Therapist analyzes "Ascensionism" from Sleep Token

[@lc81002]

The very first time I heard "you make me wish I could disappear," it legit brought tears to my eyes.

[@chuckh9168]

Props for making it that far. I didn't even make it past the opening lines.

[@lc81002]

@@chuckh9168 wow, you're so edgy.

[@machiz2068]

Big time 😢 I have similar mindset for years. Can really relate and get emotional with this amazing song

[@Cyan1de1312]

I first listened to song (even album) at the first month after the breakup of my most important gf i've had and.. yeah.. "you make me wish i could disappear"

[@jtlinard3627]

Horrible to feel like that, equally as bad to hear it

[@Isaacclarkeftw]

God I just want to hug Vessel. Listening to his pain causes me pain.

[@Crazyhickvr]

Considering paying this women to be my therapist but we just sit in her office just bump to my sleep token playlist (literally all three albums) 😂

[@kingwolf243]

Music is therapy 😌 🎶

[@goldenruletv7301]

By far the best band to come out since Jinjer. Spiritbox is nice as well, but Sleep Token has upped the game for everyone else. This album is a masterpiece from start to finish, but to truly appreciate these guys (two guys) Because Vessell plays everything but percussion (on the albums) and Vessell II is unreal as well, is to listen to their 3 albums trilogy from start to finish & treat yourself to One & Two EP's on the side. There are no bad songs, just bangers. These guys know what the f*ck they're doing.

[@BOBYEZYOV]

The best since Springsteen for my soul separation and reintegration

[@goldenruletv7301]

@@BOBYEZYOV LMFAO...Springsteen. The most pretentious fake ass artist of all-time is Bruce.

[@Schumacher190]

This is a really uplifting message... I wish I could see it this way. I'm a bit of an empath, and while I agree that this song offers that 3rd option that you so beautifully and expertly articulated, I fear that the subject of this song did not choose that path. There's a screamed lyric in there that I think often gets overlooked. He screams, "You're going to watch me ascend," which tends to make me think that he strived for that 3rd option, but since it was out of spite, and not self-preservation, it is empty and hollow. Which is why the lyrics that follow it are so hollow and lonely sounding: "And I know what you want from me, you want the same as me, my redemption, eternal ascension, setting me free," and then theres a role reversal from the first time he sang these lyrics, earlier in the song. Earlier he sings, "YOU take what YOU want and leave." After that, he says, "I'LL take what 'I' want then leave." I think he repeated her sins right back to her, and did it out of spite, which is what makes him wish he could disappear. He realized that his ascension to look above the strife was made ONLY in an attempt to hurt someone else, and it is therefore wrought with failure and self-loathing, where it could have been so fulfilling... so, while I agree about the 3rd option, as an empath, I REALLY feel the shame and anger in those final lyrics, wishing he could disappear...

[@headphones2006]

I get the same thing!!!

[@derekd7876]

Agreed! I think we finally see that true resolution in Euclid, where he finally acknowledges that he'll never have the other person and says that he's ready to become someone new. I love how this whole album takes us on the journey of his struggle in this relationship.

[@LSUTrashMaster]

Would love to see you review “Euclid” by Sleep Token. That one tugs at the heart strings.

[@machiz2068]

Yes! Love that song too. Be good to see a review

[@PhillipMorrisSparcheif117]

This song almost precisely talks to me about all my relationships. I have always been a healer or stepping stone for someone to become either better people or find the right person. Never feels like I have been the right one for them. Love this song

[@HeartSupport]

