A Diverse Gathering of Devotees
As thousands of devoted fans of Sleep Token made their way into Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on the evening of September 22, it was evident that the group’s following was incredibly varied. Among the attendees were those fully immersed in the band’s aesthetic, donning ethereal black cloaks, fishnets, lace, masks, and shimmering jewelry. One particularly dedicated fan had to step out and re-enter the metal detector multiple times, relinquishing more of her gold jewelry with each pass to the security personnel. Additionally, there were tattooed individuals in their thirties, gothic couples sporting matching black lipstick and raven-colored hair, fans dressed in formal attire who had likely come straight from work, and Gen X couples accompanied by their eager teenage offspring, all curious about the buzz surrounding the band. If I were the entity known as Sleep, I would have felt gratified by the eclectic mix of attendees gathered to celebrate in my honor.
Success on the Charts
Sleep Token’s sold-out performance at the Barclays Center was hardly surprising, given the band’s remarkable trajectory in recent years. Their previous album, “Take Me Back to Eden,” reached No. 16 on the Billboard 200 in 2023, an impressive accomplishment amidst the spotlight on hip-hop during its 50th anniversary. The group’s most recent release, “Even in Arcadia,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in May, and all ten tracks from the album found their way onto the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying the band’s status as crossover sensations.
Stories of Discovery
The diverse backgrounds of the fans were reflected in their individual stories of how they discovered Sleep Token. Following a lively opening set by Thornhill, I overheard two Worshippers sharing their experiences. One had first encountered Sleep Token at a music festival a few years prior and became an ardent follower, while the other had traveled from rural Texas just for this concert, marking his inaugural visit to New York City. After an engaging conversation, the curtain lifted, and the melodic strains of “Look to Windward” began to resonate within the venue. As the frontman, Vessel, filled the space with his powerful vocals, the seasoned fan encouraged the newcomer, saying, “Enjoy the ritual!”
An Electrifying Performance
The performance itself was nothing short of exhilarating. With the assistance of the Espera vocal trio, Sleep Token’s music effortlessly filled the arena as Vessel passionately delivered renditions of the band’s most popular tracks, including “The Offering,” “Caramel,” and “The Summoning.” The synergy between the guitars and drums created a powerful rhythm as each band member navigated the intricately designed stage, which featured rocky platforms, dazzling lasers, and even a functioning waterfall. Vessel showcased his signature dance moves, blending energetic hops and stylish poses, and even took a moment to give guitarist IV a playful back massage during a guitar solo in “The Summoning.” This lighthearted contrast between Vessel’s vibrant stage persona and the often somber themes of Sleep Token’s music served as a reminder that, beyond the mystique, they are fundamentally a solid rock band capable of delivering high-impact live performances.
A Unique Connection with Fans
Despite Vessel not addressing the audience directly or expressing gratitude as the band exited, the fans remained undeterred. Their enthusiastic vocal participation and spirited moshing during the climactic moments illustrated that the emotional resonance of the songs held deeper significance for them. In quintessential Sleep Token fashion, the band positioned itself as a mere conduit for the feelings and experiences that their music evokes in its listeners.
