Sleep token is a band with 4 members on tour, from what I'm aware of, the singer (Vessel) and drummer (II) are the only members in the writing/recording process. "Sleep Token" apparently comes from their concept of the band, with 'Sleep' being an ancient deity and their music as an offering or token. This is the reason for the cloaks, masks, cultlike appearance and their fans using the term 'Worship'
I went in blind yesterday and heard the entirety of their new album on the recommendation of someone in a discord server. And now I just need to watch other people experience this song in particular, because holy moly.
Lol came here to say that. When he said “those are blast beats… in case you didn’t know… because I know these things” I was like: “nah. Apparently you don’t.” 😅
Ya as a drummer myself those are definitely not blast beats. It's a syncopated kick pattern that the band plays simultaneously commonly referred to as a breakdown or a djenty/chuggy section for lack of better terminology. Blast beats are something different entirely, not only in the sticking pattern but also in the way they are played and how they sound with both the drums and the band as a whole.
I've watched a lot of "The Summoning" reaction videos and the constant fact is the surprise from each content creator, can't catch the time signatures or are just baffled by the flow of the piece, amazing stuff!
Vessel has stated that their anonymity is because they want the music to be the focus. And I appreciate a band that doesn't use anonymity as an aesthetic
This band deserves every bit of praise coming their way. So expertly crafted, composed, presented, just mind boggling and unique. People will TRY to emulate it and fail.
Sleep Token is so wonderfully unique. It’s like… this dark, powerful, ethereal, fluid experience with each song. I’m not gonna lie, listening to them normally puts me in a kind of sad, wistful mood, which in any other circumstance, I would not prefer, but their music has this draw on me, and I can’t seem to resist it.
Crazy to see how much Sleeptoken is blowing up with these new songs for the next album coming. Been listening to them for years now. MINE is by far my favorite song.
I feel like Sleep Token lets the instruments and other band members shine with the lead singer more than other bands with in the genre. I personally really like that the singing isn’t pushed to the forefront.
They've been syncopating the Hell out of their music with these releases, avoiding the one and playing with different emphatic placements like nobody's business. I've been a huge fan since I discovered them, and they continue to surprise and delight!
About your interesting question about the improvised solos in this style of music: It's true that this style of modern/post/whatever metal doesn't include that much improvisation as everything is often so specifically written. However, for example in this song, the drummer (II) usually plays a drum solo over the ambient section before the funky outro. These kinds of small improvisations are more common in live settings where applicable, but for the most part the musical style just doesn't lend itself that well for improvisation.
I appreciate that you talk about music in an educated manner while also keeping it easily digestible for those who may not know or understand a lot about it.
Not actually blast beats though. That was just a double bass groove. Blast beats often involve the playing of straight or triplet 16th notes between the feet and hands... the hands and feet are played at the exact same time. The time signature in this song is always in 4/4 btw. 😁
I really enjoyed this analysis from someone who isn’t actively listening to this blend of different styles. I would be incredibly interested in a reaction to Aqua Regia next. It’s more your style
Y'all really need to go down the rabbit hole and keep going this band has a hold on so many of us and you really need to look into the lore that will explain the questions y'all are asking . Each song is a beautiful sometimes heartbreaking sometimes epic sometimes will make you cry and feel things you didn't know you could feel. Sometimes you get anger and rage and other times you get everything all in one song.
This band, as well as maaaaaybe 2 or 3 other bands which I'm not gonna mention,...are GENRE BENDING GENIUSES!!!!& I have absolutely no problem with that with that
As a jazz pianist myself who loves this type of music, I honestly believe the reason that there is not as much improvisation in solos is simply because the musicians don’t specialize in improv. Not to mention, you can typically create a more conforming part when you can take the time to create it, and these types of musicians prefer to compose songs that sound good as opposed to songs that are technically impressive. But that’s just my take🤷♂️
Please, on god, you have to listen to more of their songs, I love how insightful you are, and sleep token have absolutely captured my soul for the past year ❤️
To answer your question about improv in metal, there is some in stuff like prog, and often live guitar players will improvise a little bit, but I think for the most part metal is so focused on the groove right? People want to head bang and bounce, so throwing in curveballs and unexpected stuff can take people out of that. A lot of metalheads listen to stuff for the technicality and skill, but a majority just wanna throw themselves around and go crazy so it's hard to appreciate in the moment
The time signature of the verses and guitar solo threw me off for a while too, but... it's actually ALL 4/4! The offbeat rhythms make it challenging to follow, but if you link up the first vocal line with the same line in the baby-makin' funk portion, ("I've got a river running right into you"), it's the same vocal rhythm. Go back to the first verse and you'll hear that the pattern is the same. it will give you a solid foundation to follow the 4/4 through all of the density.
