold, especially their unforgettable 2018 performance at Download Festival. That show completely changed my perception of them, turning me from someone who didn’t enjoy their music into a hardcore fan. However, Sleep Token claimed the top spot by just the second song of their set.
Unlike A7X, who dazzled with massive stage props and pyrotechnics, Sleep Token didn’t need any of that. It was purely their sound and the seamless, commanding way they took to the stage that made the difference. Their performance was raw, immersive, and utterly captivating, proving that sometimes less is so much more.
This is why Sleep Token deserve to headline Download Festival 2025.
Writer: Scott O'Shea
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