Sleep Token II Plays "Dark Signs"

Watch Sleep Token’s II perform “Dark Signs” from their first studio album “Sundowning”. This track demonstrates II’s seamless integration of electronics into his drum parts and how he can masterfully shape the dynamic arc of a song.
Worship.
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[@thethingthatshouldnotbe3035]

I was so happy when I discovered that II plays the electronic parts as well as the acoustic stuff and that it's not just programmed. And if you don't like the electronic parts, what the fuck are you doing listening to Sleep Token lol. Get over it already...

[@XBludclahtX]

My only displeasure is there seemed to be some 16th note rolls on the electronic pad that he was not playing. I could be missing something. No issue with pads or electronic drums but sequencing any other drums besides what’s being played live takes away some of the magic for me. But that’s just me nitpicking. Otherwise pretty cool!

[@jonathansutherland5242]

​@@XBludclahtXhe played everything. Just doing rudiments to make it look like less.

[@XBludclahtX]

So looking again it seems as though the hi hat roll is assigned to one of the pads which he triggers. So he’s not playing every note in that roll. he is triggering the sound. Either way like I said it just a small detail I noticed but does it matter? No. Still dope.

[@chellecopley67]

exactly. Ugh listen I am an old lady that knows NOTHING about drumming or actually playing any instrument but watching him play is just like watching an artist, a conductor conducting an orchestra and I am SO god damn here for it. I was able to get into the Austin show (pit tickets!!) and my ONLY complaint was not having the drumset lit up enough for my old ass to see well LOL I enjoy watching him play so much, the passion that he and Vessel have for this music just brings my heart SO much joy.

[@The0nlyy]

@@XBludclahtXyou’re absolutely right, as seen at 2:16 the top right pad triggers the collection of very fast hi-hat notes.

[@cat_pb]

There is a reason he won the 2023 Best Drummer Award 💖

[@I_am_Felii]

Dark Signs is SUCH AN UNDERRATED banger! Thank you Drumeo for gathering attention to that song! ❤

[@NiRvAnA6890]

Can you tell me what it is that you smoke because I would like to try it.

[@rad1antgg853]

Who is underrating it?

[@I_am_Felii]

@@rad1antgg853 it obviously isn't one of their better known songs within the general public I'd say...yes it is a fan favorite but I would want it to be known to a broader audience as well just like the Summoning or Granite.

[@brownskinbeauty.]

I've literally been playing their latest album nonstop since it came out. I have no clue what these people are on about but they couldn't be true music fans. The way they blend genres together makes it an experience every time you listen to their songs.

[@jonissues1914]

I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN. For me, it was the first Sleep token song I ever heard

[@bassistdeath502]

The way this song builds up to that last heavy chorus with full band and ii playing on full kit is just glorious to be fair!

[@Celari]

I hope II doesn’t read this comment section and see all the babies whining about this being boring. They’re the TikTok generation with attention span of 5 seconds who need something happening at all times. This video is art at its best. Such beautiful drumming and a minimalistic approach to mixing styles and music genres.

[@aaronwaddington1208]

Song is great bro. Ima 53yr old drummer but that was lame for a drum video. Was it the bad ass sticking pattern on the octopad that blew you away?

[@Celari]

@@aaronwaddington1208 Why does a song need a bad ass sticking pattern to be good? Can’t a song have an interesting approach sound wise? I beg of you, please upload a video of you playing this song. And make it sound as good as II does. Please. For the sake of internet. I would love to be proven wrong and see you make it sound as fluent and elegant as II does.

[@danielfreezer8469]

Man this is pop metal and you're complaining doubters got a tiktok problem lol come on. Is this like your first underground band?

[@aaronwaddington1208]

I love the song. It's a wonderful song to "listen" to. I couldn't agree with you more.

[@aaronwaddington1208]

As for a drum "VIDEO"...SECOND TO LAST!!!

[@d1rkSMATHERS]

I really wish High Water was played. I'd love to see his drumming of that one.

[@deadlyair]

Please @drumeo!

