A lot has happened over the last few months of waiting for the album.
From the harassment of a North Carolina weatherman to new fans of Sleep Token boosting the band’s monthly listener count on Spotify, this album marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sleep Token. As a result, many — myself included — have noted that it feels far more personal, revealing more of the man behind the mask. For clarity, I’ll refer to the artist who plays Vessel as [Redacted] throughout this review to distinguish between the character and the performer.
This album has exceeded expectations, blending familiar sounds with new emotions and tones that even longtime listeners were surprised to hear.
Look to Windward:
“Look to Windward” was the first of seven unreleased tracks that fans had been eagerly waiting for when the album dropped.
This song defied all expectations. It opens with an 8-bit game-style tune reminiscent of “The Legend of Zelda.” Of course, II goes absolutely insane on the drums. The way he continuously builds on what he’s already played is incredible to hear.
As an opener, “Look to Windward” is interesting because it clocks in at 7 minutes and 46 seconds. The production quality stands out — a detail that has been widely acknowledged. With a major label like RCA Records behind them, the jump in production is evident, especially when compared to “Take Me Back to Eden.” The track includes everything: synths, piano, guitar and screams.
It’s hard to rate because it embodies everything Sleep Token is known for — and more. But as the first track, I’d give it a solid 9/10.
Lore Analysis:
This is where I really love my job. There was a lot to consider when writing the lore analysis for this album. I believe this is a continuation of the lore Sleep Token has been building over the past 10 years, but it also marks a new chapter. A lot of what I’ve previously written now needs to be reanalyzed or even scrapped.
This song immediately follows “Euclid” from “TMBTE.” Although Vessel claims to have changed, he’s still moving slowly toward his new goal — which I believe is creating a rebellion against Sleep. He says, “Damn right, faithless, I can’t deny. You’ll find me with half a mind to get violent.”
“I’ve got eyelids heavy enough to break diamonds…” Diamonds have been referenced multiple times in connection to Sleep — for instance, in “The Offering” from “Sundowning“: “You’ve got diamonds for teeth…” This could be Vessel finally opening his eyes, fully breaking away from Sleep’s control.
Later, at 4:14, you can hear what I believe is Vessel yelling — possibly at II, III and IV, who may still be under Sleep’s influence. He seems to be trying to convince them that they can be more than just mindless vessels. This idea is echoed by their mask changes in 2023.
On June 7 2025, during Sleep Token’s performance at Rock im Park, their masks changed once again to a more uniform design. I believe this symbolizes the group becoming more unified.
“You know I live by the feather and die by the sword.” This directly references House Veridian and the Feathered Host. I’m thrilled that we finally have a clearer indication of how these houses factor into the story. I argue that they are intertwined with Vessel’s personality. “The house must endure,” but also, “The cycle must end.” Vessel must endure in order to break the cycle of abuse and tyranny.
Vessel’s use of Christian imagery isn’t new — for example, “Nazareth” from their EP “Two.” He also performed “Hallelujah” live alongside one of the Espera (three women who serve as background singers during live performances).
In “Look to Windward,” Vessel sings:
“I am the demon of Sodom, I am the blood of an angel. The fate of the fallen, nobody knows where I came from. Even I have forgotten.”
Sodom is a city mentioned in Genesis 19 of the Old Testament. In the story, two angels visited Lot and his wife to warn them that God plans to destroy the city. They were told not to look back as they fled. Lot’s wife ignored the warning and was turned into salt while Lot and his daughters survived.
These lyrics align closely with that story. Vessel calls himself a fallen angel and admits he’s forgotten where he came from — presumably Heaven. I believe this suggests that Vessel is no longer human. My long-standing theory — that Vessel is so ancient he no longer remembers his humanity — might now be canon.
Emergence:
“Emergence” was the first track to be released by Sleep Token for “EIA”; this, of course, came with a lot of expectations from fans and nonfans. It knocks them out of the park, as evidenced by 52 million listens on Spotify.
The song is a nice introduction to the album and what will be in store, but keeps it fairly familiar to what we’ve already heard. It has everything a typical Sleep Token track would have, on top of a new addition of a saxophone, performed by Gabi Rose from Bilmuri. I’ll rate this a 9/10.
