Honesty: I took on this review as one of our photographers really wanted to take pictures of the headliner and needed someone to do the “words” part of the coverage. So we applied… and there were no photo passes for the entire tour. And now I had a review to do of a band (and support) I didn’t know. Yes, I’ve heard of Sleep Token but like many other acts they’re yet another I simply haven’t had the time to check out prior to about 12 hours before the show. What I did know was that they’d been picked to headline Download 2025 and a lot of people weren’t happy about it.
Before I got a chance to judge them, though, there was the matter of Bilmuri‘s set. Another unknown, I did a little reading and the band is a project fronted by Johnny Franck, formerly of Attack Attack! I got the impression it was a “him and some session musicians” band (and as far as I can tell, technically it is), but watching them live this couldn’t be further from the truth. This is a band in the truest sense of the word, four musicians who work together incredibly well to put on a tight, entertaining and impressive live show.
The venue was busy – very busy – by the time we took our seats about half a song into Bilmuri’s performance, and it was obvious that a lot of people had arrived early to catch them. We’re glad we made it as they entertained for the solid half hour they had. Saxophonist Gabi Rose is incredible, and pretty much stole the limelight from Franck. She hopped onto a clarinet (I believe) for one song, and was as active as any bonkers guitar player as far as taking ownership of the stage was concerned.
A lot of their music seems to be tongue-in-cheek but with a serious undertone, as evidenced by Franck’s statement to the crowd prior to their final song. To stand on stage in front of thousands and tell them of how close you were to killing yourself, but that you managed to turn things around and find some light, some reason to go on… that takes guts, even if it’s the hundredth time he’s done it.
Bilmuri are back in March (they’re playing the SWG3 in Glasgow on the 28th) and they are very much on our “to see again” list.
If you like what we do, consider joining us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!
As I said at the beginning, I’m new to Sleep Token. I deliberately didn’t look into them before the gig as I’d been promised something different and didn’t want to spoil the surprise. Consider me surprised, amazed, stunned, incredulous and absolutely 100 fucking percent won over. This was one of the best, most emotive, most amazing shows I have ever had the privilege of witnessing. An absolutely outstanding piece of theatre based around haunting music and insightful lyrics.
The venue was absolutely packed. I had checked seating earlier in the day to find that only two blocks of seats (late releases I think) were available, along with the usual suspicious-looking full rows of resale tickets. Bloody touts. The floor area was rammed and made for a wonderful view from our ground-level seats. A walkway, which had been taken advantage of by Bilmuri, extended from the stage into the crowd. The stage was set, the lights went down… and magic happened.
At first glance you’d expect Sleep Token to play something really heavy. The masks and imagery had me expecting maybe black metal. Oh, no. I couldn’t be more wrong. Vessel’s voice is incredible, unique even. I genuinely can’t recall hearing a better singer, though I think this was partly due to it being pretty much the exact opposite of what I was expecting. Soulful, deep, and with a huge range as demonstrated by some of the later songs in the set it, it goes perfectly with the pseudo-religious imagery. I confess that after a while the thought crossed my mind that his singing was too good to be true. Was it a recording? But, no. There were enough little imperfections (and I emphasise little) to convince me that Vessel is, simply, one of the best live vocalists I have ever witnessed.
Many bands kick off their shows with a bang. Sleep Token eased us in with “The Night Does Not Belong To God” which is a slow burner, generally gentle and introduces each of the band members (and backing singers) gradually. As well as Vessel, II, III, IV and Espera (those backing singers) there was another star of the show… the lights. What I discovered tonight is that a Sleep Token show isn’t just an audible one, it’s a hugely visual experience. The imagery, simple and effective, is a massive part of the event.
By the time the opening song was finished I was sold. The next 85 minutes were enrapturing, emotional, chilling… so many words, none of which can really capture the event properly. I get the feeling that there could well be a story being told throughout the performance, and perhaps revisiting the setlist alongside the lyrics will confirm this (or otherwise). Vessel was usually walking around quite calmly, but occasionally started to rock it a bit when the breakdowns occurred. The other performers were slightly more relaxed, but the only real audience interaction I spotted during the entire show was the guitarist IV gesturing for them to part slightly to allow a pit to break out about halfway through. With some artists this would come across as aloof or arrogant, but from Sleep Token it just seemed… right.
The whole thing felt more like musical theatre than a metal concert. The two ladies sat behind me were obviously enjoying it as well. I heard them making similar comments to my own, so it sounds like existing fans were into the show as much as I was.
Throw in some arm waving, phone lights being held up (many of them green… what was that about?), a few crowd surfers, rolling clouds of heavy stage smoke (which didn’t obscure the view of the band), and the best sound I think I’ve ever heard at the Hydro (low bar I know) and this was definitely a night to remember.
For those doubting Sleep Token’s ability to headline at Download 2025… you’re wrong. I can only imagine what a set like this in front of tens of thousands would look like, and I’m sure they’re going to own it. Hands down one of the best live shows I have ever seen.
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
Photos by Adamross Williams
So the green lights are a fan project called ‘Projekt Atlantic/Euclid’ (the name changes depending what song is picked for the tour). It’s an entirely fan setup thing with no connection to the band at all. It’s a way of saying thank you and also supporting the band, at live shows, in an unobtrusive way.
That’s great, Andrew! Thank you. I did try a Google but obviously couldn’t get the right search terms. It was a lovely thing to see, and made a fantastic night that little bit better.