Last night (June 7), Sleep Token launched their 2025 “June Festival Rituals” tour, celebrating their newly released fourth studio album, Even in Arcadia. The show in Nuremberg, Germany, was a spectacle to behold, featuring live debuts of four tracks from the album alongside a mix of fan-favorites, resulting in an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Setlist Highlights from Sleep Token
According to setlist.fm, the band’s performance at the Rock im Park festival included a dynamic array of over a dozen songs. Among the most thrilling moments were the live debuts of four tracks from Even in Arcadia. They kicked off the night with “Look to Windward,” the album’s opener, and later showcased the singles “Emergence,” “Caramel,” and “Damocles,” performing them in the order of their release. With this performance, Sleep Token has only a handful of songs left to debut live from their discography.
The setlist also featured selections from their previous three albums, including tracks like “The Offering” and “Higher” from the 2019 release Sundowning, and “Hypnosis” and “The Love You Want” from This Place Will Become Your Tomb (2021). Additionally, they performed “The Summoning,” “Granite,” and “Take Me Back to Eden” from their 2023 album, Take Me Back to Eden.
The show was punctuated by two interludes, and upon concluding their set, the venue played Elton John’s classic, “Tiny Dancer,” as a fitting end to the night.
Critical Acclaim for the Performance
In their review, Revolver commended Sleep Token for delivering “an era-spanning set full of fan-favorite offerings,” highlighting the band’s unique blend of alt rock, djent, pop, and electronica. They noted the introduction of stunning new skull masks and an elaborate stage production that featured a waterfall, enhancing the overall experience.
Similarly, Kerrang! remarked that Sleep Token is “levelling up” with a “bigger, brighter, [and] bolder version” of their signature live performances. They emphasized that every moment was captivating, showcasing the band’s evolution and their ability to realize their grandest ambitions on stage.
Complete Setlist from Rock im Park 2025 (June 7, 2025)
- “Look to Windward” (Live debut)
- “The Offering”
- “Vore”
- “Emergence” (Live debut)
- “Alkaline”
- “Hypnosis”
- “Aqua Regia”
- “Rain” (Extended keyboard intro)
- “Caramel” (Live debut)
- “The Summoning”
- “Granite”
- “The Love You Want”
- “Higher”
- “Damocles” (Live debut)
- “Thread the Needle”
- “Take Me Back to Eden”
Additional Insights on Sleep Token
Sleep Token has remained a polarizing topic within the music community, particularly regarding their classification as a metal band. Recently, Doc Coyle, a guitarist from Bad Wolves and current member of Snot, defended them against accusations of “pretentious gatekeeping.” In an op-ed for Metal Hammer, Coyle criticized the backlash that Sleep Token has faced following the commercial success of Even in Arcadia, stating that the band’s popularity should not be met with disdain.
Coyle argued that the criticism stems not from the band’s artistic choices but from their boldness in achieving significant commercial success. He expressed concern over the tendency to undermine successful acts and encouraged fans to embrace music that brings joy rather than conforming to contrarian trends.
In contrast, Latin soul singer Kali Uchis faced backlash for her controversial social media posts, in which she erroneously alleged that Sleep Token had engaged in unethical practices to achieve their chart-topping status. Uchis’s comments sparked a debate about the band’s credibility and intentions, illustrating the divisive opinions surrounding their music.
Conclusion
Sleep Token’s kickoff of the “June Festival Rituals” tour was a resounding success, showcasing their evolution as a band and the excitement surrounding their latest album, Even in Arcadia. As they continue to push boundaries and challenge expectations, their live performances remain a captivating spectacle for fans. With only a few tracks left to debut, the anticipation for future shows and new music is palpable.
FAQs
What new songs did Sleep Token debut during their concert?
Sleep Token debuted four new songs from their album Even in Arcadia: “Look to Windward,” “Emergence,” “Caramel,” and “Damocles.”
How was the overall reception of the concert?
The concert received positive reviews, with critics praising the band’s era-spanning setlist and elaborate stage production.
What other albums did Sleep Token perform songs from?
They performed songs from their previous albums, including Sundowning, This Place Will Become Your Tomb, and Take Me Back to Eden.
What controversies surround Sleep Token?
Sleep Token has faced criticism and discussions regarding their genre classification and commercial success, with some artists publicly commenting on their popularity.