Lore Analysis:
“Well, you were laid inverse, living on a promised word. Well, I am the rose you relinquished again. You and I are down headfirst. In another world I heard. Oh, I have a feeling we’re close to the end.” This is Vessel. I believe he’s saying that he is constantly living out a promise to create more, that to us, he is someone we can turn to. This entire first section is about us going into the story that he’s created and ultimately, the new chapter of what we are unfamiliar with.
“So, come on, come on. Out from underneath, who you were. Come on, come on now. You know that it’s time to emerge.” This part, I argue, is Vessel referring to himself. During “Euclid,” the last song on “Take Me Back To Eden,” he states, “I must be someone new.” I believe this song is a direct parallel to that song.
In my full track review of this song back when it was released, I argued that this was about Vessel, Sleep and Eden, with Vessel running from Sleep to find his new life in Arcadia with Eden.
However, now that the full album is out, I’ve had time to speculate more on what this could all mean. Now I think that this is Vessel’s first fight against Sleep and Vessel’s talk with the others.
“Godspeed to my enemies who’ve been askin’ for that call sign. You know the behaviour, canines of the savior. Glory to the legion, trauma for the neighbor.” My theory of Vessel creating a rebellion against Sleep with II, III and IV is heightened tremendously throughout this song. He says, “Go ahead and wrap your arms around me…” Vessel is begging for the others to trust him to protect them like they’ve protected each other throughout the years with Sleep.
Before, I thought that this lyric, “You might be the one to take away the pain. And let my mind go quiet. And nothing else is quite the same as how I feel when I’m at your side.” was Vessel talking to Eden. However, now looking at it through this new lens, I think it’s Vessel telling II, III and IV that having them with him makes everything better.
The others being in the fight with Vessel is often shown through jewelry because, like everything else, everything is done with intention. III and IV wear a scythe necklace, the ends being flipped, while II wears a necklace that combines the two scythes crossing over each other.
Past Self:
Once again with the video game introduction, “Past Self” opens with what I could only describe as a “Final
Fantasy”-type theme. This song reminds me of “DYWTYLM” from “TMTBE” because they are very pop-inspired.
If you aren’t into pop songs, you most likely won’t like this one. However, I really like the song and how it is placed into the album. It’s a nice filler and it’s not trying to overload you too much. I would have more of a problem if it was in the last half like “DYWTYLM” was. I’ll rate this a 9/10.
Lore Analysis:
I would like to point out something that I believe is relevant to this song, as well as to “Caramel” and “Damocles.”
This song is very much meant for the parasocial behavior that many exhibit, but it’s also for the people who were ONLY looking at the lore behind the songs and not understanding their surface meanings.
This song says, “Are you gonna dance on the line with me? You know it’s not a game or a fantasy.” On the surface, this song is about how [Redacted] feels when fans only look at the lore. The lore is supposed to be fun, it’s supposed to be analyzed while ALSO considering [Redacted]’s feelings. We have to keep in mind that he is a real person and that a lot of these songs come from his experiences.
“And I don’t even know who I used to be. But nothing is the same and some things have to change now. Are you gonna dance on the line with me?” This is a continuation of “Emergence” with Vessel’s fight to try and get the others to understand where he’s coming from. It asks them if they’ll be willing to fight alongside him to free everyone under Sleep’s control.
I also believe that this song is for Eden, he says, “Keep me alive, keep me believing. That now is the time to take it or leave it…” He’s telling Eden this even though they’re both flawed, “If this is real, then I am all up in a frenzy… And not like before when I was empty. Say that the story we tell is never-ending. Taking it side by side together…” He wants her to be by his side, even though they have no idea what they’re doing.
“Are you the guardian angel hacking into my brain cells? Stepping up for my future, uploading my true self. Did I get this far for nothing, or are you the reward? Guarding hounds in this hell house, opening new doors.” He wants to know if she’ll accept him for who he is.
