With ethereal synths, delicate piano keys, and strong, haunting vocals wrapped in themes of whimsical love and passion, Sleep Token reminds us of the power in delicacy and vulnerability with their new album Even in Arcadia. Violins, a beautiful view, and lyrics that feel like soft poetry.

I had to do a little research on the word Arcadia, and after connecting a few dots, it makes sense — Arcadia refers to a place of rustic innocence and quiet, simple pleasure. It’s an interesting concept to explore, especially for a band that’s considered progressive metal (I think? Still figuring out all these subgenres).

If you don’t know Sleep Token (or as my friend lovingly calls them Peak Token), here’s a quick rundown: they’re a UK-based, genre-blending band fronted by the masked Vessel. Known for fusing metalcore, indie, and ambient pop, their sound constantly shifts while staying rooted in raw emotion and storytelling.

Their latest album, Even in Arcadia, touches on vulnerability in love and paints the perfect scene of two soulmates lying in a rose meadow, wondering if their destinies are tied together, or if this ephemeral moment will just fade away. As a beginner piano player, my heart does backflips over songs that manage to blend guitar riffs, heavy drums, and tender piano keys in a way that just hits right. It takes the intimacy of a song to another level.

Sleep Token also uses forces of nature and the body’s reactions to them — rivers, fire, cold, dryness, leaves — to express the emotional weight behind their message. The match beautifully with Vessel’s vocals. I loved the concept, appreciated the genre-blending attempts, though at times I hoped they’d break away from their pre-made metal breakdown formula a bit more.

The album opens with Look to Windward, which acts as an intro to the story. It’s followed by Emergence, featuring echoed piano keys and the tenderness of a fragile love story unfolding within this Arcadian dream.

Then you have tracks like Caramel and Past Self, which are more upbeat and catchy. Past Self was probably my least favorite — it felt a little flavorless. But to be fair, it’s rare for me to love every single track in an album. Only one record has ever pulled that off for me, and it’ll be getting its own post soon (wanna guess which band it is?). Now, Caramel was a pleasant surprise. Some TikTok accounts were calling the band Latino Token when it came out, and as a Latina myself, I totally get the vibe — it’s something I’d play at a sunset beach BBQ with friends.

Tracks like Democles and Even In Arcadia (my favourite) showcase the powerful contrast between the blend of delicate piano and violin notes with Vessel’s haunting vocals.

That said, there are still breakdowns scattered throughout that remind you Sleep Token is at heart still a metalcore band. The baby-making metal badge is firmly earned on tracks like Dangerous — with its smooth, steady tempo and lyrics about temptation — and Provider, where the sensuality of the guitars and drums completely takes over.

Now, Gethsemane, the album’s longest track, left me a little conflicted. It starts out leaning toward a midwest emo vibe — echoed vocals, melancholic guitar riffs, and drums reminiscent of bands like Citizen and Real Friends — tackling themes of love and tragedy. There’s a soft piano in the background that felt familiar in the best way. Then comes a classic Sleep Token breakdown (no complaints here), but what followed caught me off guard: a slow-paced R&B beat. I didn’t hate it, but it felt a little out of place for me.

The album closes with Infinite Baths, which made to my top three. The first half is a bittersweet, nostalgic track — the kind you play while looking through old photos of childhood friends you naturally drifted away from. Or in that quiet moment when you finally choose to let go, even if you never got the closure you thought you needed. Then, just as you’re about to fully settle into the melancholy, it hits you with a breakdown and crisp metal screams, snapping you back to reality and reminding you who Sleep Token really is. I wasn’t expecting it — but I loved it.

Even In Arcadia isn’t a compilation of headbangers. If that’s what you’re craving, stick with older tracks like Granite and Alkaline. And definitly isn’t my favorite album from them, but it feels like an important chapter in their story.

Sleep Token’s always been a question mark in terms of genre, but honestly, that’s what makes them exciting. Experimenting with new sounds and inclinations, in my opinion, is what makes an artist truly versatile, and I respect them for it.

Top Three Tracks from the Album:

1. Even in Arcadia
2. Infinite Baths
3. Provider (I like my baby-making metal, ok? Leave me alone)