If you’re a fan of Sleep Token, you’re likely drawn to their blend of heavy riffs, atmospheric soundscapes, and deeply emotional storytelling. Their music, which fuses progressive metal, post-rock, R&B, and even ambient influences, creates an immersive experience that resonates on both a musical and emotional level. However, Sleep Token isn’t the only band that masters this kind of genre-blending artistry. Numerous artists offer a similar journey through intense, multifaceted soundscapes and emotional depth.
From the intricate polyrhythms of TesseracT to the raw emotion of Deftones, these artists push the boundaries of their respective genres. Each one offers a unique combination of musical complexity, atmosphere, and emotional intensity that will appeal to fans of Sleep Token. Whether it’s the melodic breakdowns, haunting vocals, or thematic depth, these bands provide a similarly captivating experience, making them perfect for those looking to expand their playlist.
10. Loathe
Loathe, an innovative band from the UK, merges metalcore with shoegaze, post-metal, and ambient influences, creating a genre-blurring soundscape. Their 2020 album I Let It In and It Took Everything showcases their versatility, with tracks that shift seamlessly between atmospheric serenity and crushing heaviness. Songs like Two-Way Mirror capture their talent for crafting introspective, ethereal sections that contrast with intense breakdowns. Much like Sleep Token, Loathe weaves emotional vulnerability into their music, exploring themes of inner turmoil and self-discovery. The band’s fluid transitions from soft, melodic passages to abrasive, chaotic riffs make them an exciting find for Sleep Token fans who appreciate atmospheric metal infused with emotional depth.
Member | Role |
---|---|
Kadeem France | Lead vocals |
Erik Bickerstaffe | Guitar, vocals |
Sean Radcliffe | Drums |
Feisal El-Khazragi | Bass guitar |
Note: Connor Sweeney, one of the founding members and guitarist, left the band in 2021.
9. The Contortionist
The Contortionist is known for their ability to balance technical proficiency with deep emotional and atmospheric soundscapes. Their 2014 album Language is a standout, blending intricate progressive metal structures with moments of ambient beauty. The band excels in creating immersive soundscapes, much like Sleep Token, allowing listeners to experience both heavy and delicate sonic environments within a single track. Their music explores themes of self-awareness and inner peace, resonating with fans who appreciate introspective lyricism and dynamic compositions. The ability to combine heavy, technical elements with reflective, ethereal moments makes The Contortionist an ideal match for those drawn to Sleep Token’s duality of intensity and calm.
Member | Role |
---|---|
Michael Lessard | Lead vocals |
Robby Baca | Guitar |
Cameron Maynard | Guitar |
Jordan Eberhardt | Bass guitar |
Joey Baca | Drums |
Eric Guenther | Keyboards |
8. Karnivool
Karnivool, a progressive metal band from Australia, is known for creating intricate, emotionally charged compositions that blend technicality with melody. Albums like Sound Awake and Asymmetry feature long, immersive tracks that flow between atmospheric passages and heavy, riff-driven sections. Their philosophical lyrics and complex song structures are reminiscent of Sleep Token’s ability to create expansive, meditative soundscapes that guide listeners on an emotional journey. Karnivool’s music often touches on themes of self-exploration, making them an excellent recommendation for Sleep Token fans who appreciate thoughtful, dynamic compositions paired with heavy, impactful instrumentation.
Member | Role |
---|---|
Ian Kenny | Lead vocals |
Andrew “Drew” Goddard | Guitar, backing vocals |
Mark “Hoss” Hosking | Guitar, backing vocals |
Jon Stockman | Bass guitar |
Steve Judd | Drums |
7. Leprous
Leprous is a Norwegian progressive metal band that blends emotionally charged vocals with intricate instrumentation. Albums like The Congregation and Pitfalls showcase the band’s ability to craft deeply emotional music with complex, multi-layered soundscapes. Einar Solberg’s vocals are a standout, delivering soft, introspective moments alongside powerful, operatic crescendos. Leprous shares Sleep Token’s ability to blend atmospheric, melodic passages with moments of intense, heavy instrumentation, making their music a perfect match for fans of emotionally driven, progressive metal.
Member | Role |
---|---|
Einar Solberg | Lead vocals, keyboards |
Tor Oddmund Suhrke | Guitars, backing vocals |
Baard Kolstad | Drums |
Simen Daniel Børven | Bass guitar |
Robin Ognedal | Guitars, backing vocals |
6. Northlane
Northlane’s evolution from metalcore to a more atmospheric, progressive sound makes them a compelling band for Sleep Token fans. Their 2019 album Alien showcases their shift towards incorporating electronic and ambient elements, blending heavy, down-tuned guitars with introspective, emotionally charged lyrics. Northlane’s music explores themes of personal struggle, isolation, and self-discovery, similar to the emotional depth Sleep Token brings to their songs. Tracks like Bloodline and Talking Heads highlight their ability to transition between intense, aggressive sections and more melodic, atmospheric moments.
