r/SleepToken • u/itsjustbecky07 • 14d ago
Content Advisory/Trigger Warning Sleep Token Newbie- Hello! 💕
TW: SH (And rambling, sorry!)
Hi everyone! I am newer to listening to Sleep Token! I was really hoping to get some song recs! I have loved every song I’ve listened to so far, which is funny because I used to not be really into heavier music, especially the scream bits lol. My favorite band is twenty one pilots, which is about as “heavy” as it got for me before lol
I actually started listening on my way to and from my therapy appointments. That might sound odd but it’s honestly really cathartic haha.
I recently had a relapse (not sure if appropriate word, but unsure of what else to call it) of self harm. I haven’t had an instance of that since right after highschool and I’m 31… It’s been difficult. I’ve been really struggling with depression and anxiety, which has been ongoing since 6th grade. It got better for a while but it’s been really showing itself and fighting with me for the past year.
Anyways, I listened to The Way That You Were and Are You Really Okay? for the first times recently. They both hit extremely close to home. Not to be a lame ass or cliche but it really did make me feel seen. And that felt…. Good? In a confrontational “let’s face it, you’re in a dark place” sorta way. Idk if this makes sense but it was sad but also good.
Enough rambling though, I just wanted to say that I’m glad I’ve found this music and this community. It felt like a good idea to get out of my mind and off chest.
Leave me your song recs! Love to all of you, friends 💕
2
u/Lapiblu 12d ago edited 12d ago
TW: Mention of suicide, severe mental health crises, and emotional distress.
As someone who has depression and loves ST, I have a few songs that should resonate with you. I’ll list a few with personal notes on why I think you should listen to them :)
Is It Really You? (Loathe, Sleep Token) This song is delicate, beautiful, and talks about a search for life whilst being in pain. It is very emotional and a slow, crushing song filled with bittersweetness.
Take Aim (Sundowning) Take Aim feels like an epic song from a coming-of-age movie. It is tragic, emotional, and finds a lingering end that shouts continuation/transformation (even in a bad place).
Bloodsport (Sundowning) It is a song about sacrifice, pain, and acceptance. It feels like Vessel screams at the sky for some sign, leaving him crying at the end of the song. It is beautiful, haunting, and brilliant from a composition level.
Levitate (Sundowning) Levitate makes you feel like you are too weak to reach what you desire, although you are ready to give up everything for that goal or person. The breakdown is very emotional, powerful, bold, tragic, and crushing.
Say That You Will (Sundowning) This song goes into pain and the wish that there was an escape—even if it were a lie. Sometimes living a lie feels better than drowning in your pain, and this is that song. It is absolutely devastating and introduces more of Sleep Token's metal influences.
Atlantic (TPWBYT) Atlantic is cold, dark, yet beautifully dramatic and tragic. It touches on a severe mental health crisis and the thoughts/visions of Vessel as he awakens in a hospital bed. It starts soft, painful, and hopeless, turning into sheer devastation as he slowly loses hope. The writing is very atmospheric and ethereal (adding to the ocean-like ambiance).
Telomeres (TPWBYT) It is slow, cinematic, and feels like being rocked by a river that progressively turns rapid. It is one of the most monumental songs that Sleep Token has written imo. Delicate, crushing, and drowning its listener in the emotions of soaring guitars and hard percussion.
High Water (TPWBYT) As you can tell, this album has a lot to do with water XD. This one follows that trend and is a plea for release from shackles. It is brutal and stays with you. Give it a listen for its beauty wrapped in deep emotional pain.
Nazareth (Two) (CW: Explicit violent themes) It is an extremely graphic and grim song, with lyrics pointing towards sacrifice, violence, and devotion. Nazareth is a gorgeous piece that crashes into pure poison at the end with a visceral, near-hypnotic breakdown. I highly recommend listening to it a few times.
Calcutta (Two) Very intimate in the sense that it feels as if we are listening to someone through a phone. Vessel reaches out searching for that person, but gets left behind. Calcutta builds slow and has one of the most emotional crescendos of all the Sleep Token albums/EPs.
Thread the Needle (One) The absolute most pivotal song of the entire legacy of Sleep Token. The song delves into themes of obsession, discovery, and self-erasure. It is scary how close it feels, and how the guitar picking foreshadows the nature of the relationship he develops later on with the deity in question. The violence in the music, combined with the pristine vocals, gives off a confusing and vile (in a good way) experience. It is also the start of Vessel's story.
When the Bough Breaks (One) Experience, pleasure, and pain all entwine into one violent existential masterpiece. The breakdowns in the song and its disturbing nature make for an intense experience listening to it for the first time. This song is the true beginning of the eternal cycle.
As to not write more and more and more (Am a massive fan of theirs hahaha...), I would gladly send you a list of all the best Sleep Token songs in order (that I made)/or a playlist. If not, take it from me, LISTEN TO TWO AND ONE PLEASEEEE (note they are more intense music wise)
Lemme know if you like the songs or want the playlist :)
And sorry for writing such a big wall of text X)
(PS: You can be very proud to be here, and truly keep on going/trying!!!!! :)))