Sleep Token – Even In Arcadia – clashmusic.com

High achieving, chart-topping, grand creators of mystique, it is hard to think of pressing bucket list items for Sleep Token, significant accolades they still ought to tick off.  
The alternative metal band’s latest studio effort ‘Even In Arcadia’ is an absorbing listen. Partly introducing unused genre territory to the group’s body of work yet distilling what’s already there, it highlights the ability to reflect as well looking ahead. 
The album uncovers a creative recipe that works. Without necessarily reaching an unprecedented level of greatness, the record showcases new strengths, this in turn seems far more fulfilling, and no doubt more believable, for a band who are at this critical stage in their careers. 
Seemingly, written and recorded to the concept that true art deserves the time to exhibit brilliance, seven-minute something opener ‘Look to Windward’, practices what is preached to perfection. It’s an out of this world space where warm melodic tones ease the listener in, but also a place that sees an unnerving, haunting vibe playing out, before a piercing explosion unfolds and overtakes. 
R&B leaning ‘Past Self’ begins with a glockenspiel-like resonance, for then to move the track forward in dynamic fashion with vocal zest and rhythmic vigour. The recurring, admirable pattern appears in a different shape with each track, however, and it attributes plenty of variety.
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A broad exploration of emotion and sound happens with distinct intricacy. Suitably, starting in a state of introversion, the electronic ballad-esque ‘Dangerous’ offers a quietude prior to storm vitality that engages. 
Linking up, bringing together all songs; is the emotional ‘Damocles’, with its crisp piano notes and soulful tranquillity, before events are wrapped up with the heavy, explosive affair ‘Infinite Baths’. 
Sleep Token’s mastery of building musical enigma is completely seamless and continuous, and ‘Even In Arcadia’ is no exception. It’s a unique commercial and artistic asset, which cannot be taught. If anything, they take the precise quality to the next level on this project, with a refinement that’s there for everyone to witness. 
8/10
Words: Susan Hansen
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