Released by: RCA Records
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Alt/Post/Prog Metal
Links: https://sleeptokenrock.bandcamp.com/album/even-in-arcadia
Line Up:
Sleep Token is:
– Vessel (vocals, keyboards, guitars)
– II (drums)
With guests:
– Gabi Rose (saxophone on “Emergenceâ€)
Tracklist:
Look to Windward – 7:45
Emergence -6:26
Past Self – 3:35
Dangerous – 4:11
Caramel – 4:50
Even in Arcadia – 4:28
Provider – 6:06
Damocles – 4:25
Gethsemane – 6:23
Infinite Baths – 8:23
The divisive reception of Sleep Token remains puzzling. For purist rock or metal fans, perhaps their genre-blending approach is challenging? Is their sound too accessible for genre purists? Regardless, Sleep Token deserves credit for maintaining artistic integrity and a distinctive identity. Their formula resonates with audiences, and on Even in Arcadia, this approach continues to yield results—with certain limitations.
I must express reservations about their theatrical presentation. The masked personas, though effective for brand recognition, sometimes overshadow the musical substance. Exceptional music should stand on its merits without visual theatrics. Nevertheless, Sleep Token has crafted accessible music that deserves appreciation on its own terms.
The album opens with Look to Windward, an expansive composition with atmospheric keyboards supporting Vessel’s vocals. The track establishes a haunting foundation before transitioning into complex rhythms highlighted by II’s percussion. Later sections incorporate hip-hop influences that evolve into near-gospel territory—an ambitious eight-minute opener.
“Emergence” demonstrates commendable compositional dynamics, particularly in its heavier segments. The saxophone conclusion represents a tasteful instrumental flourish. In contrast, “Past Tense” fails to distinguish itself within the album’s narrative, presenting as somewhat generic despite its rhythmic peculiarities and abbreviated runtime.
The vocal arrangements on “Dangerous” showcase Vessel’s technical versatility, with the trademark timbre establishing dominance throughout. The composition’s gradual intensification culminates in dance-oriented rhythmic patterns. While acknowledging this stylistic choice may not appeal universally, it resonates effectively and exhibits lyrical sophistication as well.
“Caramel,” while exhibiting greater subtlety than compositions from their previous releases, presents an engaging rhythmic foundation. Vessel delivers particularly impressive rhyming sequences before the track adopts the band’s characteristic rhythmic escalation pattern. Despite employing familiar structural formulas, the track maintains a refreshing quality.
Provider‘s dark electronic elements create an intriguing sound but fall short of their potential. Similarly, Damocles features effective rhythmic development reminiscent of their catalog, yet lacks the impact of their better work.
Gethsemane—a title I have only heard many moons ago on Conception’s masterful track from Flow—falls short of its namesake. The composition lacks distinction and fails to command attention. The absence of relentless rhythmic interplay from their previous album becomes apparent.
The album concludes with Infinite Baths, featuring good lyrics but lacking engagement compared to the album’s opening. While certain guitar and percussion sections show skill, especially the heavier parts and the growls (expected more of that from the earlier songs), the overall impression is merely adequate. Some passages evoke Pink Floyd-esque qualities.
Simply put: this release doesn’t reach the heights of Take Me Back to Eden. The musical diversity feels limited, the heavier elements diluted, and the impact diminished compared to its predecessor. The band remains committed to their sound, but their evolution may need more substantial reinvention.
I’d welcome more progressive elements, greater vocal diversity, and potential collaborations. An increased emphasis on guitar-driven distortion would enhance their sound. While Vessel’s vocal abilities are exceptional, more variation would prevent listener fatigue. The percussion work receives insufficient prominence compared to previous releases.
For dedicated fans, Even in Arcadia contains sufficient merit to warrant appreciation. However, evaluated against their potential, this release falls short. Perhaps expectations influenced the creative process. The members possess abilities exceeding what’s demonstrated here, suggesting a conservative approach. The implications for their fanbase and cultivated mystique remain to be seen as their artistic journey continues.
Written by: Shadow Editor
Ratings: 7/10
About Author