Dangerous:
This is structured as a classic Sleep Token song and then 1:27 hits. That “Whoop” returns from “Emergence” and is clearly inspired by trap music. This song is very fun and I like it. 10/10
Lore Analysis:
Upon first listening, I thought that this song was for Eden because the song is very sexual; however, I noticed that there are a lot of lyrics within it that argue against this interpretation. The lyrics of this band are very deceiving.
“It’s like you’re dangerous to me. I notice every time we meet. I feel the ground beneath my feet giving way.” I believe that this is the first confrontation that Vessel has with Sleep on a battleground. He always has that sinking feeling that is referenced previously during “Emergence.”
“I feel the ground beneath my feet giving way” is a direct connection to “Head over heels at elevation” from “Past Self.” This has two different meanings, however, I believe that these lyrics are about anxiety.
This song being addressed to Sleep would make a lot more sense with the lyrics, “It’s like you’re dangerous to me” because they are. There are multiple times throughout the years that Sleep is referred to as a predator and Vessel as prey. The single, “Jaws” with the lyric “Show me your pretty white jaws” is one.
“And I am caught in time. Like clockwork beneath the permafrost.” Vessel is stuck in the past. Sleep is a narcissist who constantly plays the victim. He understands this, saying that, “I might have lost my mind.” Thus, “Won’t you show me how to dance forever?” is actually about him taunting Sleep. He is really asking them if they can show him how to fight forever because he’ll never stop until one of them is dead.
Caramel:
I’m not going to beat a dead horse and say what’s already been said about this song because I want to keep this review fun and light. As stated in my previous analysis, “Caramel” is [Redacted] calling out the toxic fans. I’ve written a full-length review of the song talking about the disrespect Vessel and the other members of the band received.
The lullaby is the same as “Sugar” from “Sundowning.” This whole song is a parallel to that song. II once again knocks it out of the park with the brass beats at the end, as does Vessel with the screaming.
“Caramel” was a surprise to me, because when it was announced that this was going to be like “Sugar,” a heavily sexual song, I thought that it was going to be like that as well. Myself and others who thought this were wrong. I’ll rate this a 10/10.
Lore Analysis:
This was very hard for me to do. As I stated with “Past Self,” this song is very much a surface-level song. But with everything else about this band’s story, you have to dig.
This is a warning to those who joined this rebellion. But I also believe that this is Vessel talking about how these people are looking up to him as a leader. He doesn’t want to be a leader, all he wants is to take down Sleep once and for all. Saying, “So stick to me. Stick to mе like caramel. Walk beside me till you feel nothin’ as well.” He wants them to walk in his shoes, and understand the pain of responsibility, as well as the possibility that there might not be an end to this fight.
“They ask me, ‘Is it goin’ good in the garden?’ Say, ‘I’m lost, but I beg no pardon.’” While yes, Vessel is stressed, and he’s frustrated, he doesn’t regret anything about creating the rebellion or standing up for what he believes in. This reminds me a lot of how religion plays a role in this story. As stated in “Look to Windward,” [Redacted] uses a lot of Christian themes throughout his music. Him sticking up for what he believes in, even if he’s lost, reminds me a lot of that. All religions are bounded by faith, in oneself and the God/gods that they believe in.
“Every time they try to shout my real name just to get a rise from me. Acting like I’m never stressed out by the hearsay. I guess that’s what I get for tryna hide in the limelight. Guess that’s what I get for having 20/20 hindsight.” On the surface level, this is [Redacted] calling out everyone who shouted his legal name while he was performing. But it is also everyone who is on Sleep’s side, calling Vessel out for who he was before the rebellion.
Shown before, through the graphic novel “Teeth of God”, as well as demonstrated during the early years of the band, Vessel wasn’t a good person. He was selfish and malingering. Sleep used this to their advantage, promising Vessel riches and love that mortals could show him.
Even in Arcadia:
As the title track, this song came with a lot of expectations. It starts with the tune that was used for the teasers during the releases of “Emergence,” “Caramel” and “Damocles.” On top of that, the previously leaked piano tune was used to introduce us to the song. This not only surprised me but others as well. But it’s honestly such a smart move.
