“Life is dark. Life is bright. Life is ugly. Life is beautiful. Don’t get lost in genres, they’ll only disorientate you. Music is for everyone.” - Vessel 2017
This quote is such a representation of what this band is. Somewhat introspective but somewhat vague at the same time. When a commentator with influence uses this approach, especially ones that bring politics into it, it's 100% word salad. In a musical context, it works though. Or it doesn't. Who knows. I'll never get what this band is going for and I don't need to. I just keep coming back. It's an introspective vagueness.
The people reacting may not know it, but this is what the "Worship" is all about. The music and what it makes you feel. Seeing other people understand why it speaks to us helps lend truth to the feeling ST fans have. It is and should be a kind of "Worship". They are anonymous for a reason, in the video for "Fall For Me" there is a text line " So For Now Let Me Serve As A Living Drama of Your Pain" and to me that has always encapsulated what this band is. But that is achieved so much better here because it isn't Artist X who we see living in a certain way, that most people can't empathize with, telling us about their pain; It is a person and that's all and Vessel is just that, a nameless faceless person trying to express a common human experience. Coming together as fans to acknowledge this pain, these trials, and the growth that comes after as a universal and crucial part of life worth expressing is what Worship is. The night does not belong to god, and you do not need a god to engage in Worship with your fellow people.
100% honest-when Sleep Token dropped their first song (jaws, I believe it was) I was literally days away from ending it. Had my affairs in order, a note written, and a noose tied and then I heard that song and for the first time in my life, I felt my soul being recognized and I knew I had to be alive to hear more. As cliché as it is, these songs sincerely saved my life.
Classifying Sleep Token as anything other than just “Music” is a crime. I’ve never seen a band touch so many people psychologically and emotionally. It’s what I imagine pure music to be
The ending scream is one of my favorite vocal deliveries I’ve ever heard. You can hear the pleading and wanting throughout the song to be returned to where he was or who he was with but that scream is beyond demanding beyond telling you. It’s a force. This album is the human condition. It’s suffering through story telling man is it beautiful. Thank God for Music and Thank God for Sleep Token.
Also, in the beginning he says "I WILL travel far beyond the path of reason" and the breakdown starts with "I HAVE traveled far beyond the path of reason" like he did something he's enraged about that he didn't want to do.
"We dive through crystal waters, perfect oceans, but no one told me not to breathe. And the weightlessness recedes." May very well be one of my favorite lyrics of all time. It makes me think of an unprepared child transitioning from the innocence of childhood (eden) to adulthood. Beautiful.
@@xsourdieze1 It’s crazy because obviously the band uses a lot of theatrics, but when Vessel loses his mind during a breakdown it feels raw. You can’t choreograph that lol it’s just like pure emotion like he can’t contain himself.
My favorite parts of this song are “My, my, those eyes like fire, I’m a winged insect, you’re a funeral pyre” and “I guess it goes to show, does it not, that we’ve no idea what we got until we lose it. No amount of love will keep it around if we don’t choose it.” To me this song was written by someone who loved someone deeply and ended up getting hurt. That is something I can relate to a lot and I think that the use of his metaphor and the way it’s worded in the chorus is absolutely genius and brand new. Sleep Token never ceases to amaze me with their lyricism and the ability to switch up their style in ONE song the way they’ve done with this as well as The Summoning. It’s one reason I absolutely fell in love with them.
The fact that the Summoning was the song that absolutely blew my mind…. And that it’s not even my favourite song on the album is what blows me away. This album is the first album in years that has me shook in the best possible way. Love them so much and very happy to be alive to witness it. ❤
Here's a fun fact that might further blow your mind if you hadn't noticed already: when the key change happens in ...Eden ("I guess it goes to show, does it not?"), you can hear the same chime/bell sample that was used in the very beginning of The Summoning. Not only that, but the synth from Jaws and High Water can be heard in the background shortly after he begins singing!
I just love the way Sleep Token let their songs "breathe". The space they allow in their compositions, which suck you in before taking you somewhere totally unexpected.
Seeing the hate comments across, "This is a mess, this makes me scared for the future of metal, Imangine Dragon's 2.0". It is ridiculous. Sleep Token is a combination of musical inspiration over the past 30 years. Sure, not for everyone, but it's such a breath of fresh air in the music scene.
You know, there are a lot of reactors that do reactions just because it's trending and to get views. And it shows. This guy is not one of those. He's a real musician who understands and absolutely gets Sleep Token. He feels the music just like we do. Not for views or to gain followers but because the music resonates with him. It's very refreshing to see. Thank you. ❤️❤️
the sneaky key changes right???? they are so smoooth you almost don't notice unless you are listening critically... usually artists lean into and accentuate key changes... it's the gimmick of the song sometime... they sneak it in under the radar like a musical pick pocket.... as dynamic and huge as their sound is they maintain these moments of beautiful subtlety... I love this band....
i love seeing reactors come out of comfort zones in videos and get excited over the craft these artists create. shows you truly enjoy music in its deepest form and i appreciate it so much
Ugh... this reaction brought me to tears. First off, I love your energy and your playalongs are amazing! As a huge Sleep Token fan, I think my first appreciation of the band was hearing the emotion brought with every song I heard. It was refreshing to hear something outside of the box but with detailed control and intention. There isn't one song where I don't FEEL what Vessel is trying to share with us. Then the quality of the musicianship and expression of art through sound just permeates your being! I honestly believe there is a Sleep Token song for just about any emotion you're feeling at that present moment. From everything that ii plays, to Vessel's key playing, and the Power that III and IV drive out, it really is a force that just grabs you into their space and doesn't let go. I LOVE how you can't put them in a box. The genre is Sleep Token, a melting pot of styles, technicality, and art brought together by soul to express human emotion. Some people won't get it, and that's cool. But for me, this band has forever amalgamated itself to my walk through life. Worship! I'd love to see what you think of the last track, Euclid. It ties everything back to their Sundowning album.
Controlled, experimental chaos. Post-genre beauty. It’s 1) amazing to hear for the first time because you never really know where it’s going to go next, and 2) amazing to listen to repeatedly because the complexity of the lyrics is captivating. Love it.
This is post-genre at its finest. Everything working to amplify the whole song experience regardless of genre tropes. And that's one of the reasons why ST is so big rn, love them so much
I swear when you start playing along you add so much to it I love to hear it. You have me goosebumps with the little stuff you were adding in at like 12:50 in. It’s so tasty!
