THIS HURTS... | BLOODSPORT | SLEEP TOKEN

[@wickedash_]

For those of us with chronic depression, like I suspect Vessel struggles with.. Loving ourselves is literally a bloodsport sometimes. Which is what I think Sleep is... a tangible manifestation for his inner workings.

[@independent_angler]

This.

[@LucilleProtra]

As some who had chronic depression i didnt even make this connection. This is so perfect. Your comment is going into my lore book

[@wickedash_]

@@LucilleProtra I am incredibly honored 🖤 thank you stranger

[@LucilleProtra]

@wickedash_ No problem fellow stranger 🖤

[@BeefyMatt]

The way that I see it is, "sundowning" is the toxic relationship itself, "this place will become your tomb" is the breakup/depression, and "take me back to Eden" is the process of healing and moving on. A perfect trilogy.

[@andrewpeach8385]

Bingo 🙌🏼

[@andrewpeach8385]

It’s essentially a 3 act play, the style of which they implement into a lot of songs too with the switch ups and sections, like TMBTE and Ascensionism

[@FoxtrotXero]

Wow, guys. That's beautifully put.

[@m.arifhendra]

We all agree with this

[@talv5399]

Here's the thing though, since TMBTE loops into Sundowning the cycle of abuse just keeps going.

[@DataLupus]

Eric pausing at the start and just saying "fuck!" and taking a huge gulp of apple juice is just a *mood* during this song

[@m.adampriest7719]

Ha. I always thought it was draft light beer. Apple juice works too😅

[@jeffreyavalos782]

The massive snifter got me dead, lol

[@NastyNate18B]

I thought that was piss

[@calebevans3690]

References Bloodsport: I want to choke up chunks of my own sins TMBTE: I spit blood when I wake up, sick porcelain stained choking up brain matter and make up (also connects to Nazareth and Dark Signs) Blood sport: you say it doesn't matter Euclid: and do you still believe that nothing else matters?

[@Give_Me_The_Night]

Be the first to the feast let's choke on the past (Ascensionism.)

[@thesunnyroad]

Good catch!!!!

[@mattmcginley7]

"Tangled with what I never said, you said it doesn't matter" Euclid: "And do you still believe that nothing else matters?"

[@wowzerspotato5104]

"Tangled up like branches in a flood"

[@ManaBoots]

It's interesting that when he's done this song live, he plays the piano and takes his mask off away from the crowd. I truly believe this song is the most vulnerable one for him. Pouring his heart out for "sleep"

[@ManaBoots]

@@89ceilidh this is practically the only song he's played live " at least that I've seen" where he takes his mask off to show us his vulnerability to the people.

[@WyllowNorth]

If you're referring to the Lafayette performance, he takes the mask off for the whole piano section (he started off playing guitar). So not only for Blood Sport, I assume it was easier for him to play that way. But the message played before Blood Sport is gut wrenching and that definitely plays into that song being more vulnerable to him, I think.

[@blvdvesselcatalyst]

he also cried during TNDNBTG

[@WyllowNorth]

@@blvdvesselcatalyst Tbh, I think he cried the whole gig 😂

[@andradadaiana2073]

​@@ManaBoots wow! I didn't know this ❤️😱

[@jaquelanneream7191]

“Oh Vessel. Oh buddy.” How did that wreck me more than thing song already does?!

[@Merlin-t3j]

I feel like sometimes, the hand that's on your shoulder pushes the pain out.

[@Guest-p5p]

oh my god, that crushed me too.. when i first heard this song, i couldn't even hear him crying until one time. 😭

[@MaddieandCharlie21]

It wrecked me to

[@azraelcales]

This version is heart wrenching. The room below version is a Mortal Kombat fatality.

[@AsAbove.SoBelow]

For. Sure.

[@brandonpettyjohn3879]

I feel like they’re missing out. The room below version is a true gem. I wish they did both together

[@takentactus8779]

Mehh the crying at the end of this one makes it even more sadder

[@Tyf1ght3r]

I did see a comment in this song when some one said “I listen to sleep token because it’s what my girlfriend listens to, but when she passed away 3 years ago, this band is all I have left of her” this broke me😢

[@SleepywitchVibes]

Okay now I’m crying 😢

[@Tyf1ght3r]

@@SleepywitchVibes yeah, I was heartbroken too. (Also I made a mistake, it was in the room below version of this song)

[@IsabellaTheotonio95]

Oh fuck, not me now crying at the bus.

