Why Do People Even Like Sleep Token?!

After I reacted to the first Sleep Token single "Chokehold" earlier this year, many of you commented saying I should've reacted to Sleep Token's second single "The Summoning". So, I am obeying your commands and doing that today!
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#sleeptoken #thesummoning #musicreaction

[@darylandcat]

Take Me Back to Eden was an intense listening experience. This is one of those albums that you have to listen to from start to finish instead of picking out tracks. It perfectly encapsulates everything I listen to in one perfectly arranged and performed collection. I am a big listener of blues, jazz, soul and classical (B.B. King, Frank Sinatra, Adele, Post Malone, Beethoven) but I am predominantly a metal head that listens to pummeling metal/metalcore to the tune of Periphery, Oceano, Suicide Silence, Signs of the Swarm. Deftones still reign supreme on my playlists though. Sleep Token is without a doubt my AOTY, and quite possibly in the top 10 I have ever heard.

[@twall91]

Justin is such a lovely dude. And it made me smile when he got to the “I think Sleep Token is gonna be alright” part. I have been supporting the heck out of them for quite a bit and I’m loving this timeline where I get to be a part of their ascent to greatness.

[@price41899]

Poopy Tool in super-cute masks. Neato I guess.

[@Forestgravy90]

Bastille with random metal breakdowns

[@KK-bm4mf]

Theory of a Deadman × Suicide Silence + a bad acid trip = Sleep Token

[@buckbreaker5185]

Consoom

[@TheCarelessAquarius]

@@KK-bm4mftheory of a deadman, more like suggestions of an Imbecile

[@timruss3555]

Don't worry my voice is also ropey after screaming along with you guys in Wembley. What a night, cannot wait for the next one

[@Wildatheart81ridesagain]

Absolutely the same here

[@jaja814]

I currently have no voice too since the Manchester one 😂

[@beautifulsky7807]

Glad you took some time off. You don't need to do these on the daily when you are touring. We understand if you need to take a break 🦋

[@user-fn9nq9wk6l]

You so sensitive

[@Shsjier]

@@user-fn9nq9wk6l you so edgy

[@MrStu1962]

Break break no break

[@beautifulsky7807]

@@user-fn9nq9wk6l Thanks Mum 🦋

[@samprice7462]

I’ve really enjoyed these videos you’re making! They feel like a chill hangout with a friend just talking about stuff. Thanks for making them

[@jakewilson7211]

I love the whole song but the last part from about 1.30 is such a nice piece of music and is a great change of pace from the rest of the track

[@gordonkelly]

Yep, wish we'd got to hear more of it than about 5 seconds at a time.

[@lofidigitalmonk]

They do Maroon 5 better than Maroon 5.

[@Shsjier]

@@lofidigitalmonk not even close

[@hermanturnip3984]

My man dropping a Cameo reference. All we need now is a codpiece to make my day complete. Great reaction vid!

[@Reid_Jorgensen]

Congratulations on your successful arena tour! The pictures and video I have seen were exciting. So happy for you guys. Was cheering you on from the US! 👍

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks Reid!

[@SothorosDjents]

It feels like you’re struggling to come up with the term “dotted (quarter) notes,” but that’s what you’re hearing and describing. In this prog/djent genre, it’s almost always an underlying 4/4 with polymeters and/or polyrhythms over it. Once you DO find the 4/4 groove, that’s what makes the impact of these dotted notes and sub-divisions so darn rewarding. 🤘🏼🤩

[@jimronnysrlie8601]

You got Metal. You got some Jazz. You got some Prog and a bit of Funk. I love It! Btw. You are the first one I've heard comparing Sleep token with Westlife LOOL

[@DeenoSpamone]

Jack of many trades and masters of none. Not a fan of a band that can mix a handful of genres at a mediocre level.

[@zwryy7622]

@DeenoSpamone didn't ask 😔

[@ApolloAnt86]

Massive fan of yours. Your reaction to this band is the same as mine. I feel like my metal youth is resurgent again. I get hints of tool in this song. So clever.

[@Nathdood]

I hope people realize there's more than The Summoning on the album... I love that song but people pretend it their only song because they just discovered them. Their old stuff is masterwork as well.

