What is what genre is sleep token?

Sleep Token's genre is difficult to definitively categorize, as they blend several styles. It's best described as a unique and evolving mix of:

  • Progressive Metal: This is a strong foundation, evident in their complex song structures, dynamic arrangements, and use of instrumental passages. However, they avoid some typical progressive metal tropes like extended guitar solos.

  • Alternative Metal: They incorporate elements of alternative rock and metal, with a focus on atmospheric textures and a more melancholic mood than many straight-ahead metal bands.

  • Atmospheric Black Metal (elements of): While not full-on black metal, certain songs and sections feature elements such as tremolo-picked guitars and a bleak, atmospheric soundscape that hint at black metal influences.

  • Avant-Garde: Their experimental approach to songwriting, incorporating unconventional instrumentation and vocal styles, aligns with the avant-garde spirit. They frequently subvert genre conventions.

  • Post-Metal (elements of): The heavy use of dynamics and atmosphere, moving between intense passages and quiet, reflective moments, touches upon the post-metal sound.

In short, Sleep Token creates a highly unique soundscape that resists simple categorization. Calling them "progressive alternative metal" is a decent starting point, but it doesn't fully encompass their experimental and atmospheric tendencies. Their music is best experienced directly to understand its complexity and originality.