This is, hands down, the best reaction I have see to Take Me Back to Eden, thank you! Sleep Token does not belong to a genre they just make great music. Vessel and II (the drummer), are the perfect songwriting duo, there would not be Sleep Token without one of them.
The fact that your channel isn’t getting 100,000 views a video is criminal. You’re one of the few people in reactions who speaks with a deep understanding of what you’re hearing. Not just a 😮 reactor👏🏼 big fan
This album is probably the album of my year if not more. the storytelling is absolute poetry. I love Metal, trap/hiphop, classical, etc. I can't give you a genre. It's just Sleep Token. They blend and bend genres together perfectly. Your piano ability is exceptional, do you teach? thank you for the content!
i fell in love with this band so fast it is ridiculous, the sound, the voice. Just everything, it is just something beautiful, you feel it all. I havent felt this way about music in a while. Truly a work of fucking art. Im just glad to be alive during this time and hear this beauty.
I saw sleep token live recently and I was absolutely blown away by the drummer! He does this really amazing drum solo during the slow part of the summoning which I can’t recommend enough everyone goes and listens to. Great band!
Your first sleep token reaction (Jaws) is the whole reason I got into sleep token when I did! I am so happy to see you reacting to them more. This album came full circle for me. Some of the most impactful music I’ve ever heard
I fucking love how they just drop you on your head with these break downs. The summoning did it to me first then this song did it to me completely unexpectedly and I just adore it.
You ABSOLUTELY would not regret doing a full album review guys. It's phenomenal stop to finish, and as a musician you will absolutely appreciate the journey ❤️
I still haven't quite figured out whether this is my favourite Sleep Token song, although it's definitely in the mix for the title, but what I've absolutely no doubt of is that it is the MOST Sleep Token song. Everything they are, all of their identity, is contained within this staggeringly powerful track. GOD I love it. And you're not wrong about the drumming, it's outrageous
I think this is my favorite lyrically. This is the one that drew me on with the chorus. The metaphor moth drawn to flame is old hat. But he breathed life and pain to it in such an incredible way. My English Lit degree ass went WGHGGGWWWaaat?! Absolutely gorgeous lyrics
I heard someone describe their songs as Trauma Influenced. When I look at this album, It comes off as being about a "Rebound Hookup" in a toxic relationship. Listening to this from the lens of a traumatic thing like that, The lyrics reflect the main characters belief that they'll return to the "Good Times and Feelings", or Eden. It's why it starts ambient, then the second major verse is grittier reality, and the tail end is coming to terms that it's not happening and angrily demanding to return. All the song movements in most of the pieces on the album can be viewed is the psychological state of the protagonist speaking as the subject progresses. It's legitimately genius.
Euclid is the nest song and one of the most beautiful songs I've heard. Though there is some context that is needed to get the full value out of the song, I think it is still a great one for you to react to.
Thanks for the great reaction! I love ST, for many of the same reasons you do, as well as all great music regardless of labels and genres. Surprised I haven't read this anywhere, but who they really remind me, in terms of song structure/approach is the band Porcupine Tree. They both know how to craft songs with immense emotion, change gears mid song sonically and often surprisingly. They're both unpredictable. They both love pop, and that reflects in their music. They both love jazz, metal, and are masters of infinite combinations. They both use soundscapes like scoring a film.They both know that to make things impactful, that music needs to breathe, swell up and down, and sometimes resolve in unexpected ways. Finally, both drummers are total masters of their craft and have very similar approaches. You mentioned Steve Gadd, whom Gavin Harrison (of Porcupine Tree) says is his biggest influence. Cheers and looking forward to your next reaction!
This is an excellent comparison. I'm not terribly familiar with Porcupine Tree but I absolutely know Gavin Harrison. There's definitely some Gavin Harrison in II's playing. Sounds like I need to give Porcupine Tree a few listens.
Finally, someone else who sees the parallel with Porcupine Tree. ST are way heavier, but PT were doing jazz/funk/psychedelic/trance/rock/metal crossover 20-30 years ago. I think ST, PT and Tool all have that common thread of crossing genres with intensity and incredible musicianship.
@UnXplainable1 thanks and I'd suggest anesthetize (live), Cheating the Polygraph, Arriving Somewhere But Not Here and Harridan. You're right, both II and Gavin Harrison like to mess with things and make 4/4 sound like some wild time signature. Cheers
@Ian Tullie bang on brother. Vessel's vocals are also in another league compared to SW, but both styles serves their songs. Tool definitely belong in this conversation.
@@NorthLight68 Agreed, SW definitely doesn't have vocal the power or versatility of Vessel. Bringing in Ninet Tayeb for some of his solo stuff helped fix that.
@@ColieBear18even if you don’t know much, once you start to follow his drum lines through the songs you’ll start to hear how different they are from what you expect and how unique they are compared to others. He comes in heavy, but pulls back when the music composition needs. He frequently add flares and off beats. Watching him play, he is so relaxed and flexible even during the fastest beats. Sooo good.
I have to suggest that you listen to this whole album in its entirety. It's a journey, to say the ABSOLUTE least. I've never been transported like I am with this album. Never. And I've also never had an album with SO many different, unique sounds/genres sound so cohesive... it's potentially one of my favorite albums of all time, and I've had a real passion for music for 30 years... This is an album of the year contender, as far as I'm concerned. And I know you asked what genre Sleep Token falls into... I do agree that it doesn't matter, but if I REALLY was forced to, I'd call them Prog Metal, but it doesn't feel good to be so limiting in my description of this band. Haha.
Definitely agree with this! I don't suppose you've listened to either the Dark Pool or Heroine album from Thornhill? Because I would highly recommend a sit down and listen to both of the full albums
I'm a 57 year old guitarist that felt had lost the joy for music. This band transcends music. I cry, I dance, I head bang... I have hope again. This challenges me musically, intellectually and emotionally. I don't think a band has ever made me feel like this. Your comments are spot on. I love it. thank you.
Man the way you play around with the progressions makes me really want a full piano cover of a sleep token song from you. Love watching you react, thanks for indulging us with your musical wisdom!