[@falluz]

That songs outro is literally my favorite piece of music ever because of the drums. Unreal emotion

[@ahache1235]

Me too High Water is an absolute must to see

[@TITTYtoucher2000]

That would be amazing

[@MysterySkater4]

and JAWS. Please.

[@ChromaJune]

It may not be an intensely flashy and explosive drum part, but the flavor and precision are INSANELY good for a song as rich and complex as this one. If you thought it was boring, you missed the point.

[@PreciseGameplay]

What you are describing is what I like to call a song being greater than the sum of it's parts.

[@LitithsClaptrap]

I'm sitting here getting an oil change on my car with my headphones on, bobbing my head to II's amazing drumming. He's seriously a MASTER at his craft.

[@arielfoote3651]

I absolutely love IIs buildup in the beginning, but I also love how in this song the beat doesn't over power Vessels voice but is almost the same tone and strength at parts. It's a chant. In a way.

[@tonytonytallboy]

I believe in one of George Lever's videos, he mentioned that for the first two albums when GL was producing, everything was meant to compliment Vessel's vocals so they could remain the dominant instrument in the music. The writing is absolutely incredible the way nothing is overpowering the other elements of the track.

[@I_am_Felii]

I feel like the emphasis on this video is to showcase that even if you think the digital drums are just programmed, II will STILL proof that he can pull it off live! Everything he plays is live! Just like literally any other aspect of the songs they have! Sleep Token is a live band through and through and they are NOT afraid to show you!

[@mrkrunch4340]

_"Everything he plays is live! Just like literally any other aspect of the songs they have! Sleep Token is a live band through and through and they are NOT afraid to show you!"_ You do know they use backing tracks, yes?

[@I_am_Felii]

@@mrkrunch4340 Ah here we go! I believe Tank the Tech has made a video about that. you do realize that backing tracks are a regular part of any live performance? How else would it be possible to play multiple layers of the same instrument simultaneously? Can you tell me? They obviously play the MAIN parts live.

[@mrkrunch4340]

@@I_am_Felii _"They obviously play the MAIN parts live."_ Bit of a backpedal from _"Just like literally any other aspect of the songs they have!"_ 😆 You do you I guess.

[@I_am_Felii]

@@mrkrunch4340 I thought it was common sense to assume I was talking about elements of songs that are indeed humanly possible to play, THOSE are ALL played live. What else would I mean? It's not a backpedal your logic just doesn't make sense.

[@ksmnocreativity]

​@@mrkrunch4340 most modern metal bands use backing tracks or at the very least click and playback in their ears. I'm of the opinion that as long as you can play the song and it sounds good, do whatever you want lol

[@dorukkendir1104]

We are waiting ıı plays for the firs time

[@rockapartyjd]

Absolutely

[@G.O.A.T-wm4pk]

Yuhhhhhh

[@LA_Official_Mus1c]

Yeah we are!!!!

[@daniel_millican]

I agree!

[@The0nlyy]

What are these bot comments lmao

[@alrightythen69]

Jaysus the control is just amazing!

[@winterwoooooooo]

Fascinating to watch the technicalities and extra little details to the songs, although II is known for his massive drumming energy and skill, it’s still great seeing the smaller details

[@lilymuu]

Dark Signs is one of my favorite earlier Sleep Token songs! It's great to see this playthrough get a full video dedicated to it I love the clear EDM influences, which II cited in the full interview, coming through in this track. Imo, it's a feel that you really have to go out of your way to learn how to play and write as a drummer, since most programmed drum parts aren't written by actual drummers. II's ability to incorporate the electronics into the song and flow seamlessly into the acoustic part toward the end really shows how versatile of a player he is.

[@LilCigarillo]

Nah I agree 100%, I don't know if people realize how impressive it is to play a trap beat on more "traditional" kit, that's WHY it's typically programmed. I was kind of disappointed up until that point.

