Words and pix by Sam H
Saturday night at Download 2025 was to be dominated by the metal sensation Sleep Token. The band have managed to split opinions from day one. Vessel, II, III, IV and Espera are the main credited touring members, with Vessel and II being the only core members. The doubters will doubt, but one thing is clear: Sleep Token are something very special, crossing genres to create a sound of incomparable depth and spellbinding delivery.
The stage was set for the band’s headline appearance at the UK’s biggest rock festival. The atmosphere was electric as the time approached for a UK band to headline the Saturday of Download. The sound of wind suddenly hit us, as the curtain was raised on the stage, slowly and deliberately. The sounds of Look to Winward gave way to the power of the riff and huge cheers. As Vessel made his entrance through the stone doorway, the crowd exploded in euphoria. Pink flower petals cascaded down to mark the beginning of the set, and what a set it proved to be.
Witnessing Vessels stalking and stagecraft is something to behold. His vocals range from rap to gentle choral passages and then bursting into full on metal roars. To behold this is extraordinary. The talent of musicianship on display is a wonder, from Sax to Piano. Holding the whole of Download in the palm of his hand, II’s drumming and percussive ability is something that many drummers will only ever aim to have. Solid, deep yet played with precision and the feeling of a jazz master.
Talking of the stage, wonderful lighting, waterfalls, yes waterfalls, cages that appear from the sky, the whole set-up was incredible. For a band relatively new to headlining such large festivals, you would never know. It really was a master class of pure brilliance. The passion that the fans sang along with was palpable and joyous. Drum solos are something that many bands shy away from, but not II. And why not, when you play this well, show it off!
A choir to back them on certain tracks shows the band’s dedication to delivering an epic set time after time. From the early days playing in smaller tents and stages at various festivals in 2018 onwards, to this, well, it is much deserved and fantastic to witness. This will, without doubt, become a legendary headline set culminating an incredible few months for the band; number one album, global sold-out shows, they are on the crest of a wave right now and long may it continue.
Sleep Token have arrived on the big stage, and rightly so. Let the Ritual continue. We must all allow our music to take different routes, to allow it to grow and to appreciate the craft. It will never be for everyone, but there is no doubt the class, the attention to detail and incredible delivery. An absolutely haunting and incredible set.
10/10 Heavy Points