The part at 13:25 where you started playing really moved me to tears. I just really felt this in my heart. Thank you for these reactions. You're really moving me with your deep understanding of emotion and music. ♥️
best part of the reaction is at 14:41 …. when he discovers the piano piece and begins to dissect it with ease but remains surprised for every new discovery he finds ❤
Their songs just make me feel im healing from something i didnt even know was hurting me. Thank you for this reaction always love your sleep token reactions❤
LeftyLoosy out here doing the Lords work and spreading the word of sleep token edit: If I had to put a word to their style, it would be post-metal, implementing sounds and textures from all sorts of different genres over relatively typical metal structures, since most of their stuff is generally based around metal. But, to your other point, I don't think it matters at all. I think we as a musical society is beginning to move away from the arbitrary borders of genre. They've joined the rare sect of bands that can not only be genreless, but do it to the absolute highest degree.
commenting again to add my own interpretation of this song after having listened to it many times, i think it might be my favorite from the album. when the song begins, we start out in eden. you hear the birds, the animal sounds. it's very ethereal. some lyrics that stick out to me: bite through these wires, i'm a waking hell, reset my patient violence, grow back your sharpest teeth, i will travel far beyond the path of reason, take me back to eden. to me these all feel violent. biting THROUGH wires, bloody and painful. i'm a waking hell and the gods grow tired, a WAKING hell. that's like someone so violent and ruthless that even the GODS are tired of it. but, reset my patient violence. his violence is patient. he knows how to bide his time. or maybe he is trying to hold it back. grow back your sharpest teeth. maybe the teeth were worn down from biting through the wires, he's saying okay, time to grow them back now, we have more to do. i will travel far beyond the past of reason. this ties back to the "i'm a waking hell" lyric for me because it's like he's so furious that he cant see reason anymore. take me back to eden. he wants to go back to bliss. to a time when he didn't have these feelings? possibly. to when things were better. this is all from the first chorus where we get that first escalation musically. if you listen closely you can hear a really deep growl in the background right before the chorus. lyrics from the second section that stick out to me: spit blood when i wake up, choking up brain matter, room feels like a meat freezer i dangle in it like cold cuts, i'll take a pound of your flesh, i need you to see me for what i have become. all of these feel directly violent, where as the first set of lyrics seem to allude to violence, these outright describe it. choking up brain matter, spitting blood in the sink. i immediately get that visualization of bright red blood in a stark white porcelain sink. the meat freezer lyric feels to me like he's saying he feels like a corpse hanging there. i'll take a pound of your flesh, again directly threatening violence. i need you to see me for what i have become. this tells me that he's given in to some of his violent tendencies. he was trying to hold back and he gave in. then we have the second chorus which feels more sped up musically than the first and has more of the beat from the previous verse backing it. to me this is like a second acceleration. these quiet interludes feel like him trying to keep his control. it's a breather. lyrics from the following verse that stick out to me: no amount of love will keep it around unless we choose it, i don't know what's got its teeth in me but i'm about to bite back in anger. no amount of self-sought fury will bring back the glory of innocence. in that first lyric i mentioned he just said before that we don't know what we've got until we lose it. i think he could be talking about a partner or possibly himself. then he says no amount of love will keep it around if we don't choose it. i love that lyric because it rings so true. if you're not prioritizing the things you love then you aren't choosing them, and your love won't be enough to keep it. i don't know what's got its teeth in me. something has taken hold of him. possibly these feelings of anger and violence we've seen previously. he's about to bite back, in ANGER. that one is pretty obvious but here it feels like he's losing control and his last resort is to bite back with more violence. his control is slipping. no amount of self sought fury will bring the glory of innocence. no matter how furious or violent he cant go back to eden. because what's been done can't be undone. then for this last chorus we have another moment of reprieve and it goes right back to full drums and guitars. these little quiet moments in between remind me of the lyric "reset my patient violence." every slow interlude is like a reset. after this verse he says "when we were made it was no accident" and "we were tangled up like branches in a flood" which is a call back to chokehold. then that heavy breakdown comes in as he's screaming I WILL TRAVEL FAR BEYOND THE PATH OF REASON. he's losing it. he's lashing out. this is his loss of all sense of reality, of reason, he's tried to hold it back but he can't anymore. he's biting back in anger. he's lost control. he wants to go back to eden. but he never will.
Theres something incredibly satisfying about hearing a musician agree that his voice is unique and absolutely beautiful. And that his lyricism and musicality are unlike nothing else we've heard. Esp with the way a lot of metalheads pish posh them, Sleep Token is a one of a kind band.
I’m a lover of all things metal. I’ve probably never replayed an album as much as this one. Not for the things that typically I wouldn’t gravitate toward, but how it makes me feel. I’m watching fans of all genres feel this music. I’d classify Sleep Token as Emotional Collaborative Art.
One of my favorite things about this song is that despite it being over 8 minutes long, it doesn't feel like it. At all. I don't feel time passing when I'm listening to it. I experience this with all of their music, but it's more apparent and incredible with the longer songs like this one and Ascensionism. I've never experienced anything quite like this until finding Sleep Token.
Can we talk about how beautiful his poetry in his writing is? I mean aside from his vocals, the first verse says I was happy, then I started drowning when you left. But the way he writes and words it, is something else. Amazing.
My man. It is so refreshing to see a review of someone that physically feels this music the way I do. We as Sleep Token fans love you back for understanding and feeling this incredible music the way it should be felt and heard. What a masterpiece of a song. So happy to see your reaction!
Brings me so much joy to see someone else experience the music the way I do. It makes my experience feel seen and validated. Ugh full body chills so many times throughout this song.
I've heard this song a million times, and still get chills and tears in my eyes when he screams "I have traveled far beyond the path of reason." The most catharsis I've ever felt in a song. Phenomenal. Worship.
I have found that the best way to listen to this music for me is to close my eyes. The ambiance and the tone of the track tends to take me somewhere that I can only see in my head. Wonderful
If I could make an attempt at putting them in a genre, it would be “Post Blackened Shoegaze”. But really their music has ascended any label you put them at this point lol. Thanks for the reaction man! Worship.
I love this kind of music that just pushes beyond genres. Maybe that’s why this album has really spoken to me. Everything from the drums, the music, the feelings and the voice just hits for me, and I haven’t been as impressed with a band in a long, long time.