From Micro: Thank you so much for sharing this here, friend. It is so hard when it feels like you are present to the people you care about, that you outpour so much of yourself, of your soul and heart, that you really *see* them as they are when they need it the most... but to feel at the same time that the role you had in their life was only a stepping stone for them to get better or find someone else. It feels like somehow you are never seen in return, as people would only acknowledge in you what *they* want to see, what they need to find at a given time. It feels like being used somehow. Even if you offer your presence and time genuinely, without any expectation, it's still understandable to feel the pain of never being chosen for who you are. We all want to feel like we belong and to see it reflected in the eyes of someone we love. What you decribe, this cycle and the sense of doom that comes with it, is something I have personally felt a lot in my life, throughout the years. Sometimes it was because I had no boundary at all while being there for others, so I contributed to condition my presence and worth to what I was offering or doing for others. Sometimes it was due to the inability of others to consider relationships beyond their own struggles, and to see people for who they are instead of what they can give. It's hard when you are in this position of the "healer" because it is a meaningful role, one that gives purpose too. It literally drives you! If it's part of who you are, of what resonates with you, of the way you are present to the world -- somehow it's beautiful. But at the same time, it's so exhausting when it seems to become a trap that you end up stuck in over and over. When people in your life only see you through the lens of that specific role. It feels like it becomes everything you are at a given moment - but also the only way for some people to actually see you. So hard to feel like you are stuck in an equation where being "useful" gives you a sense of belonging and connection with people around you, and that if you don't it would feel like disappearing, remaining unnoticed... and utterly alone. Hard to feel like there is no possibility to win in this situation, as being seen only on the surface also hurts so very deeply. It brings this extra-layer of feeling unknown while you thought you finally were... There is no doubt that you have brought a lot of value and beauty in the life of these people that you mention here. I'm sorry that they didn't stop for longer to start seeing you once they *were* getting better. Through all these interactions that you had, and despite the result, I can assure you that you belong, and you are worthy of love just as you are - not because of what you do or say. You matter very much, and for what is worth, I see you. :heart:

[@gerardomorales4078]

Seeing them do Ascensionism live this year was everything! I danced and moshed with some amazing strangers. It was beautiful. Sharing our frustrations, our pains, our tears, our loss, and our ascensions together. Worship 🙏🤘🙌

[@bamadondon0495]

Why does this band find your soul's G spot....... I'm Not the only one who thinks this right?

[@cabgtar7]

Your words just pulled me from a dark place . Thank you

[@ozonephotoman]

Not me crying. For real though, it hit me so hard. I have been fighting this cycle for 17 years.

[@HeartSupport]

From NateTriesAgain: Hi there! I recorded a video reply to your comment. Personally can relate to what you shared and wanted to connect on a more personal level...you can check it out here: www.loom.com/share/5bbe96fd526d4d7e8ec7f330319e2738

[@pimphandjesus4667]

This is absolutely my favorite Sleep Token song, I love it so much

[@kingjae-ger]

this song has had me by the ovaries for a month now. I just wish I could get the equivalent of getting a songs lyrics tattooed but somehow have it permanently in my ears 💀 this song is everything to me and the lines "blood stains on the collar means just don't ask, be the first to the feast, lets choke on the past and take to the broken skies at last" is my favorite lines ever

[@Xarata873]

Oh man, I had to pause the video at that point because I started choking up. Half out of joy that Sleep Token exist and can bring that level of poetry into the picture and meld it with music as good as this and the other half out of grief that dredges up the reason I need therapy. Bitter-sweet.

[@davidlong3491]

At Heart support. This song has such a powerful message. It Makes me cry every time I hear it. It's so personal. Dam preach it. This song is me. Thank you for breaking this down because in my mind, Your analogy of the song nailed it for me. I mean NAILED IT. I FEEL IT. I keep editing. I can't stop. This song......Amazing. Eden......Rocks

[@elmonitorrr2978]

Crazy theory. I grew up with linkin park and it connected with so many points of me growing up. But at some point I left their topics and their music was a great nostalgia to watch I have achieved. But now as a grow up adult with kids and a long term relationship which is great but sometimes really hard to maintain, sleep token comes across and takes me by the hand and show me a way to overcome the new struggles. I’m very thankful for the power of music and those two bands in particular.

[@OneHome777]

That's a good view. Music is my most powerful "spiritual guide". When a song doesn't get out of my mind (and body), I analyze it with more attention. Everything happens for a reason... And this song is amazing to process an emotional vacuum created by a past or present relationship's scar...

[@logolas9152]

Thank you for your words, they made me feel like there is hope still even if I have the exact same situation currently in my life! Peace for y'all, boys and girls!