[@AsAbove.SoBelow]

Facts. Everything back to 2018 is perfection. Even their Whitney cover is amazing. They can do no wrong to me…

[@shemsuhor8763]

Jaws is still their best song, not even close.

[@AsAbove.SoBelow]

@@shemsuhor8763 - I was having a sad day, and I listened to Jaws on repeat for almost 2 hours. Your comment definitely checks out.

[@chefbehc1870]

Don’t be a melt, it’s big because it’s an amazing song, real fans of them will listen to the other stuff also

[@moonbyul873]

Sleep token's entire catalogue is worth listening to, even their cover of Hey Ya. Sleep token is just a genuinely great and unique band. Even if you don't like their music, surely you can recognize their individual talents and musicianship. A truly great band and very few people know fuck all about the members.

[@evancrocker5343]

I have you to thank for turning me onto these guys! Love your channel and your eclectic taste in music! Here’s hoping The Darkness comes back to South Florida again soon, cheers!

[@danthelambboy]

The indie pop rock judgement is made due to the combination of several of their songs having parts of indie pop rock and the singers vocals being so clean and in some way similar to the sound of Bastille

[@mickjager]

The intro is also in 4/4, but they really accent the dotted 8th notes. This indeed creates a triplet feel, only to abruptly get cut off because 3 doesn't fit in 4.

[@chrishoward7976]

Is that what you’d call a polyrhythm, then?

[@mickjager]

@@chrishoward7976 you could. I personally wouldn't as a polyrhythm is 2 rhythms at once, but you don't really hear that. However, the idea is similar and I think most people will understand the idea if you call it a polyrhythm

[@Sumarbrander]

Its more what you'd call syncopation @@chrishoward7976

[@Void-Realm]

It would've been so cool to also see you cover some of their slightly older stuff like High Water.

[@rosie606]

Such an underrated song from this album 🔥

[@Void-Realm]

@rosie606 it's an absolute banger. It's a shame that they never seem to play it live. The drumming on the track is crazy.

[@bcm5pointer]

THANK YOU! I was so happy that they were on your radar when you posted about Chokehold + have been waiting for this video since. I guess you might say…I had faith! 😉 Worship.

[@eweng903]

Would have thought that a swing groove would be something like a 4/4 time signature. Prog metal is the genre that was popularised by Dream Theatre and other bands starting in the mid-eighties, and Sleep Token fits into all of that reasonably well today.

[@Fall_Spectacular]

I’ll raise my coffee to “just wanting to dance”

[@richardmoore3749]

Your page is awesome. Do what you need for yourself first . Go on tour , vacation and relax then come back stronger for us

[@hardypahardypa1]

I discovered them because of your first post! I cannot stop listening to them since!!!

[@user-oi3ry9dx9u]

I love that I found your channel, you're a great musician! Hope to see you live!

[@meliorism_uk]

Gotta have lots of weird time signatures to keep things interesting. The challenge is getting those time signatures to still groove

[@lessur]

i’m pretty sure the summoning is 4/4 believe it or not

[@TheRhysmo1]

@@lessur It is indeed all in 4/4

[@eyezik5743]

You definitely don't have to lots of weird time signatures. In fact I would dare to say that making music with weird time signatures just for the sake of it often results in crap garbage that is almost unlistenable. Weird time signatures should only be used if they really fit the song and make sense musically. Making music complicated just because makes terrible music that only other weird musicians like to listen to.

[@PM-vv3uc]

@@eyezik5743 true. I also think that a catchy melody would also help to keep it interesting... :D

[@lukesteiner8934]

​@Eyezik some bands force them but some other bands like tool manage to make them feel natural

[@soundssimple1]

Straight in with a 'reference ' to TOOL. Then on to Karnivool ? Nice mix of styles pulled from different areas. Maybe this will be their sound, pulling it all together. Thanks Justin.

[@elisedavis9359]

Definitely need a Karnivool episode!

[@soundssimple1]

@@elisedavis9359 Agree !!!! Producer are you reading this ??/

[@Thrinari]

Absolutely obsessed with Sleep Token and happy to see you react to them again!

[@blackelton7127]

You were amazing at Wembley, one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen and thank you for telling people to turn their phones off before ‘I believe’!