[@Gentle_Prime]

brother I'm crying 😭. I'm with you.. 🫂

[@AsAbove.SoBelow]

Not me crying all over again along with Eric. Goddamn. This song is crushing… Then when Kyle called him ‘buddy’, ugh. I felt like the whole community needed a big collective hug at that moment. Damn. Love you guys. Worship.

[@JimWayne33]

yep that heart felt buddy from kyle hit me hard

[@10ekrom]

When Vessel sings "you say it doesn't matter" it literally breaks my heart. He has such a way with words and his voice brings so much meaning and emotion to every single song.

[@thisguy709]

For me it’s “and the heavens just won’t open up for me” the pain and emotion in the way he screams that. That’s a pain that is experienced. You can’t just write it into a song. I have felt that pain and every time I hear him say that line, it hits me in the soul.

[@At0mix]

Sleep Token became my all-time favorite band when I realized Vessel is really just using this Sleep mythology as a way to give words to raw, unfiltered emotions.

[@whirlwindsky]

when he brings up "weapon of choosing" it reminded me even more of "keep me sharp and test my worth in blood"

[@lindellbrooks5433]

...with the connection my dudes made with this song, I'm going to say I'm so sorry for the reaction their going to have listening to the Room Below version. From all of us that have worshipped for so long, it's ok that you're going to cry at that version. It's ok to let it out, no judgement here my friends.

[@AsAbove.SoBelow]

Oh, the way Eric got choked up in this video - and then the quick cuts. I cannot wait to see that either.

[@tanasmom1969]

Right ???? It's impossible not to cry when listening to that version. Room Below is the only version I listen to cause I love it so much. It always brings a tear to my eye...even after the 100th time.

[@ChadGrattanMusic]

I agree. I actually forgot what the album version was like... It's not even remotely close to the Room Below. Let's fuckin goooooooo

[@demolitiondolly2010]

The absolute raw, primal, guttural energy he puts into the last chorus BREAKS MY HEART. Then he cries… just so emotional, and it gives complete catharsis. This is why they call the dates rituals. It’s always a spiritual experience when listening- live, it must be ethereal.

[@jessicaturner2890]

I love that you said 'im so proud of this guy for pouring his heart out because he didn't have to' oh man that is so true. I'm thankful he did to. I don't think Vessel realizes the mass amounts of people he is helping.

[@Bakerx243]

You know it's RAW TALENT when you feel the exact same emotions as the singer. When Vessel can tell his story and you feel like it's your own is the reason Sleep Token is one of the best bands today.

[@emriding8263]

I picture him on his knees screaming at the sky when he yells "and the heavens just won't open up for me." So gut wrenching (especially with the added sound effects on his voice). And then follows that with, "would you invite me in again?" Like he's asking if she still feels anything for him at all, would she save him? Cause she's his heaven. He's begging and pleading with her to be forgiven and to give them another chance and her response is, essentially, indifference. That's either because he's wounded her so badly that she's using it as a defence mechanism or that she just doesn't love him as much as he loved her. Either way, so brutally painful and you can hear the pain in his voice when he sings it. One of my favourites for sure.

[@felixthefearless1886]

Vessel is amazing as a lyricist, and he always finds a way to explain how we feel on the inside. If you’ve experienced trauma, you relate to Vessel. He speaks right to / from your heart.

[@PKMetalGames]

My interpretation of the song was that it was about someone putting their all into a relationship, but then the person they're giving their all to, wasn't giving anything in return. "I made loving you a bloodsport" I sacrificed a lot of things, just to love you. And "you say it doesn't matter". Much love from Missouri, Kyle and Eric! Can't wait until you guys get to "Jaws". Might be one of my favorite ST songs. It's one of the singles. 😁

[@DGmmnLm]

I agree with the interpretation however, the lines “I want to be forgiving, I want to choke up chunks of my own sins” tells me Vessel also feels guilt. I always thought Vessel tried to frame things as more of a mutual toxicity rather than him just playing the victim.