I would think "Sleep Token" refers to them offering you a ticket into their world of music. They got this whole invented lore pertaining to it all. Them being a vessel for the voice of their God and whatnot.
David, you basically summed Sleep Token up in one go here. powerful, intense, beautiful and dark. Also PLEASE DO TAKE ME BACK TO EDEN track off their new album
Love seeing your reaction to this one! I think you'd absolutely love their other new singles, namely Aqua Regia. You'll totally dig that one and hope to see your take on it soon! Granite and Chokehold are also killer. Aside from Sleep Token, I'd love to see you dig into SHREZZERS! Start with their song Mystery and enjoy the journey from there. Keep it up sir!
First off the whole video is great, great in depth reaction. I've gotta correct you though those aren't called blast beats in that breakdown, just straight "rock beat" with a kick pattern underneath. Maybe just the mix that threw off what you were hearing or something
Sleep Token. And Pain of Salvation. You’ve certainly got my attention now. These fellas absolutely killing it. My daughter has been lucky enough to see them three times live now. We both love them. In the studio it’s just two guys. The drummer, two and the singer, Vessel. Vessel plays everything apart from the drums. Live they’re augmented with guitar bass and three backing singers. Epic
They have names tho: Vessel (I) - the singer Vessel II - the drummer Vessel III - the bassist Vessel IV - the guitarist You can refer to them by their numbers. The more you know.
hmmm. the way you ignite through each thing you hear is a very "played by ear" type feel. you hear each key, and its a feeling. thats how i learned guitar. so wonderful to watch the gears turn. thanks buddy. you should think about putting that knowledge to either paper, or teaching... if you dont already. great channel man, thank you.
Another great reaction! To your point of improv solos, I'd say that's more of an experimental/prog genre-type thing to do. While Sleep Token is prog/metalcore/other (possibly experimental), it's just really not something done too often, as you said. If you're interested in some improv-style solos, I'd go with: The Mars Volta (songs like Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of), Cicatriz Esp, Tetragrammaton (~17 min song)) The Fall of Troy (songs like Rockstar Nailbomb!, Reassurance Rests in the Sea) TMV and TFOT are definitely proggy. Just thought I'd give some recommendations that might suit what you're talking about! :)
Vessel’s voice is my favorite ♥️ the drummer they call him II (vessel #2) he’s a beast and always kicks ass. My favorite song by them is the offering. Totally shows off both of their talents in that one ♥️
I believe that you would like granite and like someone else said aqua regia cuz it's jazzy and a couple of my personal faves that I would like you to check out are Calcutta and sugar.
Oh noooooooooooo. @5:10 those aren't blast beats. Just a bunch of 16th notes on the bass drum. Blast beats would be constant on the bass, cymbal, and snare all at the same time
The singer goes by "Vessel". They have stated as a band they did not really want their identities and any names labeled to them because they want to be appreciated for their music. The identity of the singer has been made, I wont state it here out of respect for the musicians wishes. If people want to look it up that's up to them. I do mention him however simply for the fact you can look up his older stuff in another group and hear the progression of his singing chops which is really cool. "Sleep" was the name in which they gave to the "entity" in which they worship, hence the whole masks, symbols etc. I thought it was a cute play on words cause I sure as hell worship sleep too! haha. Knowing that, I think their band name then makes sense.
Yeah it isnt hard to find the singer. I know who the drummer and guitarist are as well (never figured out the bassist), but sometimes the mystery is more fun. It doesnt really matter as long as the music is this good.
