FIRST TIME HEARING | Sleep Token - Ascensionism | REACTION

[@mudvayne20056969]

“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

[@Hanos1987]

I wonder if he had the concept for TMBTE even back in 2017.

[@itayhamri3063]

@@Hanos1987 im thinking he must've had some sort of idea in mind. i dont know about exact songs, cause i think emotional music like this can only be written out of a natural and organic place, but it's very possible (even likely) he had the concept for an album trilogy even way back in the day.

[@dianaharris2389]

I just have to throw this out there...assuming most Sleep Token fans aren't familiar with 21 Pilots. I was a huge fan...first self-titled album came out in 2009 (listen to Taxi Cab). You cannot pin down their early records to a specific genre. Holy crap in 2013 they released Vessel and the title track is Ode to Sleep. I think my head just exploded! Hahaha Trying to keep this short but Tyler will not disclose the meaning of his songs or tattoos. His music is his art and self-expression. He wants the listener to interpret the meaning themselves. His tattoos are personal to him and they have a very deep meaning that he will not share with social media. Blurry Face 2015 album - Tyler blacked out his hands and neck and they used to wear ski masks. Trench in 2018 is a story about Dema. Most of Tyler's angst and lyrics come from his estranged relationship with God, his depression, and his anxiety. He was raised a Christian but could not find his faith. Anyway, I hate their last album. But as I dive deeper into Sleep Token I can't help but notice similarities...it is quite odd. I'm not implying one band has anything to do with the other...it's just strange. I've only been listening to Sleep Token for a couple of weeks but am getting sucked in! I MUST see them in September...

[@matthewsanke]

Worship

[@emilylothchomphou3716]

The offering was the first song I've heard by them. Lost touch for a bit but came back to Eden with this album. I'm so stoked a band like this exists in my time. "You make me wish I could disappear." Worship.

[@MattStilwaterFL]

Trust me. This ENTIRE album will take you for a ride. I loved your intellectual dissection of the song.

[@eastjebus6870]

Its not that deep bro

[@johncarpenter3751]

I enjoyed this album. Regardless of how deep it is. These story’s speak to me

[@moonchamber194]

@@eastjebus6870 you’ve taken time out your day to say this. Reflect on that.

[@Nathdood]

Deep af. Worship

[@nighk1694]

Agreed!!

[@merpinallday]

"Where are we going guys" is a question I ask myself all the time when listening to new Sleep Token music.

[@Darnan_B]

" Diamonds in the trees and Pentagrams in the night sky " … 🔥🔥🖤

[@chasitybecker1189]

Glad someone else said it..I'm screaming at the screen..pentagrams!

[@andrewpeach8385]

So much context lost 🙃

[@ThatYellowPokemon]

@@andrewpeach8385 The stars in the night are making it feel like hell, the further he looks, it gets worse. :)

[@sirhoon87]

still kinda 5 pointed... i was howling at pentagons XD@@chasitybecker1189

[@mclovinlife4018]

Team pentagon

[@the.dinkster]

This group is the master of genre-bending. They are a masked anonymous group coming from the UK. The lead singer is Vessel, the drummer is II, the bassist is III and the guitarist is IV. Vessel writes all of the lyrics and instrumentals other than the drums. He also plays all of the instruments other than the drums for the studio recordings. They sound amazing live, almost exactly like they do in the recordings. When they perform live they have backup singers to help with the layered vocals. I highly recommend checking out more of their stuff. The Summoning is another fantastic song for being introduced to them, but you cannot go wrong with any of their songs.

[@IVANDEMIGOD]

The Summoning, Ascensionism and Take me back to Eden are are my favorite 💥💥💥

[@destroyerofdreams42069]

damn! nobody asked!

[@graywatts14]

Would you mind telling my how much those adidas frames were?

[@The.223-numskull]

They aren't anonymous anymore.

[@exactlywhatineeded]

@@destroyerofdreams42069 its ok, your life will get better soon buddy

[@HopeAnchors7]

Yes, please go down the Sleep token rabbit hole! The whole album is a masterpiece, and Sleep token will ALWAYS keep you on your toes! They're soooo good!