[@urfvsuthrngal318]

​@@DGmmnLm100% I feel the same

[@morgandailey8721]

That's how I interpreted it too- since I'm in a relationship like that. It's a sucky feeling

[@TheJwbenjamin1001]

Jaws is my favorite as well. Can’t wait. Must be a Midwest thing (I’m in Kansas lol)

[@angelaspaintings]

That was my take too, but it’s so interesting how much can be read into it.

[@redrix1787]

I feel like "so that the direction we're going" "well fuck" is a great way to describe this song. Absolutely haunting

[@iinosukehashibiraa]

Kyle’s “oh buddy..” I just know he wants to give Vessel a big hug. On behalf of all who worship, we give you all of our support for the Room Below version. It is going to hurt.

[@conluki4454]

Before moving onto This Place Will Become Your Tomb, a great cover to check out would be their cover of the LOATHE track "Is it Really You?" It is absolutely incredible!!! Always love the reactions!!

[@mmurphy84]

YES

[@sandcake]

One of my faves ❤

[@lillian.24388]

Bloodsport is my FAVORITE song off of this album, his lyrics are insanely amazing, and I love that his voice is so different in this song than any other

[@80summerrae]

Can’t wait to watch you two do the Room Below version. So raw and powerful.

[@grimtumusprime]

Can’t wait for you guys to get to “fall for me” on the next album, love you guys

[@arimewillow4278]

Me too!! They have to watch the video!

[@aleasha.k.b]

If it has a video, they will watch it. 😊

[@sandcake]

Fall For Me is their heaviest song. It hurts every time. And when you put the sentences shown in the video together, it's just 😭

[@ChadGrattanMusic]

But Fall for Me from the Room Below is better!

[@FauzanAlfansa]

​@@ChadGrattanMusicstill get chills whenever I hear the crowd scream THAT one line

[@saranaturegirl123]

A lot of people would like to give Vessel a big hug 💔 Look forward to the room below version. You will both love it. Great reaction/analysis.

[@Gataryu]

As a huge Sleep Token fan, I've felt the entire trip through my journey in life. But as one who found my outlet in making tools, I'm making a sword in honor to this band. Never had I felt compelled to my core to do so for any other band. So I am naming the sword Eden's Offering. As a shout-out for the trilogy, and everything else this band is, I even got the hieroglyph for Give tattooed on my forearm.

[@tanasmom1969]

What an amazing idea. At first I thought you meant an emotional sword but an actual sword......Oooooo....that is bad ass. An emotional tool would have been cool too but ever since seeing Highlander when I was a teenager, I've thought swords were cool. The tattoo idea is awesome too. I'd have to think about which one I'd get...although I'm a chicken and couldn't. Give is an amazing choice and has amazing lyrics including one of my favorite ST lines...."I will be watching for your enemies, to let them know that they contend with me." Anyway, thank you for your thought provoking post. 😁

[@AnetteL.Nielsen]

That is so cool 😊 I don't even have the imagination to think of a "worship" sword 😅 I have 3 tattoos with lyrics from Slipknot, Disturbed and Love And Death. But I have no idea what I'd pick from Sleep Token cause there's too much to choose from 😁

[@tanasmom1969]

@@AnetteL.Nielsen What do you have from Slipknot ?

[@AnetteL.Nielsen]

@@tanasmom1969 It's actually kinda personal, so I have it written on the inside of my leg... It's from Unsainted... I have no problem talking about the other ones, especially the one from Disturbed cause it's more positive 😀

[@gerardomorales4078]

Sounds dope AF! How can we see it?

[@ShawnaT.]

Blood sport is one of those songs that you can just listen to over and over again. I first heard this version on my playlist while shopping with my headphones in and when I heard the hurt and Vessel crying I could not hold it together and balled my eyes out in the store and got a few weird looks. It's worth it. Vessel is a true artist with his music.

[@moriahm61331]

The crying at the enddddd love this man. I just wanna hug him😭😭

[@federalsalestax6073]

Here I am eating cereal and crying into the bowl. This song is just one of those things that latches on to an emotion or memory and just doesn't let go

[@amsa928]

The ending about took me out the first time I heard this song. Every time I listen to it, feels like my heart is being crushed. Cant wait for more reactions from y’all.

