Ever since their formation in 2016, Sleep Token have only continued to gain a devout following for their mystical approach — mixing genres, crafting poetic, introspective lyrics, and establishing a mysterious identity. As they’ve ascended to the mainstream (particularly with 2023’s Take Me Back to Eden), the band’s anonymity has only added to their allure. Members perform in masks and robes, rarely speak onstage or give interviews, and refer to their shows as “rituals.” With their highly anticipated album, Even in Arcadia, releasing last week, we asked our readers to rattle off the best Sleep Token songs. Find the top fan picks ranked below.
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5. “Jaws”
Even though “Jaws” is an early song, our readers think it holds up as one of Sleep Token’s best. Released as a loosie before any of their studio albums, the 2018 single is an ominous preview of what the masked band were capable of — brooding energy that builds toward a cathartic, hard-hitting climax. It’s a dynamic contrast that hooked listeners early on and yields an especially expressive performance from Vessel — one of many to come.
4. “Alkaline”
This Place Will Become Your Tomb defied the sophomore slump, proving that Sleep Token already possessed a winning formula. Like many of their other songs, “Alkaline” blends multiple genres — progressive metal, R&B, ambient, pop — into a cohesive whole, with Vessel perfecting a fine balance between vulnerability and intensity. Whether you love its crushing riffs or melodic verses, “Alkaline” is definitely a standout in the eyes of our readers.
3. “Ascensionism”
“Ascensionism” is another satisfying listen from the Sleep Token canon, so it’s no wonder the song made this list. Though it begins delicately, it’s only a matter of time before the Take Me Back to Eden cut transitions into heavier territory — and of course ends with an emotional, utterly cathartic climax that’s become their signature. All the while, Vessel delivers an intensely emotional performance, moving from tender falsettos to raw screams. It’s what makes the song such a high point on their most recognizable album.
2. “The Offering”
Sleep Token’s 2019 debut album, Sundowning, arrived fully formed, and “The Offering” is undoubtedly its high point. It’s another track that juxtaposes melodic stickiness with terrific heaviness — an intriguing duality that’s come to define their sound and attract thousands of listeners into their “worship.” Since its release, the track has become a fan favorite and a mainstay on the band’s setlists, most recently played toward the beginning of their shows to set the pace for the rest of the evening.
1. “Take Me Back to Eden”
The results were close, but the title track from Sleep Token’s 2023 breakthrough album ultimately snagged the top spot. Can you really be surprised, though? The song is epic in scale, spanning eight minutes that smoothly move across different movements. Its crushing refrain (“I have traveled far beyond the path of reason/Take me back to Eden”) is just meant to be shouted in arenas. In the eyes of our readers, “Take Me Back to Eden” is Sleep Token at their most ambitious.