[@lathammovie9676]

Correction. Their entire discography is a masterpiece

[@Pyschedelicfunk]

​@@lathammovie9676 This right here, their older albums don't get much love.

[@drphibes2117]

@@Pyschedelicfunk When The Bough Breaks off of One has been stuck in my head for days. Along with Dark Signs from Sundowning.

[@AtlanticNotesPiano]

Do the whole album, it's a masterpiece!

[@zooarmy23]

all of em are

[@Digitalgems9000]

he never said they weren't @@zooarmy23

[@Jdecook2008]

Relistening to this song, with this technical analysis, I’ve concluded: -the opening verse: an introduction into his toxic relationship with a sociopath partner, that feeds off his vulnerability and uses him for it. It breaks him, and forms him into a lost and depressed soul that can’t let her go. -second verse: he is still attached to the toxic partner, but now he’s trying to decipher why she’s become this way, as he’s simultaneously realizing that he’s being influenced by her evil persona. -third verse: he’s found closure by becoming what she was to him. He is now cold, heartless, and careless as she was to him in the beginning, and now he has “ascended” into that mentality. This band is incredible

[@andrewpeach8385]

For me it boils down to a three act play, a tragedy, through the lens of the toxic and codependent, controlling relationship as you say. ST seem to enjoy playing with trilogies and threes.

[@xXbaker115Xx]

It's all connected to their "lore" with the band being a "vessel" for the entity known only as sleep

[@blackzodiac420]

The song bounces back and forth between Vessel's voice and Sleep's voice. She is the one he watches ascend at his expense.

[@JakobStrand]

If you listen deeply into Sleep Tokens lyrics you clearly can hear that Vessel has been some serious trauma and pain in his life. You can hear it in his voice as well. They lyrics are pure poetry on every song from every album.

[@Aestareth_]

yeah dont need to know the lyrics for that

[@JTfromIT]

the best way i've heard it described is like, "Vessels voice sounds beautifully tortured"

[@ジョジョさま]

Because his last music project was with his girlfriend and I imagine it didn't end well.

[@JakobStrand]

@@ジョジョさま Yeah, many of the songs is about their dysfunctional and destructive relationsship. She´s still kinda active, making covers from time to time. Beautiful voice!

[@Suze22]

@@ジョジョさまI was looking for this comment.

[@drsquatch9908]

Glad you've found Sleep Token...time to hit the rabbit hole.... WORSHIP

[@yilomina2047]

Worship!

[@Klevaer]

"Didn't expect that." Perfectly explains Sleep Token. Great Video.

[@adambarrack]

I love how they use genres as expression of the emotion in whatever verse they’re in. It makes so much sense

[@Thatskatermetalgirl]

Vessel does use some autotune but he sings so crisp and beautiful live as well. He is so intentional with every piece of his sound and music. Also-i absolutely adore your receptiveness to Sleep Token. If you haven’t, maybe start from their very beginning and listen all in order and it will make more sense. Sleep Token is definitely gorgeous song by song but a whole experience from start to end with a totally different feel. That’s whats so amazing about them.🫶🏻

[@coreyxbell]

Dude.. You're a lyrical genius in the way you decoded what took a community years of building up to. Incredible job.

[@LukeS95]

He really is 😂

[@darklordbowza3648]

Time for the summoning, chokehold, pretty much the entire album

[@KCsFunHouse]

There is a ton of lore behind the band that gives things context. The TLDR is that the lead singer Vessel was visited by a deity called Sleep. Their songs are called tokens, concerts are called rituals and fans gather to worship. I would highly recommend checking out their live performances, they’re incredible! Oh this is also the 3rd album in a trilogy and if you listen to all the albums there is a story from start to finish. (There’s 4 members, Vessel (sings & piano), ii (drums), iii (bass) & iv (guitar & some screaming)) Hope that helps a bit

[@Aestareth_]

a bit more context: this whole deity and worship thing is a metaphor for a past toxic relationship he had, and thats what he's always talking about in his songs

[@BC08]

@@Aestareth_ Correct

[@TV_Offroad]

2 members, Vessel and II. III and IV are not official credited members and are only paid touring musicians (currently, this could change in the future)

[@sophiemaratheftis1770]

@@Aestareth_ read their interview "who and what the hell are sleep token", only interview vessel has done and you get to understand them better. not about a toxic relationship with a person but with sleep, the deity.