[@Jayveel]

LETS FUCKING GO *i scream through tears knowing what’s about to come* 😂

[@arkogonsohi9756]

From the room below version destroys me everytime. Its so much more raw and emotional and i love it

[@evaj2556]

I'm still your favourite regret Your still my weapon of choosing!! 😭😭 Dammit Vessel, you cut deep!!

[@llSplice]

The other version is going to rip your heart out. Its insane. Cant wait till you guys get to it.

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

Nice🤘🏼🤌🏼🔥 End of the main album. And such an amazing ending to a Premier Album. This song is definitely one of Sleep Token's best🥇 #Worship

[@waydagotc]

“Ok, ok.. let’s see if I can make it through this fucking song” 😂 me vs every friggin sleep token song that hits me in the damn heart

[@erikamarie1196]

I absolutely adore this song, to the point where it was my top song for the year on Spotify with over 1k listens this year. Vessel’s voice and songwriting are amazing, and I love how diverse their discography is, and he gets it right no matter what direction they go in. This song is by far one of my favorite examples of how masterfully their lyrics can cut incredibly deep, and be devastatingly beautiful while still being so relatable to so many people.

[@DrkNinja_]

This song really truly, makes my soul move... I can't explain it.

[@robtater5543]

THIS SONG!!!! One of the best lyrical songs out there. This one is a deep cut. I appreciate that you are listening to this version first because when you get to the live listen its going to be awesome to hear him GO OFF! Love watching you guys. Keep on rocking folks!!

[@lilshawtayy]

This song, Euclid, and Fall For Me are ones I can’t listen to often because I start sobbing. Great video yall, can’t wait for more!

[@Chellanthe]

This song broke my heart. I can't wait until you guys get to One and Two and then This Place Will Become Your Tomb. You guys have so much ahead of you. GOOD STUFF.

[@alexpereira7851]

This song just breaks me every time. The piano is so beautiful.

[@YouDontOwnCats-TheyOwnYou]

The crying at the end breaks my heart every time. Great reaction as always, I love that you guys don't try to hide your emotions. 💙

[@pufferzsola69]

This is why i love you guys. You are humble and honest. The first stop as Eric teared up... big hug man, that hit you in the heart pretty much, just like it got us

[@paintedlady_81]

Guys, all the stuff about “Sleep” is a metaphor for an actual relationship. I’m pretty sure that Eric was onto it in Euclid.

[@virtual.lay.]

I've listened to this song so many times in the last year or so but watching ya'll react to it made me cry like it was my first time hearing it. such a beautiful song that so many of us can relate to. cant wait for the room below version!

[@J4Naru]

The "From the room below" edition of this song is something else... Definitely a must watch!

[@nickburke2387]

I absolutely love this song and the emotion that is pouring out of vessel. I am so happy you guys got to experience this one and the album as a whole. Another great reaction as always and looking forward to the bonus tracks.

[@Loading6986]

I just heard this for my first time in the last few days, and I love it. After all the hype, I just watched all your reactions, and NOW an hour late you post it. I'm hyped, this was unbelievable.

[@ginger_fox_n_sox]

BRB, just gonna go cry in the corner with Eric. Great video guys. So happy you guys are loving them so much!

[@breemartinez2701]

lyrical callback: he says at the end “you say it doesn’t matter” and then in euclid he says “do you still believe that nothing else matters?”

[@TheGildedSwampert]

Yesss. Been waiting for this one!

[@Lunar_Asylum]

There is a reason I have lyrics from this song tattooed on my body. This song is gorgeous. It's heatlrt breaking and healing. I love this.

[@S.W_Vicky]

This song makes me want to give him a hug ☹️

[@Bryssab]

Sleep token is amazing I have listened to all of their songs and I can’t wait to see you guys react to them.

[@brandiandersen5273]

The emotion in his voice 🥹 and the crying 😭 gets me every time! This song is so damn good!

[@CaseyDavis-jy5py]

I just love the fact that you guys have no issue showing your emotion when listening to these songs. Listening to Sleep Token, I feel the exact same. This all exudes all the emotions of things that pretty much everyone has dealt with. Like these songs hit deep, next level deep. Thanks for letting me know I am not the only one that feels this way.