[@itsasquid]

This is awesome! If I were to give an alternative perspective on that passage you were talking about, to me, it came across as Vessel talking about what he would've offered to whoever he was talking to. But what I found interesting is that it also sounds like he's knowingly distracting himself from his own issues. Right before it goes into "pentagrams in the night sky", he says, "Make it real 'Cause anything's better than the way I feel right now." A lot of people tend to use relationships to fill a void they have instead of dealing with their issues and I honestly think that was the case for Vessel in the context of the song.

[@nsmisfit]

I like your take on this song, ..and what a beautifully written song it is. I'd like to offer another take on the line, "diamonds in the trees, pentagrams in the night sky". When I heard that, I immediately paired it to the subject being blinded by the beauty of what they wanted the relationship to be, but not seeing the dangers beyond that. They are unable to see the evil behind the beauty which is being brightly shown by the other person in order for them to get what they want.....then leave

[@HeartSupport]

ooooo I really like this take!! Our hopes of what we desire can definitely blind us to the reality of what is

[@nsmisfit]

@@HeartSupport We're left to our own mental structure as to the meaning of what the story could be. I'd be interested in hearing Vessel talk about some of his songs. Very much enjoy your content. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Dreamtaker509]

This song breaks me in every way possible. His scream before "you make me wish I could disappear" has so much pain.

[@d3ad.548]

Thank you so much for having this free service not only for me but for everyone who likes this genre of music. Because 90% of us have mental struggles in one way or another. A band that has hit my heart the hardest is Loathe and specifically their album "I let it in and it took everything." if you could review any of these songs I at least would personally appreciate it. Here are my personal favs: Two- way Mirror, Is it Really You?, A sad Cartoon. Thank you for everything you do. (Ill be copy pasting this comment only in hopes to catch your eye)

[@blanketow]

i agree with everything in this comment "i let it in and it took everything" by Loathe is by far one of my top 5 albums ever it released when i had just gotten out of a relationship and it saved me no other words to put it

[@booksnstuff1563]

Vessel talking to his ‘shadow’ . All his albums are talking to his shadows that visit him in his sleep. His music is his and our therapy! Thank you Sleep Token for helping me become friends with my shadow ❤xx

[@feralmedic1861]

“You’re gonna watch me ascend” literally saved my life

[@harbard_berserkr2952]

My favourite is still "The Apparition"

[@emilyknight1417]

This might be a reach but I think that sleep token songs are crafted to be interpreted in anyway. Growing up with parents in active addiction I have seen life in a different way. This gives me the idea of wanting something so bad even though we know it's not good for us, then giving in. " You make me wish I can disappear " I think is the feeling of feeling guilty for giving in after being " nagged " by your mind and body to give in.

[@DarkestNova556]

It would probably make more since if you listened to Sundowning’s songs since they’re the most in need of a therapist.

[@Chasingmoundbuilders]

I love how much you love this song. His lyrics make me feel at least not alone.

[@derpymandalorian1592]

i cry every time i hear this song, this album came out when my relationship with my hs sweetheart ended after 8 years, 4 of which i was in the navy away from home. the emotion and lyrics helped me feel like someone knew what i felt, could express the agony my soul was experiencing. knowing I couldnt be what they needed, that we both wanted me to be but i couldnt... every time

[@lavondragreen4459]

@heartsupport everything you said resonated with me ❤

[@PapaOso26]

Loved that you already knew who ST was and were rocking out! New subscriber!

[@Shannynjams]

This reaction makes me feel like you are PREACHING to me directly. 😭❤️

[@gamerfans1476]

A song that is so relatable, not wanting to be alone, driving yourself crazy because your in the most toxic relationship you’ve ever been in, it hurts, it’s soul crushing, I love sleep token, I can relate to much to the songs they sing

[@nonplus102]

I adore this song musically but the lyrics are just epic. The whole album is a masterpiece ❤

[@xeizael2034]

I really wanna see you do "Are You Really Ok".

[@OneDollarDaveLink]

Thank you for this reaction. I love Sleep Token and this song. I never really understood why it stuck with me until now. This was me and my ex-fiancee. I don't think that I could recognize how evil that relationship really was until watching this video. It brought tears to my eyes (especially "You make me wish I could disappear"). That was heavy. Again, thank you for the free therapy!😂

[@Thilosophocl3s]

All of sleep tokens (Vessel's) songs are about his relationship with himself. Sleep, is his anima... All three albums are reminiscent of reading Libre Novus.

