When you think of the U.K. alt-metal scene, a few names pop up, and two of them are Loathe and Sleep Token. These bands have been making waves, but what’s really cool is the bromance between Loathe’s frontman, Kadeem France, and Sleep Token’s masked enigma. You’re dead wrong if you think there’s some sort of rivalry here. France doesn’t just respect Sleep Token; he’s practically their biggest fan.
Kadeem France is straight-up blown away by Sleep Token. And we’re not just talking about a casual ‘they’re good’ kind of vibe. He’s full-on starstruck by their talent, especially when it comes to Vessel, Sleep Token’s mysterious frontman. Kadeem expressed his sentiments in the following words:
“Their singer is unbelievable. His vocals are just unreal. Anytime I go to see them live, I’m like, ‘What am I doing with my life?”
He’s got a deep appreciation for how they’ve created this entire mystique around their music. The fact that they’ve managed to keep their identities secret while building this massive following? Kadeem’s all for it. He even mentioned how stripping away individual personalities makes it more about the music itself. And let’s be real, that’s not something you hear often in a scene that thrives on larger-than-life personas.
The Collab That Blew Alt-Metal Fans Away
Let’s dive into the collab that has everyone talking — the “Is It Really You?” cover. For those who might not know, this track originally appeared on Loathe’s 2020 album I Let It in and It Took Everything. Sleep Token gave it a moody, piano-driven twist that left fans of both bands in awe. According to Kadeem, Vessel has been a huge Loathe supporter for a while, and the feeling is mutual. In fact, this isn’t the first time Vessel has covered a Loathe track. He had previously done a piano cover of White Hot, which completely floored the band.
But here’s the kicker — before “Is It Really You?” cover was even released, Vessel played the intro during one of Sleep Token’s sets. Loathe was there, and they were just as surprised as everyone else. Kadeem said that it made perfect sense for Vessel to eventually cover the song because it resonated with him so deeply.
A Friendship Rooted in Mutual Respect
It’s rare to see such genuine admiration between two bands in the same scene. Kadeem France isn’t just a peer to Sleep Token; he’s a fan, and that’s something you can’t fake. In a world where jealousy and rivalry often overshadow camaraderie, Loathe and Sleep Token are showing us all how it’s done. Respect, support, and killer music — what more could you ask for?
Key Highlights of the Loathe x Sleep Token Collaboration:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Track Covered | “Is It Really You?” (Original by Loathe, Album: I Let It in and It Took Everything, 2020) |
| Sleep Token’s Approach | Sleep Token transformed the track into a moody, piano-based version, highlighting the song’s emotional depth and nostalgic feel. |
| Mutual Admiration | Kadeem France on Vessel: “Their singer is unbelievable. His vocals are just unreal.” Vessel has been a big Loathe supporter and has previously covered ‘White Hot.’ |
| Live Performance Connection | Before the official cover release, Vessel played the intro to ‘Is It Really You?’ during a live set, surprising Loathe members who were in the audience. |
| Fan Impact | The collaboration resonated deeply with fans of both bands, bridging the alt-metal and shoegaze communities. |
| Visual and Artistic Consistency | Both bands are known for their strong visual identities and commitment to artistry, which further solidified the impact of their collaboration. |
Stay tuned to VII for more updates!