Vessel originally started in a band called blacklit Canopy. Which was described as an ambient band. It was him and another female musician. And I think Bessel carried some sense of his old ambient background to the rock sound that Sleep Token creates… so Ambient Rock alternative. Or just Ambient Rock
Wow this man really feels the music!!! And the music just flows seamlessly out of him!! Really really enjoyed this reaction, Sleep token is a beautiful mixture of words, notes, rhythm, and space! They are so very talented and I hope they continue to do well!
I love your understanding of music. When you capture the essence of music in freestyle with your piano. I have to say that I'm a big fan of the sounds of a piano.
So I very literally have only been listening to this band for maybe a couple weeks, as of today. And I keep going back and watching these reactions from when these songs I've come to love first dropped, and it is heartening to know that my feelings about them are reflected backwards through time in these comments. They have withstood the first test of time, and I don't see them losing their gravity ever.
You are easily my favorite reactor because you get So involved you bring instrumentation and knowledge of what each part is making you feel. Please please have a look at more of the album. I love seeing your piano almost accompanied by sleep token Vessel is a classically trained pianist by the way. So seeing you one up him is unbelievable at times! More more more.
The whole album tells the story of a relationship. Starts off in the “honeymoon phase” with Chokehold, where everything is new and beautiful, then flash forward to TMBTE, reflecting on the pass trying to come to terms with what has happened, Vessel wants to go back to eden, or the beginning of the relationship where everything was perfect.
I really love music that i listen to and it's been a part of my life for a long time. But never thought of a modern music as an art. After listening this album for about 2-3 weeks on repeat, I don't want to listen any other music, except few other bands (3-4 maybe), because Take Me Back To Eden became the definition of art for me. I thought about this album a lot and I realized one thing. I don't want to put sleep token in any genre that we have, their sound is just too unique to put in a box and call it a day. They really made me rethink my attitude to music and art in general. No other band has been able to do that before. I see this band as a gift to our world that we desperately needed but didnt realize. Thank you, Sleep Token. Thank you for your reaction, friend!
I really love your piano additions when you listen to songs, you really added something with this one, feels like you really get the soul of the song and you have to let it out. I love when you do it.
Best reaction to this that I''ve seen. Love that you bring so much attention to the drummer "ii", his ability to establish the entire feel of the song is beyond incredible. Positive comment for the algorithm!
“Life is dark. Life is bright. Life is ugly. Life is beautiful. Don’t get lost in genres, they’ll only disorientate you. Music is for everyone.” - Vessel 2017
Came here to say this. Perfect
Source? I wanna learn from them
@@Thejakepipkin just google the quote
This quote is such a representation of what this band is. Somewhat introspective but somewhat vague at the same time. When a commentator with influence uses this approach, especially ones that bring politics into it, it's 100% word salad. In a musical context, it works though. Or it doesn't. Who knows. I'll never get what this band is going for and I don't need to. I just keep coming back. It's an introspective vagueness.
@@Thejakepipkin It's from an Interview in Metal hammer from back in like 2017. I was curious myself so I went and found it.
Watching people react to Sleep Token is almost as fun as listening to it on my own
I can't stress enough how accurate this is!
I actually spend most of my time just watching reactions to sleep token now instead of listening to the songs lol
The people reacting may not know it, but this is what the "Worship" is all about. The music and what it makes you feel. Seeing other people understand why it speaks to us helps lend truth to the feeling ST fans have. It is and should be a kind of "Worship". They are anonymous for a reason, in the video for "Fall For Me" there is a text line " So For Now Let Me Serve As A Living Drama of Your Pain" and to me that has always encapsulated what this band is. But that is achieved so much better here because it isn't Artist X who we see living in a certain way, that most people can't empathize with, telling us about their pain; It is a person and that's all and Vessel is just that, a nameless faceless person trying to express a common human experience. Coming together as fans to acknowledge this pain, these trials, and the growth that comes after as a universal and crucial part of life worth expressing is what Worship is. The night does not belong to god, and you do not need a god to engage in Worship with your fellow people.
100% honest-when Sleep Token dropped their first song (jaws, I believe it was) I was literally days away from ending it. Had my affairs in order, a note written, and a noose tied and then I heard that song and for the first time in my life, I felt my soul being recognized and I knew I had to be alive to hear more. As cliché as it is, these songs sincerely saved my life.
I’m soooo happy that you’re here!!! ❤️🎹🙏☀️
I’m happy you’re here too! They’re magical, helping me get through the grief of losing my beloved, wise, constant dad. ❤
Hy
Bobby, thank you for staying with us my friend. You are so so strong. You've got this bud. Never give up! ❤
Just checking in my guy. Hope things are at least alright! We’re all out here bro.
Classifying Sleep Token as anything other than just “Music” is a crime. I’ve never seen a band touch so many people psychologically and emotionally. It’s what I imagine pure music to be
Amen. Worship ❤
Music, just music
Sometimes I refer to them as "Post Scarcity." Their music takes what they need from wherever they find it.
Hornycore
I tell ppl it’s worship music 🤷♂️
The ending scream is one of my favorite vocal deliveries I’ve ever heard. You can hear the pleading and wanting throughout the song to be returned to where he was or who he was with but that scream is beyond demanding beyond telling you. It’s a force. This album is the human condition. It’s suffering through story telling man is it beautiful. Thank God for Music and Thank God for Sleep Token.
The scream leading into the instrumentals at 6:20 on Ascensionism gives me goosebumps every time
Also, in the beginning he says "I WILL travel far beyond the path of reason" and the breakdown starts with "I HAVE traveled far beyond the path of reason" like he did something he's enraged about that he didn't want to do.
He finally bit back in anger with that breakdown.
Just adding a little side note, IV is the one who screams live so it may also be him who does it on the record. See "Vore" live, for example.
You're right. That's it. The tragedy of men. Those hating the ending scream just don't get it.
What an amazing track. I mean, Vessel and Phil Collins really outdid themselves on this one.
Every single time I see PC’s name in the comments I die
I saw this comment before the context lol I was like wtf?
@@georgedrury5350 hahaha, this means the comment is working as intended:D
That made my day. 😂❤
Vessel + Phil Collins the sitcom has got to happen
"We dive through crystal waters, perfect oceans, but no one told me not to breathe. And the weightlessness recedes." May very well be one of my favorite lyrics of all time.