[@karlissulcs3822]

Haven't yet heard your analysis but I'll give my breakdown of the lyrics. Sorry if it's too long. The song is very, very deep. This song kind of crushed me emotionally because it resonates with loving someone when they don't love you back. Let me explain why: *Start, piano*: The lyrics are sad, and the person can't accept that someone is just taking what they want, using him/her. *Boppy part*: The person is entering a state of blissful ignorance, understanding that he/she can't get out of this toxic relationship just yet, and is trying to just experience and enjoy it while it lasts. *Explosion of pleasure*: Succeeding in enjoying what is actually bad for the person, ascension to pleasure, and a happier mental state. Sudden realization, heavy riff part: The person realizes that he has once again fallen into the same ignorance trap and is angry at him/herself, shouts "You're gonna watch me ascend". I WILL get over this. *End piano*: Determination to change, even spite, hence, flipping the lyrics around - you used me and now I'M going to use you, take what I want, then leave. *End of the song*: It strikes the person that they're not the same as the one he's trying to fight against, his perfect enemy as Vessel said. Heavy breathing, the sudden realization that it's not over yet and there's no escape. The ONLY way to escape from your own head is by doing what?... "You make me wish I could disappear!!!". At the end of the song, I experienced emotions that people usually experience within years... in just 7 minutes. My jaw was on the floor, I couldn't speak, and I had to go take a walk.

[@nix9355]

This song perfectly describes the relationship I had with my ex, she had diagnosed but untreated BPD. Soooo many of their songs reference Cluster B behavior imo.

[@bjwnashe5589]

I’m a bit late to Sleep Token, but my God, this is brilliant.

[@NayelyRock]

ahhhhhh its like a song was finally able to explain better than me who I felt back then. Its my second favorite by them, and all you said is the reason. Sleep token is and was the closure for therapy I dint know I needed

[@wickedPrints3256]

You're going to watch me ascend! Says it all.

[@topherclay6131]

I'm new here, this is the first video I've ever seen from you. I enjoyed your reception too this amazing song. Music is an art, which means the possibilities are endless on how a song is precieved.

[@topherclay6131]

I for example take most of the song as an inner dialog with conflicting points of view. And the ascensionism is finding the way for all parts of the mind to come together instead of constantly fighting for control.

[@Dabuena]

@heartsupport thank you for this breakdown I needed it

[@RebeccaTheWitch]

You Dancing and Singing to the beat drop is why I could never do reactions or analysis. Cannot resist singing some things, the Echolalia is too strong.

[@thehood3093]

Hell yeah! 🤘 Great message Taylor!

[@darinkaintz386]

Your breakdowns, and perspective are great. Thanks!

[@tysoncrosby3915]

Late to these comments. 7:05, I don't think it's realizing you're both trying to do the same thing. I think in the intro it's the partner taking from vessel for their own selfish desires. Then the repeat (but flip) of the first section is vessel trying to get out of this toxicity. Using the toxicity to become better, to ascend above the chaos. It's that "same, but different" paradox.

[@DanMcc234]

The first time I heard this song I drew a tree with a diamond in it with a pentagram next to a crescent moon above it. I thought it just looked cool but now I realize it serves a higher purpose as explained in this video.

[@JamesFishel-c6x]

High Water, the very best of Sleep Token

[@thevirginslayer5362]

Listening to Sleep Token during a hard time in life was like Vessel sharing the pain with me. I can't even imagine how people can be so cruel first day they love us but the next day they abandon us. It's fcked up.

[@domnvlst5031]

You should take a look at the tracks on “this place will become your tomb”. Some truly heartbreaking lyrics

[@ChadTheGirlDad]

I actually think this song is about misshapen ego and our obsession and being captured by the digital realm I.e internet. Basically it’s about being blissfully caught in a house of mirrors. Diamonds in the trees pentagrams in the night sky. Cell phone towers and satellites. Basically. Self centered possession. And it’s so subtle because the song is damn near perfect. And yet blissfully fall victim to it. And honestly this song sings about the a certain type ideation preying upon us in these times of the black mirror.

