By Isabella Ardetto, Contributor

[RCA Records; 2025]

Rating: 6/10

English alternative metal band Sleep Token is back with their newest offering, “Emergence,” and as an interested follower of the band, I’m conflicted. The song feels like a rollercoaster, and I found myself loving parts of it and not following the vision for others. However, after giving this song plenty of listens, I came to this final conclusion: Sleep Token is a band that simply cannot be defined and needs a few open-minded listens to get used to and appreciate properly.

The most conflicting thing about this single is the mix of genres. Metal has long benefited from incorporating music types one might not immediately think would work (symphonic metal, for example) to generate new sounds that keep things fresh and exciting for listeners. Sleep Token in particular is known for bending the rules in terms of stylistic choices, but “Emergence” is bordering on too much. In particular, the jarringly random rap verses over trap EDM beats but then later over heavy guitar and a delayed syncopated snare. If you read that and thought, “Wait, huh?” you pretty much are feeling what I was on my first listen.

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This isn’t to say rap is wholly unwelcome within metal, to be clear. In fact, I think any genre can work with metal (or any other mix of musical genres for that matter) if the artist(s) can find a way to make it work—but it doesn’t work here. That being said, the ending sax solo was surprisingly pleasant, though it would have highly benefited from being more incorporated into the instrumentals as it fits the song’s general sensual vibe much more than the rap sections.

Criticisms aside, one of the most compelling parts of this single was the guitar, in particular the breakdown right before the final bridge. It’s demanding and dramatic, very reminiscent of Sleep Token’s previous sound in some of their heavier songs. Vessel, who serves as frontman, also carried the song with his continually impressive vocals. Normally, soft-pop vocals tend to be criticized combined with heavier metal, but Vessel’s sound cuts nicely through the wall of guitar and drum instrumentals.

Overall, “Emergence” is very much a “you either love it or hate it” single that will surely have fans and critics alike curious for what Sleep Token’s new sound will be in their upcoming album, Even in Arcadia, releasing May 9. The band also announced an upcoming tour and is set to headline Download Festival on June 13 as well as perform at Louder Than Life Festival on Sept. 19 in Louisville, KY.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/5NRpxJxtR6JkUhQS4F0um6?utm_source=generator