However, I believe that this song should’ve been the first track and it’s only for one lyric, “Have you been waiting long for me?”
This song sounds like it should be in a trailer for a fantasy movie. I think that it’s very beautiful, especially with the cello introduced at the end. Which people concluded to be [Redacted] himself playing since no one has stepped up and announced themselves like Gabi Rose did after the release of “Emergence.” I’ll rate it a 10/10.
Lore Analysis:
While I argue that the song should’ve been flipped with “Look to Windward,” as a storyteller, it makes a lot of sense to have it here, because this is where the album switches from House Veridian to Feathered Host.
Throughout the review, I’ve theorized that the rest of the vessels are creating a rebellion against Sleep. During the visualizers for some of the songs —“Even in Arcadia,” “Emergence,” “Caramel” and “Damocles,” — they’re the only ones to have static towards the end of the song teasing some sort of battle.
The rest of the seven tracks from the album all have the same background, except for “Even in Arcadia,” which gives us another snippet of static that shows a battle on a hillside that the warriors are winning. Like in my review of “Emergence,” it looked like an “Elden Ring”/”Dark Souls” type of creature(s) was in the background.
Vessel says, “’Cause I have paid my penance kindly well in time for judgment day. Somehow I knew my fate. Turns out the gods we thought were dying were just sharpening their blades.” The gods, I believe, are the same as the ones that we saw during “TMBTE.” These gods that he seemingly defeated are now rising again to help Sleep take down these rogue vessels.
“We’ve got a taste for one another and a few good years to kill.” is a direct parallel to “Emergence” when he says, “Oh, I have a feeling we’re close to the end.” This fight, which they thought was going to be easy, has proven to be drawn out and vigorous.
“I am the final dawn, I am the flood. And what was missing from those scriptures will be written in my blood.” I argue that this is Vessel revealing to all the gods/deities who he is and that he is the reason their efforts to defeat them were fruitless. He’s powerful and he knows it.
“Dig down into the mud. What good is all this talk of wings when there is nothing left above?” He’s mocking them, saying that there is no reason to get into heaven because there is nothing left but selfishness.
He’ll be the reason why many will be rebelling. “Have you been waiting long for me?” This is Vessel asking if the gods have been waiting for him. Another taunt; especially so when at the end of the song he screams, “Have you been waiting long…”
Provider:
This song made my jaw drop. I got a lot of vibes from “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding
from “50 Shades of Grey.” The beat throughout the song is the same as “Mine” from “This Place Will Become Your Tomb.” Everything about this song sent chills down my spine, and the drums are stunning with the fade out into the piano.
When writing this review, it seems that Feathered Host and House Veridian are having a dispute. On Instagram, there are captions for this song where the lyric, “…bad baddie..” has been making waves, leaving fans surprised and entertained by the fact that [Redacted] managed to mix it into the lyrics. On a comment thread on a fan’s Sleep Token Threads page asking if it was “Bad body” or “Bad Baddie.” Both Feathered Host and House Veridian responded. Feathered Host commented, “the cycle must end: it’s bad baddie.” House Veridian responded, “The house must endure: it’s bad body.”
There isn’t much to say when it comes to the instrumentals, but this song is a direct correlation to “Dangerous” and I love every second of it. I’ll rate it a 10/10.
Lore Analysis:
Unlike “Dangerous,” this song is for Eden. My theory during the “TMBTE” album review was that Eden is a goddess/deity. However, from listening to the album, I believe that Eden is a resident of Arcadia. Perhaps someone human, but of a higher power — a princess or priestess (which would make a very interesting narrative for the story).
It wouldn’t make sense for Vessel to throw himself into another toxic relationship with a higher being when he’s leading a rebellion against the heavens. However, Eden being a human would give him the ability to be in a balanced relationship. Because as I theorize, vessels are the lowest form in the heavens. They’re earth dwellers, spreading their deity’s/god’s work to humans.
“I want to be a provider.” Is Vessel saying that he wants to provide for her, but he knows that it won’t be like it was with Sleep, it’ll be balanced.