[@bulletxwound3559]

It's interesting seeing how everyone perceives a song differently. I didn't start counting right away, the first few listens I was able to groove and dance around. Then after I started trying to learn the song I started counting

[@alessandrobaggi6129]

Works the same way for me, ex bassist here. 😅

[@bulletxwound3559]

@@alessandrobaggi6129 you count first or groove first?

[@alessandrobaggi6129]

@@bulletxwound3559 I grooved at first by instinct, then i pinpointed down the notes to properly learn the song 😅 it's been at least ten years since i last played 😢

[@bulletxwound3559]

@@alessandrobaggi6129 ohh okay well shit that might mean I should pick up bass🤣 by instinct I always just move when I listen to music

[@Deceptinominon]

Sleep Token is slowly starting to remind me of Fair To Midland, that chaotic, beautiful, heavy, avant garde sound that very few have the fortitude to attempt.

[@riccardocarolo4544]

Please, don't mention FtM cause I'm gonna cry 😢

[@maximilianschultz8244]

Miss them.

[@pickledparsleyparty]

Sleep Token is good, but they're more like a cold, comfortable hug. Fair to Midland is an amazing thrill ride. I think comparing the two is a disservice to Fair to Midland.

[@BassLux]

Holy Moly, thanks for reminding me of Fair to Midland again! Also: I agree, maybe not too close musically speaking, but they also have a rather unique vibe.

[@laurawallace1346]

Oh my god FTM. I haven’t listened to them in 5 years. I was pregnant with my daughter and I really enjoyed listening to them

[@sarabromley3790]

I was introduced to Sleep token a few years ago and have been hooked since. I saw them at Bloodstock last year in a very packed tent full of people who hung on every note sung. Math rock…you meant Djent.

[@wesleymitchell434]

So excited you're back on tour. Can't wait for you to come back to Seattle!

[@bartbuysen7243]

Reminds me of some of Devin Townsend’s stuff in the ninety’s!

[@ianwest7763]

So this might be a hot take, but I think the song is actually 4/4 all the way through, but heavily syncopated for several measures in a row that it doesn’t feel like a standard time signature. This is my many years of music in school that lead me to this possible conclusion. I admit, I’m not 100% sure about this, but people who aren’t trained in odd time signatures regularly tend not to write in them without having extensive experimentation doing so.

[@667neighbourofthebeast]

I'm unsure why standard time signatures, such as 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 and 6/8, are considered rudimentary and basic. There can be difficulty performing in any of them. Variations, changes in tempo and key changes do make a composition interesting even if it only makes sense to the composer. The type of music I perform has evolved from simple three part variations of a theme, into an unnecessary complexity of overused syncopation, staccato, pp to ff crescendo in short measures et cetera. I honestly have doubts if the audience appreciates the articulation and direction of the orchestrations, or are just dumbfounded and bewildered by an experience which isn't supposed to be challenging to listen to and analyze. Sometimes one just needs to go back to the roots, to the inspiration, and cut out all the superfluous racket for awhile.

[@667neighbourofthebeast]

I was supposed to fit the word 'dynamics' in there somewhere. Lol.

[@ianwest7763]

@@667neighbourofthebeast definitely appreciate the idea to not be worried about crazy time signatures. I love standard time signatures. 6/8 is probably my favorite of all time because it has so many intricacies. It can feel like a half-time vibe, it can feel like a heavy triplet theme, or it can feel like a calming wave of steady up and down like the waves of the ocean. Super versatile time signature for sure.

[@667neighbourofthebeast]

​@@ianwest7763 6/8. Accentuated triplets with crescendo leading into a flourish. Magic. Compression into decompression. Pure flow of sound.

[@benjaminbaker236]

LEPROUS - THE SKY IS RED comeone mannnnn you'll love it

[@subhadeep8737]

Yes!

[@_jm0n3y8oo_]

They give me odd nostalgia at times of Deftones, Meshuggah and Katatonia, and yet they are simultaneously new fresh and exciting. That song reminds me seriously of you’ve seen the Butcher by Deftones. Love them both.

[@mipocoh]

Absolutely!

[@Chris_Sherwood]

I definitely hear some Deftones in there...