[@moriahm61331]

I also don’t interpret most of the songs in a ‘romantic relationship’ kind of way. Nice to see someone else doing the same 😊

[@sandcake]

Bloodsport will forever be my fave ❤ You are not ready for the "From The Room Below" version 💔

[@daylanlee4454]

Im so happy you guys are reacting to this song, its absolutely one of my favorites.

[@rebel_130]

Love this song, Vessel is so vulnerable here, his voice and emotions are just something else 😢 Thank you so much for doing so much Sleep Token reactions 🫶🙏

[@tylerseidel809]

New callback unlocked! Blood Sport: You say it doesn't matter Euclid: And do you still believe that nothing else matters?

[@madboy9xx]

Everytime i listen to this song, when the drums come in its just fucking brilliant

[@Spunky62]

Y'ALL...I LOVE this band! 🥹 THANK YOU! 🤘❤️‍🔥🤘❤️‍🔥🤘❤️‍🔥🎶💯✌️🫶🫂

[@txmbstonx]

If y’all think Blood Sport is rough wait until TPWBYT with Atlantic. Sobbed for a good minute on that one

[@starwars22221]

The emotion in every song Vessel does is just so palpable and it shows through especially in this song. That crying at the end is the most real emotion i've ever heard in a song, and it gets me everytime.

[@AtlanticNotesPiano]

This song introduced me into Sleep Token! ♥

[@shadowgaming2613]

Is it really you is an amazing song.. The piano sets the mood for the song.. Anyone else heard it?

[@violacesario4389]

It made me cry; it's so beautiful.

[@cheyren_]

This song will make more sense after you’ve listened to Nazareth. ❤️ The song is basically written as Sleep telling Vessel to do terrible things to someone and it is probably one of the darkest songs. “I made loving you a blood sport”… quite literally. Can’t wait for y’all to make your way through the rest of their work!

[@tanasmom1969]

Is that what that song is about ? Thank goodness. I listened to that song a couple of times and was like "Nope"....too difficult to listen too. I'm just glad Sleep is the psycho and not Vessel.

[@froststar11]

YES. I can't wait for them to hear the One and Two songs. They're still some of my absolute favorites.

[@DGmmnLm]

Nazareth helps add context to a lot of songs I think. For me the way I interpreted Sleep Token lore can be broken down to before and after I heard Nazareth.

[@melodydavis5029]

The pain in his voice just cuts

[@AnetteL.Nielsen]

I really enjoy taking this journey with you guys 😊 When you got into Take Me Back To Eden, I'd already listened to the album maaaany times, so I knew what was coming 😉 But when it comes to Sundowning, I only knew 3 of the songs before. So it has been amazing to discover this album alongside you, with all of the surprises, moments of joy and the punches in our guts 😁

[@Kelly30stm]

I'm glad you did this version first. Gotta hear the original before the other version. Both are amazing.

[@louiecirilo9099]

All i can say is thank you for reacting to this. I dont comment much, but this song means the world to me. It was that "song" that saved me constantly from myself. Seriously love you guys. Much love from another Ohioan ❤️

[@benclarke1211]

I know you guys say "if sleep token have done it, we'll cover it" but I really can't wait for you guys to get to the 'One' and 'Two' EPs. You'll love baby vessel I'm sure! Calcutta and fields of elation are 2 of my faves

[@urfvsuthrngal318]

They really get you in the feels when ypu least expect it ypull be sitting there crying like "damn where did that come from ... might be some things i need to work through"🖤🙌

[@718QNZKID]

Having gone through a break at the start of this year, this song truly has helped me out. I gave myself to someone who I thought was my forever... even with therapy, my mind was always looking into the dark corners. This band has saved me

[@danielvanrooyen9602]

Sleep Token know how to end a album. Blood Sport/High Water/Euclid are some of my favourite songs. I cannot wait for you guys to jump into This place will become your tomb.

[@B-rad37]

High water isn’t the album closer it’s missing limbs.

[@laurenh.1604]

So much respect for Vessel. Seeing ST next Monday for the second time this year. I can't wait! They are amazing live and it's truly an experience.

[@thedragonlee2327]

This is my shit. My favorite one by them. Shit hits hard right in the feels but makes me feel fuckin huge in the process. Much appreciated.

