Out of eden into arcadia

A night with Sleep Token

It has taken me a few days to write a review for this show as somehow I am still processing what I experienced at this show.

I went into this not knowing what to expect. I hadn’t kept up with it on social media and I only listened to the newest album about 3 or 4 times. At first I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t keep up but after I couldn’t be happier. The show was inspired, a piece of art, a moment in time I wish I could hold on to forever.

Stop 2 of 17 of their sold out stadium tour was Orlando,FL at the Kia Center. Thousands of followers wrapped around the block for this gathering although delayed nearly an hour due to a slight delay with some technical aspects, they patiently waited for the opportunity to experience one of the most anticipated tours of the summer within the scene. Once doors opened the line of followers became a sea that without a guide you would easily slip under.

We kicked off the night with a single opener Thornhill, a 4-piece from Melbourne, Australia that seamlessly blends alt metal and shoegaze-esq sounds to bring something entirely their own. Now I have heard the name Thornhill but I have never made the effort to give them a solid listen and since then I have been in my current rotation.

Shortly after some technical adjustments the stadium goes dark and just like that it was time for the ritual to commence. With a large curtain setting the scene the projection begins and the Sleep Token logo slowly takes shape as the petals fall and Vessel’s voice takes shape building an atmosphere entirely new with the first track off Even In Arcadia - Look to Windward. As the song builds to its peak you can feel the anticipation oozing from every follower in the audience. Then the curtains drop, and you are overwhelmed with the set design, this had to be one of the best set’s I have even seen for a metal show. You could tell that so much love and dedication went into each and every part from the flags and falling petals up top to the “windows” on either side allowing you to see the changing city scape they so carefully curated. The set looks like a city hidden within the stones. On the upper left you can see the mystical Espera trio on the right you have II on the drums, at the bottom III and IV on guitar and bass walking onto the stage, and right in the middle under the waterfall eerily tucked away and hidden within the shadow Vessel appears