Love this song!! It’s not a new song but it’s my fave and it did win a Grammy. Please listen to “Cirice” by Ghost. (The music video is fun too) 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I'm gonna need your reaction to something that Erra has released. Nigh to silence, gungrave, pull from the ghost... Something. It'd be amazing to hear your input.
"Aqua Regia" would be the one from the new releases you'd like best. You being a jazz dude would love it.
I can't wait to see him take a look at Aqua Regia!
Yes! he would definetly love that one. Took the words right out of my fingers.
I second that!
It also caused me to get "Cinema" stuck in my head again. I thought I was finally free
I 3rd that, he will love it
Sleep token is a band with 4 members on tour, from what I'm aware of, the singer (Vessel) and drummer (II) are the only members in the writing/recording process. "Sleep Token" apparently comes from their concept of the band, with 'Sleep' being an ancient deity and their music as an offering or token. This is the reason for the cloaks, masks, cultlike appearance and their fans using the term 'Worship'
There's 7 of them on tour: bass, guitar, drums, vessel, and three backing vocalists
The guitarist also does harsh vocals live
@@PatrickMullenDrums yea I just noticed that after watching a video of the summoning live and was a lil shocked but it's really cool
…offering???
@@OffLeatherWings Yes. "This is a giving, an offering
In your favour, a sacrifice in your name..."
Worship!
"a gumbo of melody, power, punch and darkness, all at the same time" is the best description of sleep token I've ever heard
I was literally just thinking about sleep token as a gumbo the other day LMAO
it's a cosmic gumbo
My only complaint is that I can't re-experience Sleep Token for the first time again. They're incredibly talented.
I went in blind yesterday and heard the entirety of their new album on the recommendation of someone in a discord server. And now I just need to watch other people experience this song in particular, because holy moly.
To be completely honest, I didn't love this song when I FIRST heard it. The more I listened, the more I loved it.
There aren't any blast beats in The Summoning.
It's just an interesting double kick pattern with a solid back beat
Lol came here to say that. When he said “those are blast beats… in case you didn’t know… because I know these things” I was like: “nah. Apparently you don’t.” 😅
Ya as a drummer myself those are definitely not blast beats. It's a syncopated kick pattern that the band plays simultaneously commonly referred to as a breakdown or a djenty/chuggy section for lack of better terminology. Blast beats are something different entirely, not only in the sticking pattern but also in the way they are played and how they sound with both the drums and the band as a whole.
Broooo... Was thinking the same thing. I love it lol
@@muze666 triggers are irrelevant to this discussion
It triggered me when he called them
blast beats lol
I've watched a lot of "The Summoning" reaction videos and the constant fact is the surprise from each content creator, can't catch the time signatures or are just baffled by the flow of the piece, amazing stuff!
Vessel has stated that their anonymity is because they want the music to be the focus. And I appreciate a band that doesn't use anonymity as an aesthetic
Lily's vocals are so good!
For real
Look at little Lily go
@@brandibilliot6912 shhh
Who the heck is Lilly
lol
@@brandibilliot6912 slap on the hand for you
You will LOVE their latest one "Aqua Regia"! Includes piano! :D
There's a prominence of piano in that song that he will LOVE for sure.
I just discovered this band YESTERDAY. I’m already obsessed
That's exactly what happened with me too!
Welcome to the rabbit hole.
I really like the way Vessel plays the keys over the heavy sections. It just adds another dynamic to their sound. I love this band. Thanks.
You're welcome
This band deserves every bit of praise coming their way. So expertly crafted, composed, presented, just mind boggling and unique. People will TRY to emulate it and fail.
Fr sleep token the most OP 🙌
Sleep Token is so wonderfully unique. It’s like… this dark, powerful, ethereal, fluid experience with each song. I’m not gonna lie, listening to them normally puts me in a kind of sad, wistful mood, which in any other circumstance, I would not prefer, but their music has this draw on me, and I can’t seem to resist it.
Well put! I just discovered them about a week ago, and I don’t remember the last time a band drew me in like this.
Crazy to see how much Sleeptoken is blowing up with these new songs for the next album coming. Been listening to them for years now. MINE is by far my favorite song.
They jumped from 300k monthly listeners on Spotify, to more than 1.5 million from these 4 tracks alone, it's insane.