It makes me think of an unprepared child transitioning from the innocence of childhood (eden) to adulthood.
Beautiful.
The fact that this guy plays this stuff and sings over it with such feeling means that he's probably in heaven during a live show
Vessel can’t dance, but that doesn’t stop him from trying 😂 he’s got great stage energy, and definitely seems to live and breathe for the live shows.
@@devilsguy8711 the way he moves with his attire just fits the music tho. I like the way he loses it when a breakdown hits lol
@@devilsguy8711 is he actually dancing or is it more of a rhythmic expression
@@xsourdieze1 It’s crazy because obviously the band uses a lot of theatrics, but when Vessel loses his mind during a breakdown it feels raw. You can’t choreograph that lol it’s just like pure emotion like he can’t contain himself.
@@Orchestravels honestly it’s a bit of both, he’s got some groove in there 😂
My favorite parts of this song are “My, my, those eyes like fire, I’m a winged insect, you’re a funeral pyre” and “I guess it goes to show, does it not, that we’ve no idea what we got until we lose it. No amount of love will keep it around if we don’t choose it.”
To me this song was written by someone who loved someone deeply and ended up getting hurt. That is something I can relate to a lot and I think that the use of his metaphor and the way it’s worded in the chorus is absolutely genius and brand new. Sleep Token never ceases to amaze me with their lyricism and the ability to switch up their style in ONE song the way they’ve done with this as well as The Summoning. It’s one reason I absolutely fell in love with them.
The fact that the Summoning was the song that absolutely blew my mind…. And that it’s not even my favourite song on the album is what blows me away.
This album is the first album in years that has me shook in the best possible way. Love them so much and very happy to be alive to witness it. ❤
Here's a fun fact that might further blow your mind if you hadn't noticed already: when the key change happens in ...Eden ("I guess it goes to show, does it not?"), you can hear the same chime/bell sample that was used in the very beginning of The Summoning. Not only that, but the synth from Jaws and High Water can be heard in the background shortly after he begins singing!
@@_.gray._ True!! And the ending verse containing lyrics from Chokehold got me too
@@Kjertinge have you seen Will Ramos on the Charismatic Voice's reaction? he called it and was so excited :)
I just love the way Sleep Token let their songs "breathe". The space they allow in their compositions, which suck you in before taking you somewhere totally unexpected.
That's why their breakdowns are more effective that most of the bands. They lift you up first and then go down.
As far as classification goes, I don't even try. It's just amazing music.
Seeing the hate comments across, "This is a mess, this makes me scared for the future of metal, Imangine Dragon's 2.0". It is ridiculous. Sleep Token is a combination of musical inspiration over the past 30 years. Sure, not for everyone, but it's such a breath of fresh air in the music scene.
I classify it as "sleep token"
They just do whatever the hell they want and it works.
I’d say “true contemporary classical music”, because it’s so similar structurally to classical but with a lot of modern elements mixed in.
@@chrisskarsboAgreed. Just like how TOOL is classified as "TOOL"
You know, there are a lot of reactors that do reactions just because it's trending and to get views. And it shows. This guy is not one of those. He's a real musician who understands and absolutely gets Sleep Token. He feels the music just like we do. Not for views or to gain followers but because the music resonates with him. It's very refreshing to see. Thank you. ❤️❤️
I agree. Im drawn to other musicians that listen to ST and I absolutely love when they break down the chords and musical techniques.
:) I always knew you would understand them, and be moved by them, like I am.
I love that you continue to explore their music. Keep going!
Thank you for worshipping this enough to get these guys, keep spreading the good word
the sneaky key changes right???? they are so smoooth you almost don't notice unless you are listening critically... usually artists lean into and accentuate key changes... it's the gimmick of the song sometime... they sneak it in under the radar like a musical pick pocket.... as dynamic and huge as their sound is they maintain these moments of beautiful subtlety... I love this band....
Masterpiece. Their song Euclid is just as much of Masterpiece.
I would pay to listen to your piano covers. Seriously, I love listening to your live interpretations and arrangements!
Coming soon to Patreon!
i love seeing reactors come out of comfort zones in videos and get excited over the craft these artists create. shows you truly enjoy music in its deepest form and i appreciate it so much
Ugh... this reaction brought me to tears. First off, I love your energy and your playalongs are amazing! As a huge Sleep Token fan, I think my first appreciation of the band was hearing the emotion brought with every song I heard. It was refreshing to hear something outside of the box but with detailed control and intention. There isn't one song where I don't FEEL what Vessel is trying to share with us. Then the quality of the musicianship and expression of art through sound just permeates your being! I honestly believe there is a Sleep Token song for just about any emotion you're feeling at that present moment. From everything that ii plays, to Vessel's key playing, and the Power that III and IV drive out, it really is a force that just grabs you into their space and doesn't let go. I LOVE how you can't put them in a box. The genre is Sleep Token, a melting pot of styles, technicality, and art brought together by soul to express human emotion. Some people won't get it, and that's cool. But for me, this band has forever amalgamated itself to my walk through life. Worship!
I'd love to see what you think of the last track, Euclid. It ties everything back to their Sundowning album.
I don’t think I could sum up sleep token better than you just did! You nailed that description 👌🏼 Worship
@@Strathd.somm1 🤜🤛
Controlled, experimental chaos. Post-genre beauty.
It’s 1) amazing to hear for the first time because you never really know where it’s going to go next, and 2) amazing to listen to repeatedly because the complexity of the lyrics is captivating.
Love it.
This is post-genre at its finest. Everything working to amplify the whole song experience regardless of genre tropes. And that's one of the reasons why ST is so big rn, love them so much
Man I haven’t heard it put that way before that’s so sick
"Post-Genre"
That's it. Right there, that's what I've spent months looking for. 🙌 It's the only label which fits them.
I swear when you start playing along you add so much to it I love to hear it. You have me goosebumps with the little stuff you were adding in at like 12:50 in. It’s so tasty!
This is, hands down, the best reaction I have see to Take Me Back to Eden, thank you! Sleep Token does not belong to a genre they just make great music. Vessel and II (the drummer), are the perfect songwriting duo, there would not be Sleep Token without one of them.
I think iii and iv are a lot more involved in this record. A lot more guitar heavy, and not the usual style you expect from vessel
@@tyler_bt3326 I sure hope they will be more involved in the writing process, but for this album, the writing credits are still just Vessel and II
@@tyler_bt3326Vessel and II were the only ones writing this album. Vessel played and recorded everything but drums.