[@lesliebates22]

Heck yeah 😊 got me moving and clicking fast on this Monday Morning. WORSHIP 🔔👀🔔👀

[@luoleilinaonmars]

My favorite from this album, I fell in love with this songs thanks to the drums, it’s just so perfect 👌🏻

[@LWdrumz84]

Dark Signs, one of their best songs... II makes my heart sing, what a drummer :)

[@Jimmehcakes1530]

Ughhhh I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH!!!!! Thank you ii for doing this for us!!!! 🔥🖤

[@ouig-emirii]

I love how II keeps the beat going even if he’s just air playing the first half. Beautiful artistry

[@lolfish78]

It's a good day when Drumeo posts a new video. It's an even better day when it's Sleep Token. Starting the week off right!

[@rawke7279]

This isn't new. Watch II play through a whole set from a few months ago. Simply amazing

[@elbeetlebeasto]

@@rawke7279 this song wasn't part of that set, so it's definitely new to anyone who doesn't work for Drumeo

[@brownskinbeauty.]

​@@rawke7279Right? It's clear who actually watches the channel and who's just here to complain for the sake of doing so

[@brownskinbeauty.]

@@Hogsqueal Read the rest of the comment section, that will answer your question.

[@S1L3NTIGamer]

I love the seamless integration of digital and acoustic live playing. Not to mention when II hits a cymbal, he isn’t just hitting a cymbal, he is hitting THE only cymbal that would fit that moment in the music. The care put into the song writing process for the drum part is really evident in these live performances.

[@youropionmattersnot]

All 39 seconds of acoustic?

[@ryleighs9575]

@@youropionmattersnot Yes. What exactly did you take from their comment to give that reply?

[@CarpetFibreHybrid]

Thats literally what every single drummer does............

[@moonlighttenebrae7264]

This is literally my favourite ST song and this video goes straight on my repeat. II being a legend drummer as ever

[@biancanmd]

'The Apparition' playthrough next? 🙏

[@OrdinaryDrummer]

I agree, he did one in the interview which I keep going back to

[@alice__drummer]

I love II’s drumming style, so sharp and slick and the fills too, he also uses a lot of his cymbals to fill all the gaps, such a good drummer

[@joelle4028]

Lanta that was enrapturing. The way II kept the perfect measure and just lived the music was amazing.

[@decimo3609]

Outro solo was pure bliss

[@maxmcquaid]

ii is such a great drummer, inspires me so much

[@TheCardGuyHW]

Saw Sleep Token last week in Tampa. As much as I like ST, it’s the drumming part that caught my ear the first time I heard them with Alkaline. My main interest was II, I wanted to see this dude live. It’s suffice to say that he sounds better live! This dude just jumped into my top 10 drummers of all time, behind the likes of Pert, Carey, Portnoy, Jordison…For those who appreciate musical talent, don’t miss out on this band if they’re gonna play in your city

[@TurdleDaddyGaming]

I fucking LOVE this man. He has to be one of the most fluid and technical drummers I’ve ever seen.

[@MazzVG]

One of the most entertaining drummers around at the moment

[@sini8043]

The Drumeo-videos made me a new fan of Sleep Token. Thanx for this und warm greetings from Germany!

[@thwoo-]

Seeing II play those hip hop parts is simply incredible. I thought it was programmed but him playing it is so much more cool.

[@michaelcapps8877]

This the type of song if you hear it in cold weather it will make you feel some type of way…definitely an underrated song….

[@patri9880]

my favourite song. it's so atmospheric and haunting

[@JCha-vy3tx]

What can I say, I just really like watching this guy play drums. I see ii I click 🫡

[@markusszelbracikowski956]

Kudos to Drumeo for the fantastic atmosphere, also for bringing attention to more unconventional drumming.

[@holysparkbatman]

Best song on sundowning for me

[@kkmpST]

Love the Song 🎶 his drumming just completes the Voice and everything!

[@ifr1t_]

I'm so obsessed with the way he plays, the control on this song (i LOVE this song btw..) is so mesmerising

[@bradleyreece2689]

I’m with you on that. Totally captivated by HOW he plays. Just incredible.

[@NiRvAnA6890]

It's called playing on beat. Anyone who practices can do it. It's not something so complex its out of this world.