@Carmalarms oh yea ive been listening since they had a out 15k and to see that they are about to break 2m is insane to me
Same!
Please do more Sleep Token! They have three other singles they released around the same time as this one!
One thing i have learned from hearing these guys, the choruses are always huge and beautifully done.
I feel like Sleep Token lets the instruments and other band members shine with the lead singer more than other bands with in the genre. I personally really like that the singing isn’t pushed to the forefront.
Them and Leprous, they're both fab bands when it comes to exactly that.
They've been syncopating the Hell out of their music with these releases, avoiding the one and playing with different emphatic placements like nobody's business. I've been a huge fan since I discovered them, and they continue to surprise and delight!
Such a great track. The funky part is absolutely beautiful, my favorite part of this song
Sleep token is the most true to form, a band that has quite literally something for everybody if you delve into their discography
Nicely put. I’ve been a fan since Jericho back in 2018. So unique
I love your enthusiasm when you react to songs, you get so enveloped in it, I can feel that energy!
About your interesting question about the improvised solos in this style of music: It's true that this style of modern/post/whatever metal doesn't include that much improvisation as everything is often so specifically written. However, for example in this song, the drummer (II) usually plays a drum solo over the ambient section before the funky outro. These kinds of small improvisations are more common in live settings where applicable, but for the most part the musical style just doesn't lend itself that well for improvisation.
I appreciate that you talk about music in an educated manner while also keeping it easily digestible for those who may not know or understand a lot about it.
Not actually blast beats though. That was just a double bass groove. Blast beats often involve the playing of straight or triplet 16th notes between the feet and hands... the hands and feet are played at the exact same time.
The time signature in this song is always in 4/4 btw. 😁
Is it really always 4/4? Wow I thought it was odmetered?
If you can/don't mind can you please explain how this is?
Oh is it just their syncopation making it sound like that odmetered feel?
I always look forward to your reactions! You understand and communicate music so well!
I love jazz and I also love metal. I absolutely love Sleep Token
I would love to see you do Aqua Regia from Sleep Token!
I didn’t know how exciting it would be to witness someone experience this masterpiece for the first time.
No blast beats in this song. lol love you still bro!
I really enjoyed this analysis from someone who isn’t actively listening to this blend of different styles. I would be incredibly interested in a reaction to Aqua Regia next. It’s more your style
Y'all really need to go down the rabbit hole and keep going this band has a hold on so many of us and you really need to look into the lore that will explain the questions y'all are asking . Each song is a beautiful sometimes heartbreaking sometimes epic sometimes will make you cry and feel things you didn't know you could feel. Sometimes you get anger and rage and other times you get everything all in one song.
Lily is clearly the vocalist.
This band, as well as maaaaaybe 2 or 3 other bands which I'm not gonna mention,...are GENRE BENDING GENIUSES!!!!& I have absolutely no problem with that with that
Worship!
You have to do Aqua Regia by sleep token next. It’s got some beautiful piano.
As a jazz pianist myself who loves this type of music, I honestly believe the reason that there is not as much improvisation in solos is simply because the musicians don’t specialize in improv. Not to mention, you can typically create a more conforming part when you can take the time to create it, and these types of musicians prefer to compose songs that sound good as opposed to songs that are technically impressive. But that’s just my take🤷♂️
Yesss, so glad you checked this out. Wicked song.
Also Aqua Regia by sleep token like everyone else is saying.
Great vid!
Please, on god, you have to listen to more of their songs, I love how insightful you are, and sleep token have absolutely captured my soul for the past year ❤️
Finally!!!!!
Someone who clearly knows what's going on from a sound standpoint
Fantano couldn't even if getting his hair back depended on it
Love or hate Sleep Token, you need to acknowledge that Vessel got a beautiful tone and ii is an amazing drummer.
Them being anonymous honestly adds to their creativity. Makes them seem inhuman which is cool.
