Sleep Token Live at the O2 Arena
The meteoric rise of Sleep Token to the top of modern metal mountain is truly astonishing. In a Year where the band toured the planet in support of their award winning album ‘Take Me Back To Eden’, they have also toured with metal behemoths Architects, supported returning nu metal legends Linkin Park and been announced as headliners for Download Festival 2025.
There is a remarkable sense of calm and triumph around the O2 as you walk into the main arena, and people are clearly incredibly excited to witness this sacred moment in time, the final date of the near two year cycle Sleep Token have been on.
There is only one minor issue about this night that should be noted. How does one open for Sleep Token? Their unique sound and blending of genres mean that going with a straight pop act would seem a little weak and bland, whilst going so aggressively the other way would seem like overkill. BILMURI are given the difficult task tonight and do their absolute best to set the tone. Johnny Franck, formerly of Attack, Attack is an engaging and earnest frontman and the band are absolutely lively and keen. It is quite a sight to witness Gabi Rose, swirling around the stage with her saxophone in hand. The combination of dance music and hardcore breakdowns work very well and Franck’s vocal performance is admirable. Try as they might though, it’s clear to see when the audience is patiently waiting for you to leave so the main event can arrive. Such is the aura of what is to come.
Never has a band held such control over its audience as Sleep Token does tonight, from the moment Vessel strides to the centre stage to sing the haunting, opening lines of ‘The night does not belong to God’. Sleep Token are as comfortable as any band can be on the big stage, oozing the charisma and confidence of those far more established than they are. The musicianship is truly outstanding and you find yourself completely enrapt in the performance. Such is the confidence of a band whose set takes you through their albums one by one. Tracks from 2019’s breakthrough ‘Sundowning’ seamlessly rolls into ‘Hypnosis’ and a monstrous performance of ‘Alkaline’ from 2021’s ‘This Place Will Become Your Tomb’, have the crowd eating from the palm of their hands.
There is something rather special about an end of tour show, not just for the crowd or the band onstage. There was a palpable feeling of joy amongst the crew as they prepared for what we are now bearing witness to. Drinks are flowing and you can tell they are truly enjoying the show as much as the audience. There are some delightful and hilarious moments that have been sprinkled into this show which even catch out those normally ‘in the know’. Full belly laughs are seen when drummer extraordinaire II casually rises up through the stage floor, sitting at Vessel’s feet at the start of ‘Chokehold’. The same can be said, when a masked crew member comes through the floor during the solo of ‘The Summoning’. Sleep Token are a band full of quirks and these merely add to the repertoire.
These humorous moments do not detract from the incredible musicianship and swagger that takes place on the stage. III and IV are exceptional and not a note is missed. When Vessel stands at the keys for ‘Rain’, amongst the gorgeous and shimmering blue lights it is truly breathtaking. You can say many things about this band but the quality of the musical performance is indisputable.
The night comes to a glorious and majestic end with a soaring rendition of ‘Euclid’. Much the way they arrived, is how they leave us. The same haunting notes and Vessel’s spectacular voice. As the band acknowledge and thank their audience, before turning to take photos for their own sacred moments in time, you get a moment to take it all in. There could be a point very soon where Sleep Token even outgrows this massive stage. Another album is surely to be in the works to go along with the crowning moment, headlining Download 2025. Donnington! Prepare to gather in Worship.
9/10