[@ifr1t_]

@@NiRvAnA6890 god forbid I have fun watching one of my favourite drummers working his craft. Didn't say it was complex either, just said I like it. No need to spread negativity

[@100k_shoes]

​@@NiRvAnA6890 says the mf with nirvana in his name smh

[@james9269-8n]

Makes me want to get that Roland spd xpro. Enough inputs on the module to use the td series triggers on his kit. Genius

[@billyunderworld235]

Mannnn i could watch this guy play all day long hes just incredible and his techniques are so fuckin perfect and smooth 😁 what a legend 🙏🖤

[@wesleymccravy901]

Man it’s like I find myself noticing “a mistake” or something in his play-through, then after a few more listens I come to terms with his mistake was just a purposeful oddity that makes the song. Just a better drummer than me; all there is to it. Very structured in that writing, II.

[@pauljackson171]

Blessed being able to see/hear this 👌

[@theangledsaxon6765]

WAIT II DOES THE ELECTRONIC PARTS?? THEYRE NOT JUST PROGRAMMED????

[@markusloacker3528]

Fantastic drummer and amazing song 👏

[@wendypierce5621]

A perfect way to start the week. Also, I love the cover photo “biting” his drumsticks. He’s definitely the goofball of the band and I’m glad he can show it!

[@c.r.blankenship9040]

I don’t know they all do some goofy shit

[@MsTeesto]

Love! Love! Pure Art and can’t get enough of!

[@aerenstormchild]

Favourite band right now

[@Dontreadme]

Dark signs is my favorite track.

[@yunyunnie]

II my beloved

[@johnnyv498]

RedRocks May 12th 🤙🤙🤙 can't wait

[@odinboggs4372]

This dude is putting on a Master class 🥁✌️

[@TheWRCS]

This is so beautiful, I love it

[@jeffgordonsmom1730]

This is exactly what I didn’t know I needed

[@theanigamerreviews]

Such a damn good song live, so glad I saw them in Phx to start out their tour

[@laquillacoleman5001]

Shout out to drumeo for giving us more ii content! ❤

[@rockapartyjd]

Just another sign to getting me ready for the teeth of god tour on the 8th! My 1st ritual! I feel so much excitement that iny 46 years ive never felt this....especially, seeing a band but damn, their music beyond hits the soul and no offense Eloy or El but 11 is my favorite most precise drummer!

[@widexawake_]

As much as love Sleep Token, I can't stand "stadium" shows. I only bought a ticket because Bilmuri is supporting.

[@rockapartyjd]

@widexawake_ wow I feel old cuz I have no idea what you're sayin

[@widexawake_]

@@rockapartyjd Basically, if it wasn't for the support act, Bilmuri, I probably wouldn't be going to see Sleep Token because of my disdain of Stadium shows

[@rockapartyjd]

@widexawake_ ok I got ya...im curious was the balcony stadium, as well, or we're people seated? Ty btw

[@Toolness1]

II is amazing. The entire band is. They are in my top 5 concerts ever, easy.

[@vipa8086]

Eloy is, by far, the best metal drummer ever. But II is something special, like a different breed of drummers, watching him play is mesmerizing, it's like watching a Zimmer's concert.

[@hoosierdaddie454]

Sees anything posted about Sleep Token. ** metal elitists enter the chat **

[@Rodrigues013-w7e]

Beautiful ♥️♥️♥️🔥

[@KillerArcadeGames]

These may just be longer/uninterrupted cuts of the full video but I will watch everyone of these you release haha.

[@kotpijemleko]

the drumline adds such a cool vibe to this song ! ii is honestly incredibly creative. can't imagine st songs without his work. amazing as always. absolutely cannot wait until i see them live in november 🖤

[@Thiagorock1928]

The best drums for metal/trap

[@toanmaxdark7]

Gotta get this dude on the oned where he makes up his own beat to a song he hasn't heard lol

[@optiquest09]

_And I miss the man I was_ _the moment we left off_

[@ewanxuan4393]

bro II's drumming is so rad

[@thetruextremeicon]

Just saw them tonight in Tampa. So so so good.