Super cool
To answer your question about improv in metal, there is some in stuff like prog, and often live guitar players will improvise a little bit, but I think for the most part metal is so focused on the groove right? People want to head bang and bounce, so throwing in curveballs and unexpected stuff can take people out of that. A lot of metalheads listen to stuff for the technicality and skill, but a majority just wanna throw themselves around and go crazy so it's hard to appreciate in the moment
The time signature of the verses and guitar solo threw me off for a while too, but... it's actually ALL 4/4! The offbeat rhythms make it challenging to follow, but if you link up the first vocal line with the same line in the baby-makin' funk portion, ("I've got a river running right into you"), it's the same vocal rhythm. Go back to the first verse and you'll hear that the pattern is the same. it will give you a solid foundation to follow the 4/4 through all of the density.
David: Name that song.
My ADHD brain: "Evenflooooow. Thoughts arrive like butterflies!"
I fucking love your keys and the notes you add. It honestly adds to it
I would think "Sleep Token" refers to them offering you a ticket into their world of music. They got this whole invented lore pertaining to it all. Them being a vessel for the voice of their God and whatnot.
The Summoning is in 4/4, and they occasionally switch to half time, especially at the end.
Great point! The mix is freaking INSANE!
You need to check out “alkaline, an offering from 2”. INCREDIBLE DRUM WORK. Flawless at the very least
David, you basically summed Sleep Token up in one go here. powerful, intense, beautiful and dark.
Also PLEASE DO TAKE ME BACK TO EDEN track off their new album
sleep token transcends genre
Love seeing your reaction to this one! I think you'd absolutely love their other new singles, namely Aqua Regia. You'll totally dig that one and hope to see your take on it soon! Granite and Chokehold are also killer.
Aside from Sleep Token, I'd love to see you dig into SHREZZERS! Start with their song Mystery and enjoy the journey from there.
Keep it up sir!
First off the whole video is great, great in depth reaction. I've gotta correct you though those aren't called blast beats in that breakdown, just straight "rock beat" with a kick pattern underneath. Maybe just the mix that threw off what you were hearing or something
I was not expecting but was pleasantly surprised by a little even flow 😊
Sleep token is art the genre of music is yes
being a piano guy atlantic would be a good one from them
Thank you! Was waiting for your analysis
never felt so valid to subconsciously recognize a tune as this intro
Also from what I’ve learned, Vessel (the singer) was visited in a dream to create the band. I can’t remember much else from their lore.
Sleep Token. And Pain of Salvation. You’ve certainly got my attention now. These fellas absolutely killing it. My daughter has been lucky enough to see them three times live now. We both love them.
In the studio it’s just two guys. The drummer, two and the singer, Vessel. Vessel plays everything apart from the drums. Live they’re augmented with guitar bass and three backing singers. Epic
Hope to see you react to some of the new songs like Aqua Regia and Granite. Would also love to see a 5 BY for Sleep Token!
It's weird, but Vessel's vocals occasionally remind me of John Legend's vocals on Magnetic Man's "Getting Nowhere"
you will absolutely LOVE Sleep Token's new song Aqua Regia!
Bro that's the first time I watch a vid of him. He is like the funny guy with good humour
Dude hearing you play piano along with it is cool as fuck. I could listen to a whole video of that!
They have names tho:
Vessel (I) - the singer
Vessel II - the drummer
Vessel III - the bassist
Vessel IV - the guitarist
You can refer to them by their numbers. The more you know.
vessel 1 is really vessel emeritus. I'll show myself out.
@@chrisstone-streetlightinte5629 lol, indeed, maybe they are also Scooby Doo chase music enthusiasts
@@deadalonethe1 This could get me killed, but I've been to Vessel's place and he has a Square Hammer.
@@deadalonethe1 They do be dancin' macabre
FINALLY!! I’VE BEEN LIKE SOMEONE ALERT THIS DAVID OF NEW SLEEP TOKEN!! Also just go listen to all of the new singles. You’ll love them all!
We’re here to react to you reacting. 😂
I just adoreeeeeeee sleep token, make me feel some way no other band has
I hope you react to older Sleep Token tracks as well.
By now you clearly see the talent. LOL
freakin vibed with it a super lot. epic energy. Can’t stop listening to this! 🤘
hmmm. the way you ignite through each thing you hear is a very "played by ear" type feel. you hear each key, and its a feeling. thats how i learned guitar. so wonderful to watch the gears turn. thanks buddy. you should think about putting that knowledge to either paper, or teaching... if you dont already. great channel man, thank you.