[@noneofyourbusiness6326]

Great to see someone referencing Katatonia in relation to Sleep Token. They're a band that have definitely turned me on to other great acts like The Cure, Jeff Buckley, Slowdive, & Chris Isaak in the past, & it wouldn't surprise me if Sleep Token themselves were maybe aware of or even influenced by them.

[@lewisbirkett4428]

Not fresh or exciting. An imsult to deftones comparing them

[@ryanls2330]

Definitely Katatonia!

[@rabas1a]

Justin, please get well deserved rest now after an incredible tour! I don't think you covered any of HIM or Ville Valo music before, would be really interesting to hear your opinion on his newest solo stuff, as in my opinion he is one of the most iconic voices and musicians in Europe. All the best to you, hope to see you and the Darkness live still this year!

[@gingeroverseer9302]

Absolutely!!! It's tricky what to recommend though since every album sounds wildly different especially his solo work but it's all amazing. I definitely support this recommendation!

[@kvstrickland]

The only way I know how to count is 1e&a …

[@feelinguru-vywiththepaingu9808]

Same

[@xSyklus]

the whole song is basically in 4/4, but some bits are heavily syncopated

[@nooneinparticular9868]

Man, Justin, the titles of your video are just brutal. I absolutely appreciate your honesty.

[@lalayne]

Dope guitar! Glad it ended up in your hands 🤘🏻😉

[@StacyODell]

I think one of the new joys in my life is now watching you listen to music that causes your head to gyrate round, for you to say "fuckin hell!", or both

[@rennsemmel5546]

You are a really nice Guy. Subscribed for this !

[@StacyODell]

As a recovering drummer, I take mild offense to "on the ah" being considered an old school term 🤣

[@tommoconstantly]

Don’t be sorry for resting, self care is important!! You were amazing I was at your Wembley arena gig!! 🔥🔥 thank you, funnily enough I saw sleep token a couple of weeks before seeing you on Saturday, they are a good band live but the darkness was amazing! 🔥👌🏻

[@bryanmcneil9872]

Gotta appreciate how many videos Justin puts out. The guy has been on KZbin for a year and releases several videos a week.. That’s why he’s been able to grab so many subscribers..

[@zoerose3478]

And on top of that he's just oozing natural wit and charisma

[@bobbyosborne2375]

I'm absolutely enthralled with this band.

[@jmd489]

Good stuff. I would love to see these reactions uncut😃

[@mtaffer]

"These guys should listen to Tool, they might quite enjoy it" 😆

[@TomV92]

"They're not trying to get on the radio," this made me laugh, I discovered them about 2 years ago on Clara Amfo's BBC Radio 1 future sounds lol

[@revjeffg]

It took 20 years, but someone finally came up with “Judith” by A Perfect Circle, lol. I like it tho. 👍👍

[@beautifulsky7807]

Tool are my #1 go to when I meditate 🧘‍♀️

[@bandanar1321]

I just saw you with the Dj Khaled guitar video, and now I see this video with Sleep Token ! I love them so much, and you seem like a really sweet person. I really appreciate. You're a happy surprise for me today !

[@dissectingdexter2186]

Check out Beast in Black "Blind and Frozen". The singer Yannis is amazing and has incredible range that I'm sure you would appreciate. He is a singer who deserves much wider recognition. Their style of metal is fun and exciting and they're awesome live.

[@ianhuyton2355]

You are hysterical, love it , Justin 🤟,oh and very talented ✌️💚

[@Rocksarum]

So rascal, Justin, when the red-evil light flashed on your face as you explained who borrowed the guitar first 😏. Maybe was just coincidence...or not👹muahahaha! (evil laugh sound effect)😄

[@richthompson7684]

Saw you guys Saturday and you killed it, thank you! You deserve all the rest

[@spencercreaghan6579]

Always a lovely video Justin! Big fan of these guys. If you're looking for a 'non-metal/rock' thing to check out, I recommend LANKUM's new single GO DIG MY GRAVE. It's a dark 'alt rock' inspire folk band that has taking folk music to a whole new level. They're incredible. Happy listening!

[@perlundgren7797]

Oh, I didn't know there's a new album on the way. Thanks!

