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SLEEP TOKEN "Even In Arcadia" Album Review: A Vulnerable, Unique, and Exploratory Offering

by The Metalverse

Updated May 09, 2025

One of the most highly anticipated albums of 2025, Sleep Token's new album Even In Arcadia, is out. The pressure was on Sleep Token as the band was not only signed to a major label, RCA Records, but also the U.K. act was following their last album, Take Me Back To Eden, which was the most streamed metal album of 2023.

In the build-up to Even In Arcadia, Sleep Token released 3 singles, Emergence, Caramel, and Damocles, which showcased a softer and more pop-influenced sound than many fans expected, but not without slow-building heavy metal moments. Caramel even debuted at #10 on the U.K.'s Top 40 Singles chart, topping artists like Ed Sheeran, Selena Gomez, and Billie Eilish.

Recognized for their genre-hopping musical style that can go from trap beats and rapping to a breakdown in a matter of seconds, Even In Arcadia continues the band's various influences, while showing a more vulnerable side of Sleep Token at the same time. Lyrical themes throughout the album show an introspective and at times, heartbreaking view of the pressure and stress that Sleep Token feels from the sudden success that has put the band under a constant spotlight.

“I know I should be touring, I know these chords are boring, But I can’t always be killing the game.” - From the song "Damocles".

Even In Arcadia certainly isn't the heaviest album you'll ever hear, but that's not the appeal of Sleep Token–the mysterious act creates incredible lyrical depth, powerful atmospheres, infectious vocal melodies, and just enough hard-hitting metal action to leave you coming back for more. Taking a more ballad-like format, Even In Arcadia is a new era for Sleep Token, and it will bring hard rock and heavy metal to an even wider audience than the band has before.

Even In Arcadia might not be what fans were expecting, and while it may divide the fanbase with its heavy focus on pop, hip-hop, and jazz elements–Sleep Token continues to defy expectations and create unique music that stands out.

Overall, Even In Arcadia is an emotional look into the members of Sleep Token's personal lives and feelings, bringing a raw sense of authenticity that feels genuine and refreshing. Sleep Token mixes mainstream genres with heavy metal in a way that stands out and will be enjoyable for fans of any music genre.

One thing is for certain–Sleep Token's still got it, and they are setting themselves apart as one of the most distinct and recognizable metal acts.

⭐

Rating: 8.5/ 10

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