The British metal/alternative band, Sleep Token, has been grabbing the attention of rock fans throughout 2023. On May 16 of this year, they released their third studio album, Take Me Back To Eden, which has received millions of views on YouTube.
Sleep Token was first formed back in 2016. The band members prefer to remain anonymous to the public. The lead singer goes by his code name Vessel. The drummer, bassist, and guitarist go by II, III, and IV. They refrain from speaking on stage and don masks and cloaks while performing.
Their music stands out from most rock bands, as the sound incorporates aspects of progressive metal, pop, and R&B. Additionally, Vessel’s voice has a certain charm that pulls the listeners in. Today we’ll review their latest album track by track, analyzing how their unique sounds grab the ears and hearts of their fans!
1. ‘Chokehold’
The album kicks off with ‘Chokehold’. This slow-burner track sets up the expectations for the remaining album regarding its unique blend of heavy metal and techno.
The song itself is about obsession. Vessel speaks about his undying devotion to his significant other. He believes that they were solely created to be together. Vessel later discovers that his obsession is unhealthy, but he doesn’t seem to care as long as he and his partner can remain together.
2. ‘The Summoning’
‘The Summoning’ is the second track of the album and the most popular, with over 9.5 million views on YouTube.
The first four minutes of the song consist of the band’s progressive metal sound before it transitions to something similar to funk. This aspect makes the song more sensual. Much like ‘Chokehold’, the song is about obsessive over a significant other. But it is over a person that Vessel cannot have. The 4-minute section of heavy metal holds a tragic tone as Vessel laments about wanting to be with this person. The 2-minute section of funk/R&B is more lustful as he tries to entice this person into loving him.
3. ‘Granite’
‘Granite’ has hints of heavy metal toward the end, but is more rooted in R&B/pop.
The lyrics are about strength and withstanding the struggles of life. ‘Granite’ refers to the heavy weight on Vessel’s chest that he does not want to burden his peers with. But despite all his trials and tribulations, he rids himself of the burden and comes out victorious.
4. ‘Aqua Regia’
Aqua Regia, or Royal Water in Latin, is a colorless mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that have the ability to dissolve metals such as gold.
In the context of the song, the liquid is a metaphor for Vessel’s deteriorating emotional state. As he deals with his trauma and turmoil, his emotions begin to eat away at him until he is reduced to nothing. The song also speaks about using addiction and other vices to deal with his emotions. This piece stays strictly within the R&B/pop genre while maintaining its melancholic tone.
5. ‘Vore’
‘Vore’ is an intense song about the more taboo aspects of love and intimacy. It is another piece about Vessel’s obsession with the one he loves. But this time, it is to a dangerous degree. It expresses a desire to be so close to this person that he quite literally wants to devour them.
Given the intense nature of the topic, the piece is strictly rooted in heavy metal from beginning to end.
6. ‘Ascensionism’
‘Ascensionism’ is a song about longing for redemption and escaping reality. Vessel invited his significant other to participate in his spiritual rituals and various unnamed vices. They explore their deepest desires together and even find pleasure in feeling pain.
The piece starts off with a sad piano before blasting the listeners with guitar and drums. This continues back and forth to emphasize Vessel’s thoughts and emotions.
7. ‘Are You Really Okay?’
‘Are You Really Okay’ takes a calmer approach compared to the rest of the album. It takes on the genre of classic rock with a somber tone.
The lyrics pertain to mental health. Vessel checks in on his loved one who does not seem to be doing well. The friend/loved one tells Vessel that they are okay, but Vessel sees right through them. The lyrics also mention possible self-harm. As per the title, he asks them if they are actually okay and that he will be there for them when they need it. But he reminds his loved ones that he cannot solve his problems for them. The journey to healing will be hard, but Vessel at least begs his loved ones to not hurt themselves again.
8. ‘The Apparition’
‘The Apparition’ starts off calmly with sounds of pop and techno before building up into progressive rock. The sound also contains a feeling of sadness and dread.
The lyrics speak about Vessel being haunted by recurring nightmares and intense emotions. He does his best to process his emotions and move on from his troubled past. But the harder he tries, the more these feelings and nightmares follow him.
9. ‘DYWTYLM’
‘DYWTYLM’ stands for ‘Do You Wish That You Love Me’. This line poses a serious question for the one Vessel loves, asking them what their true feelings are for him. The song starts with Vessel’s individual voice with a seemingly off-beat drum. Much like ‘Are You Really Okay’, the track takes a calmer approach compared to the rest of the album and is almost upbeat. It strictly stays in the R&B/pop genre.
The main message of the song is finding love and acceptance in a significant other that does not love you back. The line ‘Do you wish that you love me’ is repeated over and over again toward the end as he desperately wants his partner to love him back.
10. ‘Rain’
‘Rain’ begins with piano before slowly transitioning into using synthesizers. Finally, it hits with intense guitar and drums to express Vessel’s emotions. The lyrics speak about finding redemption through the love of another person. Rain is used as a metaphor for transitioning into a new beginning and washing away the negativity of a toxic relationship.
11. ‘Take Me Back To Eden’
‘Take Me Back To Eden’ is the second most popular song on the album. With over 1.8 million views on YouTube, this track has attracted more attention as listeners become accustomed to the band’s style and aesthetic.
As the title suggests, the song is a biblical reference to the Garden of Eden. It expresses a desire to live in a state of innocence and perfection much like Adam and Eve did. The lyrics describe the idea of what the Garden of Eden may have looked like while fantasizing about how carefree Adam and Eve were. The song also discusses addiction and appreciation of the things we currently have.
12. ‘Euclid’
The final song of the album starts off with a chorus of autotuned voices paired with piano before blasting the listener with guitar and drums. ‘Eulid’ is another song about mental health, addiction, and mental health. The lyrics describe how the person is overwhelmed with their intense emotions. But they are able to overcome their dread and undergo a transformation.
Final Thoughts
The band stands out as far as aesthetics and the mixing of multiple genres in each song. However, many of the messages are repetitive throughout the album, which can cause the listening experience to become dull after a while. My personal favorites are ‘The Summoning’ and ‘Take Me Back To Eden’ because they have the most unique style musically and lyrically. Despite the repetitiveness, it is clear that there was a good deal of thought that went into each piece and it is still worth the listen.
Here at Mic Drop Music, we want to know your thoughts! Are you a fan of Sleep Token? What did you think of their latest album? Leave a comment below!
