THIS HURTS... | BLOODSPORT | SLEEP TOKEN

[@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!!!!

[@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 🖤

[@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. 😭

[@mattmcginley7]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@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?

[@80summerrae]

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

[@evaj2556]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@tylerseidel809]

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

[@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

[@redrix1787]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@txmbstonx]

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

[@moriahm61331]

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

[@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.

[@arkogonsohi9756]

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

[@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 😊

[@eliahdayton3448]

I've always found the lines And out there Stuck in a quantum pattern Tangled up with what I never said You say it doesn't matter These lines refer to quantum entanglement. Here is the definition: The phenomenon whereby a pair of particles are generated in such a way that the individual quantum states of each are indefinite until measured, and the act of measuring one determines the result of measuring the other, even when at a distance from each other. This adds even more depth to his commentary on whatever relationship he is writing about.

[@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.

[@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

[@DrkNinja_]

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

[@Jayveel]

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

[@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?”

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@alexpereira7851]

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

[@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!

[@sandcake]

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

[@Spunky62]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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. 💙

[@melodydavis5029]

The pain in his voice just cuts

[@tylerseidel809]

I can't be the only one who prefers the OG over the Room Below version, can I?

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@J4Naru]

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

[@justTas_]

I think ST's This Place Will Become Your Tomb is one of my favorite albums ever - ya'll will certainly enjoy it, I think. High Water is perhaps one of their best songs, imo. ✌🏾

[@TheGildedSwampert]

Yesss. Been waiting for this one!

[@brandiandersen5273]

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

[@ellendavis9852]

One of these days we’re gonna log in to react with y’all and Eric will have a ST tattoo. I’m placing my bets now. Lol

[@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

[@daylanlee4454]

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

[@DarkestNova556]

Vessel often talks about having “New Weapons” and “Picking Up” weapons. Replacing the weaponry terms to romantic terms gives them an all new meaning.

[@Yumenoki99]

Also in Take Aim he says "How you love like weapons kill" and talking about wanting her to "shoot" for him to feel loved despite being broken apart in the process, and in the end of it all she's still his "weapon of choosing".

[@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.

[@BooktokBAB]

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

[@Kelly30stm]

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

[@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 🫶🙏

[@Jesus-cu6vn]

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.

[@RPZSTA]

All final songs on their albums are 'heart wrenchers' Bloodsport / Missing Limbs / Euclid Thats just how he likes to end his albums!

[@AtlanticNotesPiano]

This song introduced me into Sleep Token! ♥

[@taylerbraziel1833]

I'm so excited for y'all to listen to the entire "This place will become your tomb" album! Soooo many amazing and hauntingly beautiful songs on that album!

[@Lostpure]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@benjaminpopovich2581]

Gotta say guys, I wasn't aware of Sleep Token until they started dropping singles from Eden. I don't have a reaction channel so I just binged everything immediately, so its been incredible to follow along and see you have the same reactions I did. Love you guys and keep it coming

[@auf-dem-Weg]

He does hint on self- harm quite a lot. Idk to me his scars are very obvious. It's how I relate to the lyrics as well. I know so many who struggled in that way. I don't have a problem talking about these things. Not anymore. We all have suffered in some way.

[@madboy9xx]

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

[@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

[@Alphacowboy-bc3lk]

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

[@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"🖤🙌

[@cocoacrimson]

This is what I’ve been waiting forrr🙏🏼🖤🖤

[@WickedGoodBooks]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 ❤️

[@YodaRules]

I knew this song would get you both in the feels! It is a hard sing to listen to, but I cannot not listen to it. It hits home for me (much like it did with Eric). Such an amazing song, the journey only gets better in my opinion. I am looking forward to the bonus tracks as I have not heard them yet so I'll discover them with you guys, just like I did with the album Hope! Anyway, great reaction as always guys!

[@StrobeFireStudios]

Vessel is the only singer I have heard that you can truly hear the emotion in his words. Utterly speechless every time I hear their music. Which is most of the time.