[@drmndrew]

Justin - check out Katatonia if you aren't familiar. I get some of their vibe during the more melodic moments. Love your channel so much!

[@a3842-j3o]

why do i get so exited watching reactions of bands i love AHHH

[@Widetrackband]

Absolutely brilliant "band" (actually, singer Vessel writes and performs everything on the albums, except for the astonishing drums, played by "II")... They were phenomenal right out of the gate on their debut "One" E.P., (a true masterpiece from start to finish, IMO), and, from there, even before they'd released their first full album, they'd created some of the most innovative, breathtaking musical offerings in the form of songs like 'Calcutta', Jaws', and Vessel's fantastic remake of the classic OutKast' hit, 'Hey Ya'... It's been a magnificent journey of continuous pleasant surprise, witnessing their evolution and ascent to widespread acclaim... I can't imagine a singer/songwriter and drummer in their league at this point in time... As always, can't wait to see/hear/feel what they do next... \m/

[@stealthalex08]

I am a fan of Mr. Hawkins and generally I agree with the majority of his points and thoughts. He and The Charismatic Voice are the only two reaction video channels I enjoy. Also, both of those channels tend to pick and play a lot of tracks in my wheelhouse. So, bravo Justin.

[@Wildatheart81ridesagain]

So glad you have taken a break to recharge a bit. The weekend totally drained myself and that was just Wembley! You were awesome as always, much respect for your talents x

[@bellatyler7376]

Good morning Justin! We love you very much!🙂

[@BVRDSTR]

👍👍👍👍👍every rose has it's thorns Thxs again Justin Prescott AZ

[@shiftybat7318]

When metal dwindled in the US and UK it blew up in Japan with bands like Dir en Grey, Girugamesh, Versailles, and the Gazette, and now other artists are citing them as influences. It's cyclical like the growth and decay of mushrooms and equally mysterious and eternal. Jack Black told us ages ago - You Can't kill the Metal.

[@stephenhall9456]

The Summoning is by far their best material to date! Bloody good tasty eargasms

[@ixgreenlantern41]

My canon is Justin is in Sleep Token also glad he likes them it's great to see Sleep Token getting popular.

[@astrowerm]

You trying to understand this music is awesome to see your thought process, and funny as well lol

[@t803586]

As a non musician who doesn't know how to play anything, I just like the sound. I'm not counting anything or working anything out. Just enjoying it.

[@laurawallace1346]

Man I love Justin. He’s so entertaining and intelligent. Seems like a great guy

[@not_tem]

Ohhhh yes I was hoping Justin would cover ST again. Theyre really blowing up atm - I reckon theyre going to be massive this year

[@Ma93nta174]

The machine looks like a giant warhammer droid. They ARE definitely inspired by Tool. I've been a huge Tool fan since Lateralus and II is a beast of a drummer! Being a drummer myself I noticed II has done some drum 🥁 patterns (can't recall which track) that is very similar to what Danny Carey played on "Eulogy". One KZbin comment said they transcend genre, the more I hear the more I agree with that. Their track "Aqua Regia" has what can only be described as dinner jazz piano in the mix too. I recently saw them play at the Apollo and became one with the synth bass. It was that freaking loud and reverberating through my whole body AND I was standing near the back wearing proguard ear plugs. But the summoning practically went viral. At least compared to any previous track by them. Math metal is def another way of describing them but those elements are a bit more Meshuggah in my view. Suffice to say it's sublime music Justin but Igorr is another band that transcend genre. I also first saw them at Download same year I first saw Sleep Token there in 2018 I think. Clown 🤡 core also defy genre.

[@bridgetyoung190]

I was thinking Warhammer, too. 🤣

[@jamricsloe]

The 4/4 bits are pallet cleansers.

[@tonycarpaccio9550]

They are very very very Deftones/TOOL with a bit of Meshuggah which I absolutely love.

[@nrothe2898]

Also katatonia, particularly dead end kings

[@TrishTheSelkie]

And the singing style reminds me to SEAL as well

[@enfekted13]

Ummm.. they make amazing music and is mysterious.. "are you really okay" broke me..

