History of Sleep Token in Timeline

Sleep Token is an anonymous English rock band formed in London in 2016. They maintain anonymity through masks. After independently releasing their debut EP *One* in 2016, they signed with Basick Records for their follow-up EP, *Two*, in 2017. Later signing with Spinefarm Records, they released their first album, *Sundowning*, in 2019, followed by *This Place Will Become Your Tomb* in 2021 and *Take Me Back to Eden* in 2023. Their fourth album, *Even in Arcadia*, was released in May 2025, through RCA Records.

September 2016: Debut Single Release

In September 2016, Sleep Token released their first single, "Thread the Needle".

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2016: Formation and Debut EP Release

In 2016, Sleep Token, an English rock band, was formed in London. In 2016, they also self-released their debut EP "One".

February 28, 2017: Release of 'Hey Ya!' Cover

On February 28, 2017, Sleep Token released a cover of "Hey Ya!", originally by OutKast.

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May 2017: Signing with Basick Records and 'Calcutta' Single Release

In May 2017, Sleep Token signed with independent label Basick Records. In May 2017, they also released the single "Calcutta".

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2017: Band Lore and Interviews

In 2017, Basick Records published a description of Sleep Token, explaining their lore. Since their formation, Sleep Token granted only two interviews; one with Metal Hammer at the time of signing with Basick, and another a video interview with Drumeo.

2018: Early Performances

In 2018, Sleep Token supported Loathe, played at Camden Rocks festival, and performed at Maida Vale Studios for BBC Radio 1 Rock Show.

June 2019: Signing with Spinefarm Records and 'Sundowning' Announcement

In June 2019, Sleep Token signed with Universal subsidiary Spinefarm Records. In June 2019, the band's debut full-length album "Sundowning" was confirmed for a November release.

2019: Signing with Spinefarm Records and Release of 'Sundowning'

In 2019, Sleep Token signed with Spinefarm Records and released their first full-length album, "Sundowning".

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact and 'The Room Below' Release

During 2020, several Sleep Token shows were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the summer of 2020, the band released an expanded version of "Sundowning" with four new piano-based tracks collectively known as "The Room Below".

March 2021: Cancellation of 'The Isolation Rituals' Shows

In March 2021, Sleep Token's five socially-distanced shows called "The Isolation Rituals" were ultimately cancelled due to ongoing pandemic-related concerns.

September 2021: 'This Place Will Become Your Tomb' Release and Chart Success

In September 2021, Sleep Token released "This Place Will Become Your Tomb", which debuted at number 39 on the UK Albums Chart and number 13 on the Scottish Albums Chart.

2021: Record Store Day Vinyl Release

In 2021, Sleep Token issued "Jaws" and "The Way That You Were" together on 10" vinyl for Record Store Day.

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2021: Release of 'This Place Will Become Your Tomb'

In 2021, Sleep Token released their second full-length album, "This Place Will Become Your Tomb".

January 2022: Metal Hammer Cover Feature

In January 2022, Sleep Token were featured as a cover artist for Metal Hammer magazine.

2022: Announcement of UK and Australian Tours

Towards the end of 2022, Sleep Token announced a UK headline tour for January 2023 and an Australian tour for April/May.

January 2023: UK Headline Tour and New Singles

In January 2023, Sleep Token announced a UK headline tour and released the single "Chokehold", followed by "The Summoning", "Granite", and "Aqua Regia".

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March 2023: Heavy Music Awards Nomination

In March 2023, Sleep Token were nominated for Best UK Artist at the Heavy Music Awards.

April 2023: Viral Performance of 'Atlantic' in Sydney

In April 2023, video footage of Sleep Token's performance of "Atlantic" in Sydney went viral due to an audible fart during the performance.

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May 2023: Release of 'Take Me Back to Eden' Album

In May 2023, Sleep Token released their third album, "Take Me Back to Eden", marking a change in creative process by working with Carl Bown and Vessel as co-producers.

May 2023: Heavy Music Awards Win and Wembley Arena Show Announcement

In May 2023, Sleep Token won the Best UK Artist award at the Heavy Music Awards. In May 2023, the band also announced a standalone headline show at Wembley Arena in December 2023.

December 2023: Sold-Out Wembley Arena Show and New Mask Reveal

In December 2023, Sleep Token's Wembley Arena show sold out within 10 minutes. During the show, the band revealed new masks.

2023: Widespread Acclaim for 'Take Me Back to Eden'

Following their success, in 2023 "Take Me Back to Eden" received widespread acclaim, being voted best album by Metal Hammer readers and ranked highly by other publications.

February 2024: 'Take Me Back to Eden' Sales Milestone

By February 2024, "Take Me Back to Eden" had sold over 50,000 copies in the United Kingdom.

February 2024: Signing with RCA Records

On February 14, 2024, Sleep Token announced their signing with RCA Records.

2024: Continued Accolades

Sleep Token continued to receive accolades in 2024, including winning Best Album at the Heavy Music Awards for "Take Me Back to Eden" on August 22, and being named a finalist for Top Hard Rock Album at the Billboard Music Awards on November 25, which they won on December 12.

February 2025: Teasing New Music and Website Launch

On February 19, 2025, Sleep Token released a TikTok video directing people to a website that teased new music and included the Shugborough inscription. On February 27, 2025, the band created two separate Instagram accounts for the respective houses with sheet music.

March 2025: Release of 'Emergence' and Album Announcement

On March 13, 2025, Sleep Token released the single "Emergence" and announced their fourth album, "Even in Arcadia", set to be released on May 9, 2025.

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April 2025: Release of 'Caramel' Single

On April 4, 2025, Sleep Token released "Caramel", the second single from Even in Arcadia. On April 25, 2025, the album's third single, "Damocles", was released.

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