[@Photonkannon]

For a first time listener that loves different genres, The Summoning is a must listen. That song is the most "wtf how did we get here, but I love it" track ever.

[@brandi1719]

I'm an older Millennial, I grew up listening to all sorts of genres. Sleep Token is definitely progressive. A melting pot of all sorts of yumminess that makes sense ❤

[@jxstified7558]

No point trying to figure out Sleep Token my friend you just gotta vibe and love it like the rest of us haha.

[@meakahana404]

Its all poetry. From the lyrics to everything else that is so deliberate in the music. The vibe is real, no matter the ambiguity of the song

[@riikkapalokangas560]

Sleep Token truly is my deepest love when it comes to bands. ❤️ Every song takes me on a journey to deepest feelings and what they do is just so magical and beautiful. Worship. 🙏🥰 Getting to see them in a week here in Finland and for that I'm forever grateful. ❤️

[@Hello_Im_Jello]

You have to listen to more. The whole album is top tier, and the name track Take Me Back to Eden is honestly what the true definition of music should be. I would love to see your reaction to that song, and honestly the whole album, but definitely that song above all else.

[@khi2880]

“You make me wish I could disappeaaaaarrrrrrr” 🎸

[@jamiezaman]

Best band on the planet right now with their blend of Heavy Metal,Rock, Soul , RnB and Funk.

[@mori9019]

One thing you brought up I feel people don’t mention enough is the intelligence in the lyrics alongside being poetic - thank you for bringing light to that, this is my favourite off the album personally. The Apparition has a similar effect lyrically

[@EastOfEden96]

diamonds in the trees, pentagrams** in the night sky

[@edelwiess2306]

The harmonies are performed live by 3 masked and hooded backing vocalists who stand still the entire show. They’re amazing! The whole live performance is always phenomenal. 😁

[@nolbertolopez1128]

the fact that you are able to decrypt this song better than most is awesome in it of itself. Your intellectuality in how you break down your music is like NoxHill. love your work man

[@tTilling]

Whole album is absolutely amazing. 10/10 in my opinion.

[@NahIamgood]

Vessel (the vocalist) is probably more millennial than Gen Z, even if we don't know his identity. He also writes everything except the drums (the drummer is called II - two in roman numbers) and was a co-producer for Take me Back to Eden. This album is a masterpiece, I believe you will enjoy it deeply

[@FadedImage]

have a gander at blacklit canopy :)

[@NahIamgood]

@@FadedImage backlit paradise and ancient canopies you mean lol? One of their songs is on my playlist for a while now, just wanted to be respectful :)

[@Cocosalamander]

@@FadedImageSome people don’t wanna know. Please ask people first if they wanna know who Vessel is. ❤️

[@madhya]

​@@FadedImage i miss the days when knowing was special and not shoved down your throat on a youtube comment section every 5 minutes

[@jctheii]

@@madhya the most disgusting thing is the other half of BC has been posting vocal covers recently and people have been commenting ‘Worship’ underneath her videos, so fucking annoying

[@durstroyer3924]

You made the exact comment I always think about. We never intermingled in high school. the rockers, the rappers, the metal heads, the pop kids and punks it was all individual cliques. I love seeing everyone vibe to metal now and hear what I heard. and vise versa.

[@krzysztofmedyna3661]

You have the kind of voice I'd enjoy hearing on my late night local radio spinning whatever you enjoy and sharing it with the world. Subscribed!

[@justmejoy124]

This guys voice is such an audible pleasure. Im just learning of this band and checking out some of their work

[@Krys-pu9mm]

Diamonds in the trees; pentagrams in the night sky. Sleep Token is a lore band. Take me back to Eden, the album is the third album in a trilogy of albums. I highly suggest you listen to all the albums.