The fact that your channel isn’t getting 100,000 views a video is criminal. You’re one of the few people in reactions who speaks with a deep understanding of what you’re hearing. Not just a 😮 reactor👏🏼 big fan
I’m happy with what we have. I enjoy it very much and don’t want more! You are very nice
This album is probably the album of my year if not more. the storytelling is absolute poetry. I love Metal, trap/hiphop, classical, etc. I can't give you a genre. It's just Sleep Token. They blend and bend genres together perfectly. Your piano ability is exceptional, do you teach? thank you for the content!
i fell in love with this band so fast it is ridiculous, the sound, the voice. Just everything, it is just something beautiful, you feel it all. I havent felt this way about music in a while. Truly a work of fucking art. Im just glad to be alive during this time and hear this beauty.
This!
The drummer goes by 2 or “II” and he hit god tier when they put out his playthrough of the hypnosis instrumental
12:59 that keyboard fill was amazing lol
I saw sleep token live recently and I was absolutely blown away by the drummer! He does this really amazing drum solo during the slow part of the summoning which I can’t recommend enough everyone goes and listens to. Great band!
There is a stunning drum orgasm (not exaggeration) in Telomeres. He’s soooooo good.
Your first sleep token reaction (Jaws) is the whole reason I got into sleep token when I did! I am so happy to see you reacting to them more. This album came full circle for me. Some of the most impactful music I’ve ever heard
I fucking love how they just drop you on your head with these break downs. The summoning did it to me first then this song did it to me completely unexpectedly and I just adore it.
You ABSOLUTELY would not regret doing a full album review guys. It's phenomenal stop to finish, and as a musician you will absolutely appreciate the journey ❤️
I still haven't quite figured out whether this is my favourite Sleep Token song, although it's definitely in the mix for the title, but what I've absolutely no doubt of is that it is the MOST Sleep Token song. Everything they are, all of their identity, is contained within this staggeringly powerful track. GOD I love it.
And you're not wrong about the drumming, it's outrageous
I think this is my favorite lyrically. This is the one that drew me on with the chorus. The metaphor moth drawn to flame is old hat. But he breathed life and pain to it in such an incredible way. My English Lit degree ass went WGHGGGWWWaaat?! Absolutely gorgeous lyrics
I heard someone describe their songs as Trauma Influenced. When I look at this album, It comes off as being about a "Rebound Hookup" in a toxic relationship. Listening to this from the lens of a traumatic thing like that, The lyrics reflect the main characters belief that they'll return to the "Good Times and Feelings", or Eden. It's why it starts ambient, then the second major verse is grittier reality, and the tail end is coming to terms that it's not happening and angrily demanding to return.
All the song movements in most of the pieces on the album can be viewed is the psychological state of the protagonist speaking as the subject progresses.
It's legitimately genius.
100% agree!
You and the charismatic voice are my two favourite reactions to any music I listen to because you both feel the music and are experts in your field.
I just saw the charismatic voice is dropping her reaction to this song tomorrow with Will Ramos. I'm excited to see it.
Euclid is the nest song and one of the most beautiful songs I've heard. Though there is some context that is needed to get the full value out of the song, I think it is still a great one for you to react to.
Thanks for the great reaction! I love ST, for many of the same reasons you do, as well as all great music regardless of labels and genres. Surprised I haven't read this anywhere, but who they really remind me, in terms of song structure/approach is the band Porcupine Tree. They both know how to craft songs with immense emotion, change gears mid song sonically and often surprisingly. They're both unpredictable. They both love pop, and that reflects in their music. They both love jazz, metal, and are masters of infinite combinations. They both use soundscapes like scoring a film.They both know that to make things impactful, that music needs to breathe, swell up and down, and sometimes resolve in unexpected ways. Finally, both drummers are total masters of their craft and have very similar approaches. You mentioned Steve Gadd, whom Gavin Harrison (of Porcupine Tree) says is his biggest influence. Cheers and looking forward to your next reaction!
This is an excellent comparison. I'm not terribly familiar with Porcupine Tree but I absolutely know Gavin Harrison. There's definitely some Gavin Harrison in II's playing. Sounds like I need to give Porcupine Tree a few listens.
Finally, someone else who sees the parallel with Porcupine Tree. ST are way heavier, but PT were doing jazz/funk/psychedelic/trance/rock/metal crossover 20-30 years ago. I think ST, PT and Tool all have that common thread of crossing genres with intensity and incredible musicianship.
@UnXplainable1 thanks and I'd suggest anesthetize (live), Cheating the Polygraph, Arriving Somewhere But Not Here and Harridan. You're right, both II and Gavin Harrison like to mess with things and make 4/4 sound like some wild time signature. Cheers
@Ian Tullie bang on brother. Vessel's vocals are also in another league compared to SW, but both styles serves their songs. Tool definitely belong in this conversation.
@@NorthLight68 Agreed, SW definitely doesn't have vocal the power or versatility of Vessel. Bringing in Ninet Tayeb for some of his solo stuff helped fix that.
II is such a phenomenal drummer. Worship. 🔥
I don't know much about drumming but something about ii feels different for sure.
@@ColieBear18even if you don’t know much, once you start to follow his drum lines through the songs you’ll start to hear how different they are from what you expect and how unique they are compared to others. He comes in heavy, but pulls back when the music composition needs. He frequently add flares and off beats. Watching him play, he is so relaxed and flexible even during the fastest beats. Sooo good.
I have to suggest that you listen to this whole album in its entirety. It's a journey, to say the ABSOLUTE least. I've never been transported like I am with this album. Never. And I've also never had an album with SO many different, unique sounds/genres sound so cohesive... it's potentially one of my favorite albums of all time, and I've had a real passion for music for 30 years... This is an album of the year contender, as far as I'm concerned.
And I know you asked what genre Sleep Token falls into... I do agree that it doesn't matter, but if I REALLY was forced to, I'd call them Prog Metal, but it doesn't feel good to be so limiting in my description of this band. Haha.
Definitely agree with this! I don't suppose you've listened to either the Dark Pool or Heroine album from Thornhill? Because I would highly recommend a sit down and listen to both of the full albums
@liamwells2132 I have not, but I guess I have to check it out! Thanks for thr recommendation!
