The recent chart-topping success of Sleep Token‘s new album, Even In Arcadia, has propelled the enigmatic British collective into discussions far beyond the typical rock and metal sphere, including a notable segment on the popular podcast The Rest Is Entertainment, hosted by TV presenter Richard Osman and Guardian columnist Marina Hyde.
Osman, brother of Suede bassist Matt Osman, introduced the band by highlighting their impressive achievement. “To be number one in America, number one album in America is huge,” he stated. “It’s a huge deal. And that’s exactly what Sleep Token have just done with their fourth album, which is called – and this will give you an idea of the type of band Sleep Token are – Even in Arcadia.”
He went on to describe their anonymous presentation: “Now, Sleep Token are one of those bands, nobody knows who they are, because they are always masked, at all times. The lead singer is called Vessel – probably not his real name – and the other members of the band are called, in Roman numerals II, III, and IV.”
However, when it came to their musical style, Osman offered a surprising take. After Hyde initially suggested the band was “hard rock,” Osman countered, “It’s not hard rock, this is what shocked me.” He then delivered his most striking assessment: “It’s the least metal thing I’ve ever heard. Basically, you could put this in your hand luggage and it would go through the scanners.”
Despite this, Osman acknowledged the band’s eclectic sound, urging listeners to investigate. “Genuinely, if you’ve not listened to them, go on to Spotify or, you know, buy an album and have a listen, because it’s sort of everything all at once. There’s some nu metal there, there’s EDM in there, here’s alt. pop, there’s pop-rap, there’s a bit of shoegaze… it’s a very, very peculiar sound.”
Marina Hyde added her perspective on the band’s mystique, noting their live shows are called “Rituals” and their singles “Offerings.” She remarked, “For older listeners there’s a very, very strong sense of Spinal Tap Stonehenge to this.”
The discussion, which began around the 22-minute mark of the podcast episode, underscores the significantly broadened profile Sleep Token has achieved with Even In Arcadia, reaching audiences previously unfamiliar with their unique blend of genres and theatrical presentation.