[@Luguash1]

This guy is seriously a beast.

[@Victorvonbass]

Next time you have II back can you record High Water? They dont even play it live, but its one of their coolest songs.

[@IVismyfav]

I LOVE HIM! HES SO AMAZINGG

[@Thischarletfire]

Love this song

[@moriahm61331]

The love I have for drumming awakened only after I started listening to ST and now I appreciate it so much more ❤❤❤

[@guywithFX]

I’m in that club as well. The build up on this is something else

[@ant24197]

If you love drumming more now go listen to Danny Carey play drums for tool.

[@moriahm61331]

@@ant24197 i will! thanks for the recommendation

[@glennbailey9746]

Check out Mike portnoy if you like the sound of drums

[@biggestbirdd]

at first i was like ‘why do we have all these drums if he’s playing only on the sampler.’ i now UNDERSTAND WHY

[@ruthlessrog1]

Dude plays with such killer dynamics. Grooves for days

[@glasschicken13]

Thank you drumeo for showcasing these guys. MY NEW FAVORITE DRUMMER!

[@weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee360]

Actually my favorite song by them, thank you II for this offering 🙏

[@Nazerethst]

I could watch him play gor hours without getting bored

[@HelenNetoken]

The best thing on a Monday Morning…ii is such a phenomenal drummer 🖤

[@I_am_Felii]

If we get so much II content on Drumeo can we get some Vessel content on Pianote, Guitareo or Singeo?!?!?! PLEASE 😭🙏🏻

[@ashleyhauschild]

That was crisper than a McDonald's Sprite.

[@EspenAndreassen77]

Thiiiiight! Such a good drummer 😁

[@AriesMayBe949]

That was smoothhhh!

[@OfficiallyMaidenless]

I love all the little "micro-rests" especially in the intro of the song, it lets it breathe for literally just a fraction of a second, and somehow has such a huge impact compared to if it was just continuous.

[@ExtinctEmu]

YEAAAAAAH!!!!! WOOO!!!

[@MurderBong]

WICKED.. THE MASKED MAGICIAN IS BACK!!

[@MurderBong]

SERIOUSLY… LOOK IT UP… IT’S UNCANNY 😂

[@JuxChi]

My honest guess, II is a black brother coz I can hear those gospel chops from a mile away ❤

[@chewfoo]

when are you guys going to get Alex Bent from trivium in the studio? Would love to see him breakdown some trivium songs.

[@TITTYtoucher2000]

Please do high water

[@adambrouk7952]

He's just soo good in soo many ways it's just silly

[@amdisboxing]

If people don't know who you are, you can focus on creating amazing music. Stardom and constant recognition from fans can be distracting. Hiding their identity keeps them safe to create without the pressures of fame. What Slipknot should have stuck to.

[@10ekrom]

Yassss. Watching him drum is mesmerizing. HOW does he keep the beat on his right foot while hitting a totally different rhythm on the snares. He has such amazing feel, technical skill, and control of the pad and his drum kit. I can't wait to see what you cover in the future when they release new music!!!

[@UraharasWife]

oh how I adore sleep token and oh how I adore ii

[@Sk8foxx]

When can we get THE Offering as an offering? And Nazareth would be super cool too!

[@thebraveguy9808]

Dude, this song is awesome, I've never heard it before.I love the relaxing vibes that it gives off, for the most part. It's one of those songs you hear, and can truly appreciate it as art, moreso than most songs you hear nowadays.

[@FreeFighting1]

It's such a pleasure to watch him play

[@YuumiTrash]

Watching him play this in Austin was AMAZING.

[@davidbalan6571]

After self- releasing their debut extended play ( EP) One in 2016 .

[@Magnumscrotus]

We all know its Will Ferrell underneath that mask so he cant get confused for chad smith, taking the credit

[@astrowerm]

Yessss!

[@themig292003]

Skin flash at the right eye around 11 and 17 seconds. for anyone interested (light toned)