@@Schumacher190 no worries at all mate! They're definitely more on the atmospheric metal side of things
I'm a 57 year old guitarist that felt had lost the joy for music. This band transcends music. I cry, I dance, I head bang... I have hope again. This challenges me musically, intellectually and emotionally. I don't think a band has ever made me feel like this. Your comments are spot on. I love it. thank you.
Man the way you play around with the progressions makes me really want a full piano cover of a sleep token song from you. Love watching you react, thanks for indulging us with your musical wisdom!
The part at 13:25 where you started playing really moved me to tears. I just really felt this in my heart. Thank you for these reactions. You're really moving me with your deep understanding of emotion and music. ♥️
It’s what I live for
best part of the reaction is at 14:41 …. when he discovers the piano piece and begins to dissect it with ease but remains surprised for every new discovery he finds ❤
Their songs just make me feel im healing from something i didnt even know was hurting me. Thank you for this reaction always love your sleep token reactions❤
LeftyLoosy out here doing the Lords work and spreading the word of sleep token
edit: If I had to put a word to their style, it would be post-metal, implementing sounds and textures from all sorts of different genres over relatively typical metal structures, since most of their stuff is generally based around metal. But, to your other point, I don't think it matters at all. I think we as a musical society is beginning to move away from the arbitrary borders of genre. They've joined the rare sect of bands that can not only be genreless, but do it to the absolute highest degree.
We love you too man! Glad you like Sleep Token as much as we do! Love all of your reactions too!
commenting again to add my own interpretation of this song after having listened to it many times, i think it might be my favorite from the album.
when the song begins, we start out in eden. you hear the birds, the animal sounds. it's very ethereal.
some lyrics that stick out to me: bite through these wires, i'm a waking hell, reset my patient violence, grow back your sharpest teeth, i will travel far beyond the path of reason, take me back to eden.
to me these all feel violent. biting THROUGH wires, bloody and painful. i'm a waking hell and the gods grow tired, a WAKING hell. that's like someone so violent and ruthless that even the GODS are tired of it. but, reset my patient violence. his violence is patient. he knows how to bide his time. or maybe he is trying to hold it back. grow back your sharpest teeth. maybe the teeth were worn down from biting through the wires, he's saying okay, time to grow them back now, we have more to do. i will travel far beyond the past of reason. this ties back to the "i'm a waking hell" lyric for me because it's like he's so furious that he cant see reason anymore. take me back to eden. he wants to go back to bliss. to a time when he didn't have these feelings? possibly. to when things were better.
this is all from the first chorus where we get that first escalation musically. if you listen closely you can hear a really deep growl in the background right before the chorus.
lyrics from the second section that stick out to me: spit blood when i wake up, choking up brain matter, room feels like a meat freezer i dangle in it like cold cuts, i'll take a pound of your flesh, i need you to see me for what i have become.
all of these feel directly violent, where as the first set of lyrics seem to allude to violence, these outright describe it. choking up brain matter, spitting blood in the sink. i immediately get that visualization of bright red blood in a stark white porcelain sink. the meat freezer lyric feels to me like he's saying he feels like a corpse hanging there. i'll take a pound of your flesh, again directly threatening violence. i need you to see me for what i have become. this tells me that he's given in to some of his violent tendencies. he was trying to hold back and he gave in.
then we have the second chorus which feels more sped up musically than the first and has more of the beat from the previous verse backing it. to me this is like a second acceleration. these quiet interludes feel like him trying to keep his control. it's a breather.
lyrics from the following verse that stick out to me: no amount of love will keep it around unless we choose it, i don't know what's got its teeth in me but i'm about to bite back in anger. no amount of self-sought fury will bring back the glory of innocence.
in that first lyric i mentioned he just said before that we don't know what we've got until we lose it. i think he could be talking about a partner or possibly himself. then he says no amount of love will keep it around if we don't choose it. i love that lyric because it rings so true. if you're not prioritizing the things you love then you aren't choosing them, and your love won't be enough to keep it. i don't know what's got its teeth in me. something has taken hold of him. possibly these feelings of anger and violence we've seen previously. he's about to bite back, in ANGER. that one is pretty obvious but here it feels like he's losing control and his last resort is to bite back with more violence. his control is slipping. no amount of self sought fury will bring the glory of innocence. no matter how furious or violent he cant go back to eden. because what's been done can't be undone.
then for this last chorus we have another moment of reprieve and it goes right back to full drums and guitars. these little quiet moments in between remind me of the lyric "reset my patient violence." every slow interlude is like a reset.
after this verse he says "when we were made it was no accident" and "we were tangled up like branches in a flood" which is a call back to chokehold.
then that heavy breakdown comes in as he's screaming I WILL TRAVEL FAR BEYOND THE PATH OF REASON. he's losing it. he's lashing out. this is his loss of all sense of reality, of reason, he's tried to hold it back but he can't anymore. he's biting back in anger. he's lost control. he wants to go back to eden. but he never will.
So glad you're enjoying the Sleep Token journey. This band made me love music again.
Theres something incredibly satisfying about hearing a musician agree that his voice is unique and absolutely beautiful. And that his lyricism and musicality are unlike nothing else we've heard. Esp with the way a lot of metalheads pish posh them, Sleep Token is a one of a kind band.
No pish poshing!
I’m a lover of all things metal. I’ve probably never replayed an album as much as this one. Not for the things that typically I wouldn’t gravitate toward, but how it makes me feel. I’m watching fans of all genres feel this music. I’d classify Sleep Token as Emotional Collaborative Art.
I just stumbled on this channel!? How??? Bro you are obviously an incredible musician as well!! Bravo! And your descriptions are just on.
One of my favorite things about this song is that despite it being over 8 minutes long, it doesn't feel like it. At all. I don't feel time passing when I'm listening to it. I experience this with all of their music, but it's more apparent and incredible with the longer songs like this one and Ascensionism. I've never experienced anything quite like this until finding Sleep Token.
Brother, I absolutely fucking love your reactions. Never stop
I feel like this is one of those albums that we will look back on in years to come as one of those extremely influential albums of our time.
Can we talk about how beautiful his poetry in his writing is? I mean aside from his vocals, the first verse says I was happy, then I started drowning when you left. But the way he writes and words it, is something else. Amazing.
