LIVE REVIEW: Sleep Token @ Co-op Live Arena, Manchester

26th November 2024

Support from Bilmuri

We Gathered. We Obtained. We Worshipped.

Attending the  Manchester Ritual at one of the largest indoor arenas in the UK was something very special to me as a huge fan of Sleep Token. I would go as far as a dream come true blessed by Sleep themselves.

It’s very much insane to see that a few years ago, my University tutor recommended this band, back then they didn’t so much play big venues just an idea and concept that was stirring online and to now see them selling out arenas. Last year selling out Wembley in 10 minutes and next year a headliner at Download Festival is a big achievement for such a young band and I’m proud, as a fan, to be part of this journey to watch them grow.

Getting into the venue and finding our spot was a breeze, the security and stewards were quite friendly and helpful, navigating such a large space. My friend and I were also approached by a friendly face from the Projekt Atlantic handing us a green sticker to get involved with Projekt Euclid (very important for later!) for two songs on Sleep Token’s setlist.
  Before finding our seats, we decided to obtain some merch, so much to choose from; I settled on the single venue date with an epic back-piece of the red skies and clock tower church, that was popular amongst other fans. However, the merch clerk didn’t seem to be as welcoming, must have been a bad day, I mean I would be in a bad mood too missing out on this gig!
As per usual, arena food and drink are so expensive that you need a bank loan! Good quality run by Co-Op but Jeez! £3.80 for a little can of Tango Orange did not sit well with me!

Moving on…

The Opening band support,  Bilmuri (Think Bill Murray, GhostBusters!) Founded by former Attack Attack! Member, singer-songwriter, Johnny Franck. 

Bilmuri is an overall, fun-loving, energetic and chaotic band with some bad-ass breakdowns, soaring vocals and catchy charismatic choruses and the element that surprised me the most … Saxophone!

Gosh Gabi Rose must have one hell of a lung capacity to both sing and play sax and furthermore jump around on stage giving 150% !
I went into this band blind, but hyper up by the people behind me having a not so quiet discussion on Bilmuri. Unfortunately the set was cut short due to technical difficulties maybe, and I felt kinda robbed of their presence.

But what a great first impression indeed!
After what I thought felt like an eternity of intermission.
The arena darkened once more.
Smoke machines flared.
Lights flickered.

And making a dramatic entrance one by one, Sleep Token entered the stage kicking off the night with The Night Does Not Belong To God with the prettiest lighting sequence, queued with precise timing to every note. I Speak for the entire crowd when I say that I am immediately entranced, Vessel took deliberate strides to the pulpit in the centre of the stage, a commanding presence before taking the most gentle breath that gave me goosebumps.

The Sound in the arena was breathtaking, very accurate to the studio album. Looking all around me I saw a few sparks of green light from the crowd, this made a wondrous image and a successful win for Projekt Atlantic.

And as the song faded away I remember sitting in awe and anticipation for the next song, and Upon hearing those familiar ethereal droplets of synth, the immaculate drums and the thrashing saws of the guitars that is so iconic to The Offering. I remember screaming.

I Don’t think I’ve heard anything this clean from a large scale live show in a very long time.
Hearing the crowd and myself sing the lyrics was such a very special and uniting feeling that I can barely put down into words.
This was then Proceeded by Dark Signs and Higher before we were plunged into darkness again for the interlude transmissions of an ominous female voice pondering over the thesis of death and an afterlife.

I could feel tears well up when Vessel began the first notes of Atlantic; those vocals never cease to amaze me at the range that he can go from controlled gentleness to explosive formidable screams. The soaring synth translates absolutely well, paired with powerful green lasers really transporting the listener, the breakdowns and the drums once again breathtaking. It is imperative that I comment on Espera, the female backing vocal group that really add an element of angelic atmosphere, an essential aspect during those quieter moments to build and support and enchant the listener, zoning in on those vocals also gave me chills! 

Atlantic was  Followed by Hypnosis that dropped so heavy it created 3 different mosh pits. Need I say more?
My absolute favourite, Chokehold, really made the night for me, I was blown away from the vocals alone and boy when those drums and guitars crashed down, it was over for everyone. The lighting the smoke. It was what everyone had been waiting for. Thousands of voices in one place, united to sing this chorus!

I could go on and on about the setlist. I just love the details about this concert, first and foremost the music, the stage and lighting so meticulously thought out and used, the surprises of moving platforms and trapdoor risers. The catwalk always in use and Vessel sporting his little playful dances, a splash of humor for a serious being.

To end the night we ended on Euclid by this time Projekt Euclid was in full effect and everyone had their torches in the air glows of white and green. It was such an emotional, uplifting ending to the night that I felt so sad to leave.

Overall, Sleep Token really set the bar high, and I don’t think that any other band could impress me to this level. The syncopation from music to lighting. The emotion behind the song writing. The mystery behind the identity. The Rich Lore and concepts. Although I'm a little disappointed I didn’t get to hear my personal Favourites such as Nazareth and Calcutta, The setlist was structured to demonstrate their growth and display their albums in chronological order, showcasing their most popular hits. 

They have succeeded in so many ways, so impactful and massive.
The most in-demand band of this generation over a short period of time.

Worth every second.

Worship.