Another great reaction! To your point of improv solos, I'd say that's more of an experimental/prog genre-type thing to do. While Sleep Token is prog/metalcore/other (possibly experimental), it's just really not something done too often, as you said. If you're interested in some improv-style solos, I'd go with:
The Mars Volta (songs like Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of), Cicatriz Esp, Tetragrammaton (~17 min song))
The Fall of Troy (songs like Rockstar Nailbomb!, Reassurance Rests in the Sea)
TMV and TFOT are definitely proggy. Just thought I'd give some recommendations that might suit what you're talking about! :)
Your energy feels a little different than I remember watching you a long time ago. Hope you're not too burnt out haha. Anyways I enjoy watching bro.
Drummer is an absolute unit
I’ve been waiting for this!! So excited 😆
Vessel’s voice is my favorite ♥️ the drummer they call him II (vessel #2) he’s a beast and always kicks ass. My favorite song by them is the offering. Totally shows off both of their talents in that one ♥️
It's not vessel #2 it's just ll
@@josephindorf759 respectfully, that is what I said. They call him II
No one from London is called Chet or Chuck FYI.
Also the only similarity in voice to Vessel I've managed to make is the singer from Biffy Clyro
i like to think of this song as the modern version of bohemian rapsody
Even Flow!
This review is sick! Excellent. Yes…there is a lot going on here..loved it!
Even Flow love it. Sleep token is one of my favorites right now
I believe that you would like granite and like someone else said aqua regia cuz it's jazzy and a couple of my personal faves that I would like you to check out are Calcutta and sugar.
Even Flowwww one of my favorite Pearl Jam songs but Black is my favorite song and also love the reaction The Summoning is what got me into them.
Finally 😍 been waiting for your reaction
Aqua Regia will be a fantastic one for you it's all jazz for the most part
"Those are called blast beats"
Dammit David 😂😂
more like double paddle triplets..those werent blast beats
Not a blast beat to be found in this song.
@@kylehoskinson6901thank god for that.
You should check out Sleep Token and Loathe collab of “Is it really you?” Absolutely beautiful song, and i know you would love it
+ 1. two of the best bands in the genre at the moment, was such a blessing to see their rendition of an already gorgeous track.
Oh noooooooooooo. @5:10 those aren't blast beats. Just a bunch of 16th notes on the bass drum. Blast beats would be constant on the bass, cymbal, and snare all at the same time
The singer goes by "Vessel". They have stated as a band they did not really want their identities and any names labeled to them because they want to be appreciated for their music. The identity of the singer has been made, I wont state it here out of respect for the musicians wishes. If people want to look it up that's up to them. I do mention him however simply for the fact you can look up his older stuff in another group and hear the progression of his singing chops which is really cool. "Sleep" was the name in which they gave to the "entity" in which they worship, hence the whole masks, symbols etc. I thought it was a cute play on words cause I sure as hell worship sleep too! haha. Knowing that, I think their band name then makes sense.
Yeah it isnt hard to find the singer. I know who the drummer and guitarist are as well (never figured out the bassist), but sometimes the mystery is more fun. It doesnt really matter as long as the music is this good.
@@LeatherDaddy97 Same and yes, the music is whats important 100%
5:22 no those are not blastbeats
also the whole song is in 4/4 like no question
Love this song!!
It’s not a new song but it’s my fave and it did win a Grammy. Please listen to “Cirice” by Ghost. (The music video is fun too) 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
5:21 was actually not a blast beat lmao
it shouldnt have effected me as much as it did
Lmaooo I was just about to say this
Aqua Regia. 100% up your alley
Would love to hear your take on Aqua Regia. Very jazzy
I stumbled upon Sleep Token only recently. And I LOVE THEM ... The singer goes by Vessel
I'm gonna need your reaction to something that Erra has released. Nigh to silence, gungrave, pull from the ghost... Something. It'd be amazing to hear your input.
Glad you're back!
Only watched 2 vids, your humour is right on my level. Subbed 👌🏻
EVEEEN FLOOOW
Thoughts arrive like butterflieeees
I like the part when you play along with at 11:25