2023 has been a whirlwind for the enigmatic masked collective Sleep Token. Their infectious blend of pop and metal – shrouded in an aura of mystery and myth – has captivated audiences, conquered charts, made them viral on TikTok, and secured them a spot in almost all best-of lists from the specialized press. And this past Saturday night, they reached a new peak – a sold-out Wembley Arena show in London, for which tickets were gone in 10 minutes. But the night took an unexpected turn, testing both band and fans in a way that only amplified the magic.
Halfway through the set, whispers of panic rippled through the crowd. Vessel, Sleep Token‘s ever-elusive frontman, had lost his voice due to being sick. A stagehand appeared, solemnly informing the 10,000-strong audience of the unexpected twist: “He’ll stay on stage. But he’s not well, so, we’re doing the set – you guys gotta be loud, OK?”
And so, a remarkable spectacle unfolded. The crowd, armed with their voices in full roar, became the supporting act for their silent idol. They belted out lyrics, carried the chorus, and transformed the arena into a defiant choir, refusing to let Vessel‘s silence dim the night’s magic.
But Wembley wasn’t just about overcoming adversity. It was also a glimpse into a bold new chapter for Sleep Token. Band members II, III, and IV unveiled unsettling new masks (check them out below), ditching their occult aesthetic for something closer to the brutal visages of nu-metal giants like Slipknot and Mushroomhead. This dramatic transformation, accompanied by a cryptic video on their socials, promises a “new era” for the band, leaving fans eager to see what dark delights lie ahead.
