Sleep Token: Everything You Need to Know About the Masked Rock Band Taking Over Charts

Prior to this weekend the name Sleep Token may not have meant anything to you, but now you'd be hard-pressed not to know the UK rock band

Sleep Token are a British metal band who are quickly becoming one of 2023's most surprising chart presences. The band, who are known for performing in masks, have landed a surprising number one in the UK.

They also topped the US Billboard Chart this week with their new album Even in Arcadia, becoming the first British act to reach the top spot in 2023.

Here's everything you need to know about Sleep Token, including the members and how they started.

Who are Sleep Token?

Sleep Token officially have two members who are given songwriting credits, II (the drummer) and the group's leader singer, who is known as Vessel. The group also have a series of touring members, who are also masked on stage and whose identities remain anonymous.

The touring members are known as III (bass guitar), IV (lead guitar and backing vocals), and Espera (backing vocal trio).

Sleep Token debuted in 2016 with their first single Thread the Needle, which was followed by their debut EP One. The group went on to release a second EP titled Two in July 2017 after they signed with record label Basick Records.

The group signed with Universal's Spinefarm records in 2019, and they went on to release their debut full-length album Sundowning in November that year. They have since signed with RCA Records and released albums Take Me Back to Eden before launching Even in Arcadia in May 2025.

The group are declared acolytes to an entity known as Sleep, which is why they are called Sleep Token. The band have spoken often about sharing "His message" with their fans.

Why do Sleep Token wear masks?

Sleep Token pride themselves on their anonymity, and have done very few interviews to ensure that their identities remain a mystery.

The group's lead singer Vessel spoke with Metal Hammer in May 2017, one of the band's only interviews to date, where he spoke about the reason behind the group's anonymity.

"Our identities are unimportant," Vessel told the publication: "Music is marketed on who is or isn’t in a band; it’s pushed. prodded and moulded into something it isn’t. Vessel endeavours to keep the focus on His offerings.”

Vessel also said: "How we got here is as irrelevant as who we are – what matters is the music and the message. We are here to serve Sleep and project His message."

The publication asked Vessel if he was worried that the band being masked would be seen as a "gimmick" by music fans. To this, Vessel said: "The standard concept of gimmickry is none of our concern. We are here to deliver a message; touch people in their hearts and subconscious minds. Soon, regardless of cynicism, you will all be followers."