[@Kewenmusic]

So glad you replied to Anthony Vincent’s comment! You need to check out his videos!! Like you he is so talented 😄

[@PositivelyHazo]

Casually just passing over the Anthony Vincent Cameo.

[@patrickromero9034]

You completely rock Justin.

[@vinzenzdeanson4946]

The darkness, Him, Tool... F'tooable yes. This possibly stands, maybe. Ask Nigel for disclaimer.

[@PooNinja]

Beautiful guitar

[@TheRealBrotherGrimmy]

I don't think I realized how similar some parts of their songs sound with some of Soilworks older stuff. I'm pretty sure that "thing" in the video, is Sleep. The "deity" that the members follow. There's a whole story to the band from what I understand. I haven't really done too too much research on them, just things I'm pretty sure I've heard people mention in the past (I think nik nocturnal was the one who originally put them on the radar for me)

[@zTom_]

I was at Wembley on Saturday & had an absolute blast!!! Cheers for the great show, Justin! 🤘😝 I discovered Black Stone Cherry in the process too & they rock. 👍

[@nedim_guitar]

Hello Justin! I think you should talk about the great song "Lord Intended" by the great De La Soul that you did such a great job singing on from their album "and the Anonymous Nobody".

[@PROX_PrinceOfTheSewer]

been obsessed for the past 2 yrs!

[@IblameHofmann]

we need a Spotify playlist with all your intros! damn I love them!

[@ericc2253]

The comment you read was Anthony Vincent. . . Like 10 second songs Anthony Vincent, cuz you should review one of his videos

[@mikecross1474]

I'm genuinely obsessed with this band at the moment, they're breaking the mold in metal!

[@h.p.dominocus]

A friend told me to check out your channel a while ago. Finally subscribed. Its weird, the visuals for this band are very "Portal" looking but sounds way more melodic. Curious to know if you are a fan of Peter Hammill. I always ask that if someone mentions prog music in a video.

[@hughmcbean279]

My Son got me into Sleep Token. I thought they were good but definitely went up a level when i saw them live.

[@chillingwithshillam]

loved these guys since just before Sundowning was released and I don't think I'll ever stop loving them. The boyyyysss, it's so sad that people constantly try to ruin the anonymity of the boys; no matter how local they might feel to me, it will never make sense. Big love Justin

[@erincolleen1275]

The thing in the vid looks like a Chaos Space Marine from Warhammer 40k

[@willsabri4815]

i think of the time signature fuckery as just rhythmic tension and release, just the same as with melody/chords

[@NeilJ894]

Every time he plays the jingle and ends on that gloriously sustained eminor sus2 chord, 'agaaaain' .... I always hear him kicking into the opening riff of I believe in a thing called love and singing an awesome acoustic version, go on Justin, pleeeeeease

[@MattHaleUK]

I first heard about Sleep Token from this video. I'm back to tell you that.

[@kvstrickland]

Cameo -> Word Up!? 😂

[@GIBKEL]

Can anyone tell me what acoustic that is….ah’…Atkin….reminds me of those old 30’s Gibsons with hand painted flowers that pop up ever once in a while. Beautiful. Love it.

[@Novotny72]

I actually googled Atkin guitars whilst watching that video and figured out it was the Hawaiian you were using. Nice!

[@jessicar5748]

That thumbnail pic is cracking me up! Seriously though, I love Sleep Token.

[@justinwolz4932]

The part where you goofed around singing a little bit over the music had me thinking, a super heavy death metal band would sound awesome with some Justin Hawkins singing. Not being sarcastic. Straight up cookie monster vocals breaking into that wonderful falsetto and phrasing. Someone make this happen!

[@TheErazar]

Wow, really glad you did not miss this one!

[@stoneysdead689]

Imho the key to playing off timing, complex stuff and ppl really loving it- is that you need to be good enough that even though you're playing in 7/8- the groove is so clear and unmistakable it grabs you. You don't have to look for it. Listen to Tool, they can play any odd timing and yet the groove is unmistakable, it grabs you and takes you for a ride. They also know how to build up to a 4/4 section or break so well it's unreal- it's like a really good movie that has built to a perfect climax and pay off- very satisfying. I know ppl get tired of Tool heads, some of us can be real pricks- but the band is amazing, you have to admit.