[@Neighborhood_spdrman]

The moment we’ve been waiting for. You guys didn’t disappoint with the reaction. Great stuff. The only one that hits me harder than this and Euclid is missing limbs off the next album. No one can say sleep token doesn’t know how to end an album.

[@pink_alchemist]

THIS is my favourite ST song. It's a weird duality that their songs are so good, it's hard to choose a favourite, but at the same, this is easily my favourite. Crushingly relatable.

[@emsysuffs]

There's songs that I find too painful to listen to alone, and come back time again to listen to them with you guys, because I know my soul NEEDS to listen, but I'm afraid to alone. Sharing this music with others is so special. Thank you

[@MariposaVenenosa]

I just found your channel and watched all your Sleep Token Videos. What a breath of fresh air that I've found my people. Sleep Token, the music the lyrics far beyond amazing. Goose bumps for days!!! Thanks for letting me get excited watching someone else enjoy the very music that I love and crave!!! Cheers and Adiós 😊

[@WickedGoodBooks]

Absolutely LOVED you guys commentary at the end of this. 👌🏼

[@zacharywebb9452]

Ive always adored the way Vessel used quantum forces in this song. Ive always interpreted "Stuck in a quantum pattern" as the pain of no matter how much you try to move towards this person they always take another step away everytime you take a step towards them. The universe has decided that you will always be apart and it hurts

[@MrsDanville]

Seeing both your reactions to anything sleep token always makes me happy thanks for another amazing reaction video

[@B-rad37]

When you start this place will be come your tomb keep in mind how this song ends and it transitions into Atlantic. It’s kinda important.

[@kevindesjadon2569]

you gotta hear the other version of him doing it from the room below , the emotion and power he has is so much more

[@davidriddick82]

I love you guys so much!! You both bring such light to music and your reactions and analysis. Truly it’s has been a honor for me, to be with you through this journey and others, I’m proud to be with you two and I’m so thankful for you. Sleep token really makes you feel, they know how to transport you to different parts of your mind and your heart. I think that is why this band is so appealing everyone all over the world can relate to everything in their own way. They truly have a gift, I hope there is more to come after take me back to Eden, the world needs more.

[@sylverscreamqueen]

I have been following and enjoying your journey with Sleep Token but I rarely comment I have to comment on this one because you guys hit the nail on the head about how special it is that Vessel does what he does He puts his pain and passion and vulnerability out there for all of us And so many of can relate in varying ways through our own life experiences Sleep Token hits for me like nothing else It is cathartic it is pain transformed into things more beautiful I get moved to tears with songs like this I get lifted into joy/euphoria with other ST songs You guys understand that and I appreciate you doing/sharing this heartfelt reactions

[@Woofle22]

It’s so cool to watch other people have the same reaction I had when I first heard their stuff

[@Ecstas345]

It's always great to see you guys reacting to an amazing band like Sleep Token! Would love to see you guys reacting to Alesti at some point, he is an incredible artist but really underrated and his songs always feature vocalists from different songs(they sing the entire song). Keep it up guys, you two are one of my favorite reactors!

[@kaits95_]

Very excited for yall to hear the "From the Room Below" version. Thanks for reacting

[@Alphacowboy-bc3lk]

I love the room below version but the studio version is so good too. Just proves they can’t miss

[@DGmmnLm]

Great reaction as always. For me Sundowning and TPWBYT are very similar, they both have the conflicting back and forth feelings Vessel has for Sleep however, Sundowning has more hopeful undertones while I believe Vessel completely understands and accepts the bad things that come with the relationship which makes TPWBYT a slightly more depressing album in a way.

[@aleasha.k.b]

I'm soo glad you guys didn't do the 2 in 1 video like so many other ppl wanted! The room below version will hit in a mich better way now that you'll have time between them! Cannot wait!

[@DarkestNova556]

I love both versions. But one of the thing I love about this version the most is right at the end before he starts crying, it’s the line “You say it doesn’t matter.” Where all the other music just flat out leaves and it sounds so much more seen and vulnerable than the rest of the lyrics. As if the music was the cover it used to hide from prying eyes.

[@Lostpure]

You have to listen to the room below version of this, it cuts so much deeper