[@Loinscurvey]

EUCLID is my fav of the album goes full circle

[@gabadaba5436]

I really just wanted to see the reaction to the big drop. Absolutely love the floating, ethereal vocals over a heavy, powerful guitar and drum part

[@Foxxy_420]

Worship 🕯

[@Orchestravels]

I agree with you on growing up in the 90's and only really focusing on one style of music. Its almost an antiquated statement to say that we grow up without the internet and free music at our fingertips and the ability to have access to everything all at one time really allows more expansion of ideas in the music world. After high school I got really into underground music and never looked back. But I wish I could've been at least more open-minded as a kid. Great explanation for the song, btw. I really like how you broke down the lyrics and what the meaning was, from your perspective. you've got yourself another follower.

[@vaegist]

I'm so glad I was looking for a reaction to this song and found yours.

[@Boozewa]

Love the content bro. I tuned in to your song dissections mostly when Ren hit the screen, and I'm just now tuning in for ALL your Sleep Token content. They are truly amazing and will go down in music history

[@everythingtcg7590]

i wish i could listen to this song for the first time again.

[@ILoveLamp-sj4bx]

Im 33 and went through music phases throughout my life. Only metal or only punk and even a hip hop phase. But now i just love and appreciate talented artist and listen to pretty much everything. I was Born 1990.

[@DrakengardGirl]

Yesssss Sleep Token!!! My favorite band!!!!

[@nelymason8106]

Rollercoaster of emotions for sure. It's like you feel every note. Hard to explain other that genius and very talented.

[@introvertialxo]

No words are needed. Just worship 🙏

[@chrisdunlap5482]

They are a band, but generally, the song writing is done by the singer and the drummer. In recording, it is usually the singer playing all the instruments but drums and then layering. Live, they add additional musicians which add their own flavor.

[@Eddie-lf8vt]

This song took me on a ride during the first listen…the whole album did…I can’t get enough of it !

[@Foxxy_420]

This is one of my favorite Sleep Token reactions yet. I feel like you felt like I did the first time 💜

[@bryanjenkins8830]

This album is a masterpiece front to back. Highly suggest. Worship

[@kelzabells]

I think you encapsulated Sleep Token rather beautifully. They are a musical enigma and are classed as a multi genre band but are embraced by the alternative metal fans like myself. Vessel is an incredible artist. Hes special. There are not many musicians that can write and play like he does yet bring real soul into everything they do. I know music can be technically broken down and you did that so well, but you also need to lie back, close your eyes and experience their music for the magnificence that it is. What a journey, and a fantastic time to be alive.

[@lonniepeck285]

I love that almost every reaction video to Sleep Token has a follow up video of more songs, because they are so jarring in their diversity and creation of atmosphere in their music. Its so fucking awesome to see people hit the pause button and be like "I feel like we're going somewhere, but I don't know where" and then immediately have to pause 5 seconds later like "I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT!" LOLOLOLOL

[@godinho.kidjoe]

diamonds in the trees - the beaultifull here, enjoy here and now . pentagrams in the nightsky - stop searching out of you ... enjoy your life here with our own nature. itself ... Kisses from Brazil S2

[@RealDyl75]

There's no band like Sleep Token. Literally none. Most original talented band in recent memory.

[@shadownemysis1761]

You gotta do more of them!!! INCREDIBLE album!

[@momma715]

The bassline in this song is insane. This is a force to be reckoned with!

[@zcapegoat]

I want you to experience the journey that is worshipping with Sleep Token. Love how intrigued you are and the musical deconstruct you have is amazing.

[@nallabeloved]

"diamonds in the trees, pentagrams in the night sky" bro what are you talking about.😂 LOL

[@AlliLaRoux]

The way Vessel just blends all the genres is amazing. This is one of my faves from them.

[@de5troythebrain]

Its not just a Gen z thing. I'm 38 and i listened to everything from willie nelson, to marilyn manson, to 2 pac growing up.. Even closet fan of some pop back then lol . Even now ill give just about anything a listen. but GD i love this band.

[@abericrombie4713]

You just opened a rabbit hole of my friend now you can enjoy the best new band

[@jamellelangfordiii3586]

It makes you tear up and feel so much because you can feel it in his voice and the music just piles on.