Member | Role |
---|---|
Marcus Bridge | Lead vocals |
Jon Deiley | Lead guitar |
Josh Smith | Rhythm guitar |
Nic Pettersen | Drums |
Brendon Padjasek | Bass guitar (formerly) |
5. Spiritbox
Spiritbox has quickly gained recognition in the modern metal scene, known for their ability to fuse metalcore, djent, and atmospheric elements into a cohesive and emotionally charged sound. Their 2021 album Eternal Blue highlights Courtney LaPlante’s versatile vocal range, shifting from soft, haunting melodies to powerful, guttural screams. Tracks like Constance and Holy Roller capture the band’s ability to balance heaviness with ethereal, atmospheric soundscapes, much like Sleep Token. Spiritbox’s use of atmospheric textures and emotionally resonant lyrics makes them an ideal recommendation for Sleep Token fans who appreciate a mix of intensity and beauty, paired with deep emotional themes.
Member | Role |
---|---|
Courtney LaPlante | Lead vocals |
Mike Stringer | Guitar, backing vocals |
Josh Gilbert | Bass guitar (since 2023) |
Zev Rose | Drums |
4. TesseracT
TesseracT is a cornerstone of the progressive metal and djent scenes, known for their intricate polyrhythms, atmospheric soundscapes, and emotional depth. Albums like Altered State and Sonder showcase their ability to blend heavy, technical guitar work with soft, melodic passages, creating immersive and dynamic compositions. Much like Sleep Token, TesseracT excels in crafting atmospheric soundscapes that shift between intensity and tranquility. Dan Tompkins’ vocals, which range from delicate falsettos to powerful growls, mirror Sleep Token’s Vessel in their emotional range and dynamic delivery. For fans of progressive, atmospheric metal with an emotional core, TesseracT is a must-listen.
Member | Role |
---|---|
Daniel Tompkins | Lead vocals |
Acle Kahney | Lead guitar |
James Monteith | Rhythm guitar |
Amos Williams | Bass guitar, backing vocals |
Jay Postones | Drums, percussion |
3. Architects
Architects, one of the leading names in modern metalcore, are known for their ability to combine heavy, aggressive riffs with emotionally charged lyrics. Albums like Holy Hell and For Those That Wish to Exist explore themes of loss, resilience, and hope, much like Sleep Token’s exploration of emotional vulnerability and introspection. Sam Carter’s passionate vocals, paired with the band’s dynamic shifts between crushing breakdowns and melodic, atmospheric sections, create an emotional connection for listeners.
Member | Role |
---|---|
Sam Carter | Lead vocals |
Dan Searle | Drums |
Alex Dean | Bass guitar |
Adam Christianson | Rhythm guitar |
Josh Middleton | Lead guitar (departed in 2023) |
2. Deftones
Deftones is one of the most influential bands in alternative metal, known for their ability to blend elements of shoegaze, post-rock, and metal into a sound that is both heavy and atmospheric. Albums like White Pony and Koi No Yokan showcase Chino Moreno’s unique vocal style, which shifts from haunting whispers to powerful screams, similar to Sleep Token’s Vessel. Deftones’ ability to create emotional depth and atmosphere within their music, coupled with their genre-blurring tendencies, makes them a perfect match for Sleep Token fans who appreciate music that is both emotionally resonant and sonically complex.
Member | Role |
---|---|
Chino Moreno | Lead vocals, guitar |
Stephen Carpenter | Guitar |
Abe Cunningham | Drums |
Frank Delgado | Keyboards, samples |
Fred Sablan | Bass guitar (touring) |
1. Haken
Haken is a British progressive metal band that excels in blending intricate musicianship with emotionally driven songwriting. Albums like The Mountain and Affinity showcase the band’s ability to seamlessly integrate elements of metal, jazz, and electronic music into their sound, creating dynamic compositions that are both technically impressive and emotionally engaging. Haken’s genre-defying approach, much like Sleep Token’s, allows them to move effortlessly between heavy, technical sections and soft, atmospheric passages.
Member | Role |
---|---|
Ross Jennings | Lead vocals |
Richard Henshall | Guitars, keyboards |
Charles Griffiths | Guitars |
Conner Green | Bass guitar |
Raymond Hearne | Drums |
Peter Jones | Keyboards |