Yesss its a gift. Maybe thats why we all keep watching the reactions to see the receiving. 💕 The song Rain is what drew me to them. Thankfully 😊
My man. It is so refreshing to see a review of someone that physically feels this music the way I do. We as Sleep Token fans love you back for understanding and feeling this incredible music the way it should be felt and heard. What a masterpiece of a song. So happy to see your reaction!
i'm gonna tell my kids Phil Collins is Vessel II
They are certainly genre bending when it comes to their music. It’s unbelievable how well they create music so beautifully. My fav band
Talking about vessel's "meditative state," the guy literally cries on stage every single night. I saw it with my own eyes at 4 shows on the US tour.
Can we just discuss how GORGEOUS the lyric is that says, "I'm a winged insect you're a funeral pyre." Because it makes me actually cry every time.
The best reaction video I’ve ever seen. Amazing quality for an incredible song and band. Love your work 🎉
Not just anything, but everything all at once. It’s only home, is with all of us. This is music. This is my church.
Worship.
Dude, idk why but I really enjoyed watching you jam out at about the 10:30 mark lol. Sleep Token is insane.. absolutely insane.. and it's beautiful.
Back to watch this for the 57th time. It’s such a perfect analysis of the song. What a masterpiece.
Brings me so much joy to see someone else experience the music the way I do. It makes my experience feel seen and validated. Ugh full body chills so many times throughout this song.
I've heard this song a million times, and still get chills and tears in my eyes when he screams "I have traveled far beyond the path of reason."
The most catharsis I've ever felt in a song. Phenomenal. Worship.
I have found that the best way to listen to this music for me is to close my eyes. The ambiance and the tone of the track tends to take me somewhere that I can only see in my head. Wonderful
I honestly would kill for an entire album of just acapella with your piano along with his singing cause man is it beautiful
Omg LFG Music Shed! Great pick, great song!
If I could make an attempt at putting them in a genre, it would be “Post Blackened Shoegaze”. But really their music has ascended any label you put them at this point lol. Thanks for the reaction man! Worship.
I've been introduced to ST by a subscriber asking for a tutorial, now I can't stop listening, it's my favourite band!
Have heard it called " Ambient Metal " but I call it Masterful
I love this kind of music that just pushes beyond genres. Maybe that’s why this album has really spoken to me. Everything from the drums, the music, the feelings and the voice just hits for me, and I haven’t been as impressed with a band in a long, long time.
Vessel originally started in a band called blacklit Canopy. Which was described as an ambient band. It was him and another female musician. And I think Bessel carried some sense of his old ambient background to the rock sound that Sleep Token creates… so Ambient Rock alternative. Or just Ambient Rock
Wow this man really feels the music!!! And the music just flows seamlessly out of him!! Really really enjoyed this reaction, Sleep token is a beautiful mixture of words, notes, rhythm, and space! They are so very talented and I hope they continue to do well!
This piano arrangement was the cherry on top! Thank you!!
Best reaction ever. Thank you 🙏
Yup. Put your hands up and worship. For Vessel is exactly that. A vessel for the music to come to us all. Worship the sound.
Anthony Fantano, this is the reaction that Sleep Token deserves
I mean, everyone is allowed to dislike stuff. He just doesn’t make sense hahahah
I love your understanding of music. When you capture the essence of music in freestyle with your piano. I have to say that I'm a big fan of the sounds of a piano.
So I very literally have only been listening to this band for maybe a couple weeks, as of today. And I keep going back and watching these reactions from when these songs I've come to love first dropped, and it is heartening to know that my feelings about them are reflected backwards through time in these comments. They have withstood the first test of time, and I don't see them losing their gravity ever.
There is no genre when it comes to sleep token, there is just music.
This!
The genre is "nut"
Sleep Token is a genre
One of the few bands ive heard in awhile that i get goosebumps listening to, and the depth of the lyrics! Everything about it the band is pure poetry
You are easily my favorite reactor because you get So involved you bring instrumentation and knowledge of what each part is making you feel.
Please please have a look at more of the album.
I love seeing your piano almost accompanied by sleep token
Vessel is a classically trained pianist by the way. So seeing you one up him is unbelievable at times!
More more more.
Their genre is atmospheric bliss.
Awesome keyboarding as always also David, you are a true talent.
xo
This album is a masterpiece and will stand the test of time. Worship.
The whole album tells the story of a relationship. Starts off in the “honeymoon phase” with Chokehold, where everything is new and beautiful, then flash forward to TMBTE, reflecting on the pass trying to come to terms with what has happened, Vessel wants to go back to eden, or the beginning of the relationship where everything was perfect.
I can never get tired of this album if I need an emotional roller-coaster I just throw this album on to feel everything all at once
I love the way you’re feeling the music…and your piano improvisations over it are beautiful 😍
This is the best song of the year, any genre, for me. No question.
i love people that "feel" things like i do. specifically music, i loved your body language while hearing the song, it tells a lot.. instant sub!
Genre-bending & real creativity at it's finest!!! We love you too!
What a time to be alive, to witness & worship
I just found your channel and am a big fan of Sleep Token and you articulate the way I feel when I listen to them perfectly
I love the way you explain music! I’ve never heard words that describe exactly how I feel about music ESPECIALLY this song 🔥
Yep, you hit the nail right on the head about the drummer! He loves his triplets!
I really love music that i listen to and it's been a part of my life for a long time. But never thought of a modern music as an art. After listening this album for about 2-3 weeks on repeat, I don't want to listen any other music, except few other bands (3-4 maybe), because Take Me Back To Eden became the definition of art for me. I thought about this album a lot and I realized one thing. I don't want to put sleep token in any genre that we have, their sound is just too unique to put in a box and call it a day. They really made me rethink my attitude to music and art in general. No other band has been able to do that before. I see this band as a gift to our world that we desperately needed but didnt realize. Thank you, Sleep Token. Thank you for your reaction, friend!
sleep token isnt just a band there are musicians from another universe
WORSHIP
I really love your piano additions when you listen to songs, you really added something with this one, feels like you really get the soul of the song and you have to let it out. I love when you do it.
Best reaction to this that I''ve seen. Love that you bring so much attention to the drummer "ii", his ability to establish the entire feel of the song is beyond incredible. Positive comment for the algorithm!