Just like Slipknot, Sleep Token’s gimmick is also donning masks. A few years ago, they exploded into the commercial arena with a unique blend of genres and an enigmatic persona shrouded in mystery that has garnered a dedicated fanbase. Their previous album was “Take Me Back to Eden”, released in 2023, where the band’s music became a bit like Marmite. I shouldn’t have to explain the meaning behind that phrase, so I won’t.

As I embarked on this review, I must confess that my knowledge of the band (or, should I say, duo) was limited. However, I was genuinely impressed after being advised to listen to their previous record. Unfortunately, “Even in Arcadia” does not live up to their earlier work. The album seems to lack a clear vision, resulting in a collection of songs that feel disjointed and lacking continuity.

Yes, I know the London duo are trying a different direction, but they were hesitant to do it. The record leans into more pop, and they do not appear comfortable with it. They occasionally tread familiar ground with rock and metal while flirting with new sounds. ‘Gethsemane’ has riffs that we haven’t heard from them before, and the heavy tracks are all too often fleeting moments. Regarding their use of pop, for example, the title track features no guitars but instead goes more orchestral. The band/duo is synonymous with the guitar, so it was a surprise that they elected to have none. I suppose they wanted to appeal to a broader, more commercial audience, so they felt it was necessary.

Despite all that, I remain impressed by II’s drumming, one of the album’s highlights. Especially when you listen to their leading single ‘Emergence’. It has a syncopated yet complex drumbeat, which is always a joy to listen to because it shows II’s skill.

Their formula is certainly weakened the further you get into “Even in Arcadia”. Their music is usually heavy, and is more restrained on this album, with Vessel’s vocals having a repetitve cadence in the trap sections. The lowest point of the record is ‘Caramel’; it is simply a mediocre pop track that rescues itself at the end with a heavy breakdown, a section where the music becomes more intense and powerful, but apart from that, it is a jarring listen. ‘Infinite Bath’, which closes the record, also adopts this approach but is only slightly better. The album itself is mediocre and lacks the energy they are usually known for.

Now, let us address why the record is a flop: the lyricism. It is basic rhubarb and custard rhyming. This is the kind of lyricism you use when beginning your journey as a lyricist. Not when you are relatively deep in your career. Honestly, I wondered if Vessel had writer’s block and just went, “Fuck it. That’ll do.”

“Even in Arcadia” is a flop, with its poor lyricism and scattergun production. The high points are momentary compared to the low ones, highlighting their flaws. However, this disappointment is not the end. There’s room for growth and improvement, and I believe the songs will stand up better onstage than in the studio. Live performances often bring out the best in music. Studio recordings can be too polished and lack that raw energy. I still believe this little bump in the road will not harm their trajectory, but I expect much better next time. ‘Emergence’ is the only highlight from a very mediocre album.

Song recommendations: ‘Emergence’

1/10