PHOTO CREDIT: SLEEP TOKENS FACEBOOK
It was a sleepless night, and I found myself wandering through the otherwordly soundscapes crafted by Sleep Token on their latest album, “Take Me Back To To Eden.” As the notes gently reached my ears, I was whisked away into a tranquil realm where emotions melded with melodies, and time lost its grip on me.
From the very beginning, Sleep Token’s genre bending style of alternative rock and progressive metal had me transfixed. The album is a musical kaleidoscope that creates an eidos of mesmerizing vocals, atmospheric guitars, and roaring synths. Its a sonic landscape that is both captivating and introspective.
The opening song, “Chokehold,” embodies the quintessential essence of their eerie, emotionally charged, and melodically captivating metal style. The track serves as a testament to the band’s undeniable talent, showcasing a fusion of colossal, rhythmic riffs and pulsating grooves.
Front and center is the captivating, enigmatic, frontman, Vessel, whose croon possesses a vocal gift that can only be described as angelic. Each note he delivers is infused with raw emotion, drawing listeners into a world of pure enchantment.
To complement the journey, the accompanying animated video takes us on a visually stunning and unsettling ride. We find ourselves engrossed in a dark realm, where a formidable arachnid creature, adorned in imposing armor, wields an imposing axe high above its head. Emerging from the shadows, this strange and ominous beastie exudes an aura of mystery and intrigue, further deepening the song’s enigmatic atmosphere.
Prepare to be enthralled by the artistry of Sleep Token’s “The Summoning.” This progressive metal gem effortlessly surpasses all expectations set by their previous surprise hit, “Chokehold,” striking a harmonious balance between brutality and melody.
In this masterpiece, Sleep Token showcases their unparalleled ability to seamlessly blend disparate elements. The result is a delightful fusion of heaviness and funkiness, where neither aspect overshadows the other. The cohesion of the track is nothing short of impressive, a magnum opus that flawlessly intertwines various musical dimensions.
“The Summoning” elevates every element to extraordinary levels, taking the listener on an exhilarating journey. From the devastatingly powerful instrumentals in the intro and breakdown to the irresistibly groovy outro, Sleep Token demonstrates their musical prowess. Vessel’s vocal performance mastery shines brilliantly, marking a new pinnacle in his career.
“Take Me Back To Eden,” exudes an exquisite sense of sophistication, thanks in no small part to the artful inclusion of piano throughout the record. The gentle interplay of piano with the supple vocals and tender guitars in tracks like “Aqua Regia” elevates the musical experience to a whole new level, infusing it with a touch of refinement.
The talented ensemble of Sleep Token venture into diverse musical territories, masterfully blending elements of harsh vocals in “Ascensionism,” blackgaze in “Vore,” and metalcore in “Rain.” Remarkably, despite the wide array of styles, the album maintains an impressive cohesiveness that ties it all together seamlessly.
One of the stand out moments of the album for me is the song “The Apparition.” With its ghostly atmospheric rendition. It serves as a brief respite amidst the captivating chaos of the surrounding tracks. Its in these serene moments that Sleep Token showcases their ability to balance intensity with tranquility, evoking a sense of emotional catharsis.
The album’s closing track, “Euclid,” showcases versatility, driving the song towards a breathtakingly beautiful climax. Meanwhile, the incorporation of sweet acoustic guitar melodies in “Are You Really Ok?” adds an celestial quality, causing the song to soar with a resonant allure.
“Take Me Back To Eden” stands as a remarkable body of work, skillfully uniting various genres under the Sleep Token banner. The band’s ability to navigate through this melody mosaic with finesse and precision is truly commendable, creating an album that leaves a lasting impact on listeners.
Lyrically, Sleep Token explores themes of vulnerability, loss, and self-discovery, inviting listeners to dive deep into their own retrospection. The enigmatic nature of the band adds an extra layer of intrigue, leaving room for interpretation and personal connection.
“Return To Eden” offers a refreshing take on the bands signature sound, exhibiting a refined and evolved musicality that takes listeners on a captivating odyssey.
While “Return To Eden” is an immersive and captivating album, it may not be everyones cup of tea. Its themes tropospheric and often melancholic nature requires a certain mood and mindset to fully appreciate. However for those willing to embark on this sonic pilgrimage, prepare to be jolted from the depths of your musical slumber. This melodic symphony will surge through your veins, injecting life into your dormant senses.
TRACKLIST
01. CHOKEHOLD
02. THE SUMMONING
03. GRANITE
04. AQUA REGIA
05. VORE
06. ASCENSIONISM
07. ARE YOU REALLY OKAY?
08. THE APPARITION
09. DYWTYLM
10. RAIN
11. TAKE ME BACK TO EDEN
12. EUCLID