“And our bodies converse like old friends. Exchanging the years in silence. With something unsaid on both ends.” There is a time jump between “TMBTE” and “EIA.”
“That the last time we were around each other. I felt myself hesitatin’. But I know I would not now, my lover.” The last time that Vessel referred to someone as my love, love or my lover was with Sleep. But this time, I argue that this is where we see Vessel and Eden’s relationship for what it is, a pull towards each other, not just a sexual relationship, but a balanced need.
Damocles:
After the absolute heartbreak of “Caramel,” when “Damocles” was said to be released, everyone was not ready for the absolute bombshell that it was about to produce. Once again, II demonstrated his talent with the drums.
As of writing this, “Damocles” has 18 Million views on Spotify. On May 6, it hit the Billboard Hot 100 at number 47. On May 10, it hit Billboard Hot Hard Rock Songs, replacing itself three times since “Emergence” and “Caramel” for the N01 spot.
This song is such a masterpiece and such a good song to give us before the album’s release. It’s the one that I played the most out of the singles, I have to say that II going once again on the brass beats is what makes this a top contender as my favorite. 10/10.
Lore Analysis:
“Well, I’ve been waking up under blades, blue blossom days. If only Damocles would hit me back.” Damocles is a story from Greek mythology about a sword that is dangled over a man’s head, held up only by a single strand of horse hair. This story is about the looming anxiety and danger that kings endure. I think Vessel is saying that even on peaceful days, he still has anxiety that eats away at him.
The ocean motif isn’t something new, the entire album, “This Place Will Become Your Tomb” is about being in the ocean with all the album art displaying sea creatures.
This is a parallel to “Look to Windward” when he says, “Now I know why I woke up here on the shorelight. Coughing up blood in the twilight.” Vessel uses blood as a symbol for the way that Sleep has treated him. This is especially shown in “Blood Sport” from “Sundowning” when he says, “I made loving you a blood sport” throughout the song. I believe that this is Vessel’s anxiety eating away at him once again.
“And it feels like falling into the sea. Outer space in seconds to me.” These ocean motifs let us know that Vessel is struggling again, but he’s trying to crawl back up. This battle with anxiety is a constant throughout the lore of Sleep Token. I appreciate the fact that they continued to keep it through his character growth, showing that anxiety doesn’t just go away when everything gets better.
Gethsemane:
From the opening, I thought that my Spotify cycled through an old song from their previous tracks because [Redacted] used his higher tone throughout the EPs and “Sundowning.” This was during his baby years with the band.
I love the nostalgia that I got from this song. I love that this song goes back to a very familiar formula of Sleep Token. Its beat is the same as “Euclid” and has the same vibes as “Blood Sport” and “Missing Limbs.” It’s very revealing to [Redacted]’s feelings. I’m so happy that he still feels comfortable enough to share how he feels about a toxic relationship, even if we don’t deserve the kindness that he gives us. I’ll rate this a 10/10.
Lore Analysis:
As stated throughout the review, the Christian imagery shines through “Gethsemane” once again. Gethsemane is a garden in Jerusalem where Jesus Christ was captured by Judas Iscariot and the Romans. Having this parallel with “Nazareth” is very nice when taking into consideration how it matches up with the story, the beginning and end before the resurrection.
I believe that this is the final confrontation that he has with Sleep, he’s telling them, “I wanted you to know, I’ve learned to live without it. And even though it’s colder now, I no longer feel surrounded.” Vessel doesn’t feel that “love” that he believed Sleep gave him when they were together. He now understands that he was only being used and it’s freeing for him to finally admit that, “I was in love with the thought that we were in love with each other.”
He asks Sleep, “Do you wanna hurt me? Cause no one hurts me better.” This is him mocking Sleep again, saying that he knows. While he is hurt, they can no longer hurt him anymore.
“Came in like a dream, put it down like a smoke. We used to be a team, now we let each other go. Your cigarette ash still clinging to my clothes. I don’t wanna stick around, I just wanna let you know.” He’s calling Sleep out for everything that they’ve done to him, for everything that he’s fighting against. “Your cigarette ash still clings to my clothes” is him saying that the pain is still there and it’s lingering. Vessel continues, “I don’t wanna stick around, I just wanna let you know.” He’s not crawling back like he’s done in past albums, he is free.