[@PoltergeistHaunt]

Vessel has such a wonderful intelligent verbalization of emotion/feeling/story. Every individual song on this album is different but consistent?? I don't know how to explain. He is deep, different and just pulls you in. I highly suggest deep diving this album it is addictive and beautiful.

[@yilomina2047]

Omg, it's so much fun to watch someone listen to Sleep Token for the first time!!! This band is amazing, I would love to see you react to more of their stuff.

[@ivo001]

Just seen them live for the 2nd time last weekend. Absolutely phenomenal. I would suggest the song Hypnosis.

[@metalbeast99]

"pentagons in the sky, bro what are you talking about?" That shit killed me 😂😂

[@junior-rox]

From Dec 23 to Feb 24, Sleep token was my most listened band according to my KZbin music recap 🤘

[@SarahOfTheRealm]

This album is an absolute masterpiece. Absolutely incredible.

[@Cryzeeeh]

I was born in 96 and grew up with Hiphop AND Rock/Metal. I worship Linkin Park since 2003 because they mixed Rap and Rock/Metal . I love that they even made features with Rap Legends like Rakim or Jay-Z.

[@jimmyb2655]

The Trilogy of albums is amazing. Each song takes you on a journey and all together it's a sad story that everyone can relate to on some level. The composition and recording is all Vessel, and ii (AKA Drummer boy) iii Bass and iv guitar, are there live, and they have 3 female vocalists as a mini choir.

[@_.gray._]

Ascensionism is from the last album in a trilogy - each album representing a relationship falling apart and the internal struggles which arise from being with someone who is toxic, which includes becoming toxic yourself. It tackles a lot of internal and external issues that arise from being with a manipulative person. The first album, Sundowning, is about the relationship itself. The second album, This Place Will Become Your Tomb, is about the downfall of the relationship and trying to no avail to recover it. The final chapter, Take Me Back to Eden, is about self-acceptance and growth after hitting rock bottom. It's an emotional rollercoaster and an absolute masterpiece that takes you to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows with no regard for genre or traditional songwriting. Here's an info dump for anyone who wants to know more about the band: Most of Sleep Token's songwriting and studio recording is done by their lead singer, known only as Vessel. He writes all the lyrics, sings all the vocals, and plays the piano, guitar, and bass parts. The drums are written and performed by II (Vessel "Two"). There are five other band members who are there for live performances. III (bass) and IV (guitar) and three backup singers. They've also had a dance troupe perform with them in the past. To my knowledge, IV is the only member who's had a lineup change in the past. Their earlier work was produced by George Lever, and this record was produced by Carl Bown.

[@andrewyork7776]

I love seeing people's first reaction to the first break of this song. So good!

[@paravarium]

Really enjoyed your takes and hope to see you go down their rabbit hole.

[@michaelmorgan8072]

Ok...I've been obsessing over this artist for days. I think I've ..maybe..hit on what this particular song makes me think of: it's as if Lucifer is singing a twisted ballad to The Father from the abyss. Whoa

[@xelsnap9972]

u have to go back from their begining seen them evolve and adapt and create all their music

[@bruceroller4995]

I'm 41 and I grew up listening to everything from Wu Tang and pantera to Johnny Cash and Micheal Jackson to Buddy guy and Blue Oyster Cult.

[@RattyBlueWIZARD]

Believe it or not, Vessel, the vocalist, also wrote and performed every instrument on the album other than drums. Also it's "diamonds in the trees, pentagrams in the night sky" which isn't any less confusing lol.

[@stevesummerell9722]

Wait until you hear the title track Take me back to Eden 😂

[@brandonsmith6668]

Please give them more of a listen. Vessel is the lead singer. He composes most of the music along with the drummer. Guitarist and bassist are fill in performers on stage/tour. They are magical with intertwining through sounds and genres. Great review!

[@brainstormgfx]

This is the best reaction I have seen to Sleep Token. You give the words the attention they deserve. Vessel has something to say. Three album triptych. Worth a listen.