[@ianbaker3217]

Would love to hear you react to “Crying While You’re Dancing” by Dayseeker and “Void” by Speaking with Ghosts. Both would be right up your alley to analyze.

[@kylebrooks338]

I feel like I’m late to realizing sleep token but I have been blasting them on repeat

[@Nefypooh]

im really intrigued in what you would say about the apparition

[@saraic29]

Wow I love this ... Did see if you did dark signs from sleep token

[@Masqueradereality]

Take Aim, The Night Does Not Belong To God and then Euclid. You're welcome

[@BOBYEZYOV]

A top 3 is so hard with this band, but this makes the cut… I think. Euclid is heaven and The night is a masterpiece

[@claney61]

I love this song so much

[@jasonconklin6702]

This song touches my soul MagicWorshipSauceBlegh!

[@penta8622]

Love your reacts, especially to relatable ones like Sleep Token. I think it'd be awesome if you did a react to some of Sundowning and This Place Will Become Your Tomb. Hopefully you have some like Atlantic, Telomeres, High Water, Blood Sport, etc, in the pipeline 😁 they're phenomenal.

[@sunnywilliams5255]

I've been through this with my ex husband all I wanted was him to love me and I knew he couldn't, but even though I knew that I kept trying everything I could to make it happen and all he wanted was to have the vest of both worlds he wanted to cheat on me and for me to be ok with it and I kept thinking that if I changed something about myself he would change his mind and want to be with me, but it never happened so I divorced him and he blamed all his problems on me after that

[@incontrol4103]

Slaughterhouse by Motionless in White please

[@NicholasMisiak618]

Man I can't help but think you should have done a breakdown like this for the song Apache, by Stoneside but I guess it's just all about the popular bands now...

[@BeauAMD]

So. fucking. powerful.

[@raoulduke8003]

Sleep Token is where cyber samurai and ancient pagan ritual come together.

[@timhutchinson8485]

I know this suggestion is a HUGE departure from your usual stuff, but I would love to hear your thoughts on Floor Jansen's solo album "Paragon". It's really difficult to pick a song from it, there's so many great lyrical and musical moments on it.

[@Runeforged]

Lol you’re so goofy but it’s fun to watch. Also a good example of being comfortable with yourself.

[@bigpapi8558]

My favorite sleep token song

[@manbearpig710]

The song is about making songs… new songs in general, specifically their songs. Take what he wants means taking genres. After the heavy part he sings of redemption and bring it back to the catchier Melodie’s than the heavy stuff. Most big legendary bands actually makes songs about the songs themselves and make it sound like a woman lol. Or some sexy figure but mostly great musicians write poems about the song and they disguise it for the listener as something g else. Vessel is a multi instrumentalist. What o have just stated is fact. Ask ur fav musician and he can’t lie. They’ll try and say it’s about something else but it’s not

[@MichaelAngst]

Diamonds in the trees

[@dani4elle]

SAY THAT YOU WILL NXT

[@Truthster772]

He talking to himself. The battle within himself. Some may describe it as the internal battle between his masculine and feminine. The battle within.

[@nateroxx]

Have you watched the anima video on sleep token? It talks about that if you haven't, super cool video

[@Truthster772]

@@nateroxx yes I did, I have many more theories, especially understanding the occult aspect of it all.

[@jeffwilson3205]

Curious…previous to launching this channel, how much metal had you listened to, or was Sleep Token your gateway?

[@augmentemote]

You should do Alkaline

[@MrLegioXXIII]

elucide next

[@richarddalby3467]

the only thing stooping you is you. I'm just tired of listing to myself.

[@Christopher-h3h]

I need you to be my therapist I want you to be my therapist to help me to know someone will listen to me and not scream at me because what I say is not what they want to hear and make me feel bad for wanting there help even if it just to say everything will be alright I've been through a lot in my life and I live with it every day not because I want it seems like people won't let me forget I have PTSD because of things and don't need them reminding me I live with it everyday

[@Tapac78]

I am sorry .. but your happy go lucky reaction to this made no sense to me....

[@psfanaticsaddicts8807]

5:48 I couldn’t help smiling and snickering at that face that’s just how I feel listening to this song I’m always happy listening to them. 😂🥹🥰❤️‍🩹

[@stableadult]

Please do Aqua Regia and Mine