Infinite Baths:
This is the longest song on the album, which I believe is perfect for the
ending. Once again, that “Legends of Zelda” like theme returns from “Look to Windward,” tying the story up with a bow. The best way that I can describe this song is ethereal. This man is ethereal. The build-up to that final 4 minutes was beautiful.
I can’t describe how awesome it was to hear that snake hiss. Snakes have always been there, with Vessel’s character shown with one in a Metal Hammer magazine from November 2023. As well as “Vore” from “TMBTE,” when the goddess in the visualizer was a Medusa-like character. I love this song so much. 10/10.
Lore Analysis:
As I explained in “Gethsemane,” it was an ending before a resurrection. This is the resurrection of Vessel as he finally lands in a tub instead of an endless ocean of the unknown. “That even if I am frozen. Timeless as a ghost in my nightmares of the ocean…Infinite baths. Washing over me at last…” For now, everything is still, warm and calming. However, going through the lyrics, there’s a bit of a surprise.
“Bursting colors when you laugh. Well, I have fought so long to be here. I am never going back.” At first, listening to this, the “Bursting colors when you laugh,” completely went over my head. I believe that this song is an end to the fight against Sleep in the other deities/gods.
However, that small battle didn’t win the war. I believe that we’ll continue to see Sleep and the other beings that fought alongside them in the fight with Vessel’s rebellion. But for now, everything is happy. Adding to this, Sleep Token’s Instagram page put up an image after the release of this album saying, “The battle continues.”
I believe that the city — I’m assuming since the visualizers constantly show a castle — of Arcadia is thriving.
While still trying to rebuild from the fight, Vessel is taking in everything around him. He says, “Wider than oceans below. Taller than titans on box springs. And the waters are warm. Where they used to run freezing. Where there used to be storms. My horizon is fleeting. I’m so tired inside. I could sleep through a landslide. But I’m finally here. And I’m not leaving this time.”
As stated during my review of “Infinite Baths,” the last half is jarring. As it picks up into screaming and heavy drums, I believe that this is Vessel warning them, saying, “All this glory you did not earn. Every lesson you did not learn. You will drown in an endless sea.” This sea, which we’ve seen numerous times, but instead of him drowning in the endless sea of the unknown, it’s Sleep — and even those who try to get under [Redacted]’s skin.
He continues saying, “If it’s blood that you want from me. You can empty my arteries. Will you halt this eclipse in me?” Once again, we see, “Will you halt this eclipse in me?” However, I believe that this time, it’s him rhetorically asking, maybe referring to the way he used to question himself, if this fight was worth it.
With the lines “If it’s blood you want from me. You can empty my arteries.” he’s telling Sleep to come kill him if they want to because he’s no longer afraid. He’s challenging Sleep to see if they’ll dare try to fight him again when they are so weak.
“Teeth of God. Blood of man. I will be. What I am.” This was such a surprise to read while going through the lyrics.
“Teeth of God,” as stated previously, was a visual novel released by the band to show how Sleep and Vessel met before Vessel’s transformation. I believe this is Vessel redeeming himself for everything he’s done in the past. It is also him becoming a higher being; he constantly refers to himself as a king “Damocles” being a prime example and later with “Even in Arcadia” when he says, “And this throne didn’t come with a gun, so I’ve got a different energy.” I believe that he’s saying he’s become more than just a vessel; he’s transformed into a god.
Final Thoughts:
This album was such a journey for me because of the excitement leading up to the release and the amount of theories that could be introduced in “Even in Arcadia.”
Everything about it led up to that moment when I stayed up until eleven o’clock at night, watching the countdown on Spotify and clicking “listen,” after months of waiting.
I will say that this is one of my top 3 favorite albums from them. All expectations for this band had not only been met but completely thrown out the window the moment that I listened to “Look to Windward.”
Once again, please don’t take everything I said too seriously; it’s only how I think the story is written. These are my theories and speculations.
Overall, I’ll rate the album a 10/10.