[@missanthr0pic]

As someone who lovesss lyrical analysis I am absolutely living for your reactions!! You are all of us hearing this for the first time

[@brandondrush]

This band has consumed me whole. worship

[@beachamj]

Your breakdown of this track is why I subscribed 3 years ago after watching a RATM lyric breakdown!

[@xTriggernometry]

GENRELESS. I love that description. Good music is just good music

[@PKMetalGames]

MR. BOYD!!!! I have been hoping and patiently waiting for you to discover this band. Absolutely love Sleep Token. I knew you'd like them and I hope you check out more. They just put out a new album.

[@abrag12314]

Also definitely give a shoutout to how amazing the production is. Makes Vessel shine as well as all the instruments.

[@jase88rose]

*pentagrams in the night sky

[@mvpbass]

Keep going down that rabbit hole! You are one of the best reviewers out there. This band is perfect for you!

[@exactlywhatineeded]

9:40 as a kid everyday before and after school I would watch nothing but MTV, mtv2, and vh1. it was during the transition from mudvayne being on there to the sean Kingston and nelly, chris brown, 50 cent etc etc. vividly remember chicken noodle soup with a soda on the side lmaoo but yeah back then if you didn't listen to rap you were considered weird cause rap was overpassing rock and metal as the number 1 genre. i grew up listening to everything, I love music and I'm so glad I was fortunate enough to be as cultured in music today, now that its cool to listen to all genres LOL

[@raychlescott3350]

If metal and R&B had a baby.........this would be it ❤

[@kassill3786]

Love watching people react to them. The whole album is a journey and I take it probably once a day or every other day at work or the long ride home. Hope you enjoy some more soon

[@sandcake]

Welcome to the world of Sleep Token. WORSHIP ❤

[@MrAvalon82]

So the story of sleeptoken is that vessel the lead singer, writer, and composer recieved a message for the God "sleep". Vessels music is a extension of the message he recieved. And that's all anyone knows. No interviews no photo shoots, nothing. They are exactly what they are, genius musicians that move something inside us and they don't need a face they just are.

[@mrdereksutton]

I loved your reaction to this. It was refreshing to see someone's take that isn't directly involved in the music scene Sleep Token comes from. Great job!

[@blackv00d00]

Hope to see more Sleep Token. Definitely a defining band of this generation - glad to see someone react to them who picks up the nuances and enjoys the ride they take you on. Definitely think they are right up your alley, give some more songs a listen please!

[@EdibleStars369]

I think the millennial experience you have of just listening to Hip Hop is your experience, but not everyones at that time. As an 1989 baby, I listened to everything, I loved mixing genres and was so hyped when Linkin Park and Jay Z did their Collision album together. I feel like the 90s, early 2000s was a time when mixing genres was really beginning to happen

[@mailonantony9424]

I just loved your reaction, I'd love to watch you react to every song on this album, every time you walked by you said something interesting, it wasn't random pauses, Each break was to add something else to the music, Perfect.

[@mailonantony9424]

I noticed some mistakes in my writing, I beg your pardon, I'm Brazilian and I don't know how to write fully in English yet

[@kenmcmillen7212]

All these years I didnt think anything could come close to my absolute favorite band. Then came Sleep Token on a whole other level that just flipped my world upside down. I dont think Ive heard a Sleep Token song I didnt like. They all have grown on me even when I tried to pick them apart.

[@earthscorcher]

I cannot express how excited I am that you reacted to Sleep Token finally. Seeing how much you enjoyed discovering Tool and their versatility, I know for an absolute fact you are going to LOVE Sleep Token. I'm sure people will give you the rundown on the band, but I strongly recommend going back and listening to their entire discography from the start. They have two EPs - One, and Two, a handful of singles, and three LPs that form a trilogy storyline - Sundowning, This Place Will Become Your Tomb, and Take Me Back To Eden. They have been genrebending since their inception, and I am so upset I didn't find them sooner than I did. Cannot wait for you to dive in!

[@TranquilityInEden]

Finally you found them! Was waiting for this. Highly recommend going into the full album. But if you are doing random order highly reccomend the title track Take Me Back To Eden next. The whole album is a rollercoster of emotion.

[@MetalBere]

Vessel's voice is so beautiful ❤ and he writes amazing lyrics too