Sleep Token’s sold-out arena tour supporting their latest record breaking album, Even In Arcadia, made their stop in Philadelphia last Wednesday. Dedicated is not enough to describe the fans, also known as worshippers of the band, as hundreds lined up starting in the morning and through the rain for early merch shopping — lines that eventually wrapped around the venue, which became apparent as to why when the special show-specific commemorative coin and poster seemingly sold out instantly. The energy was already simmering, even while waiting outside, as fans weaved through the lines, trading trinkets like bracelets, stickers, and a personal favorite: tiny flamingo figures — a reference to Jerry, the fan-appointed flamingo mascot of the album.

Melbourne based band Thornhill graced the stage early to open the night — a heavy, energetic set that brought the crowd to life. During “For Now,” a slower, melodic song, singer Jacob prompted fans to light up the arena with flashlights — and they received a stunning, sparkling arena covered in lights. For a band playing arenas for the first time ever on this tour, they understood the assignment and made it seem like they were perfectly comfortable performing on the large stage and for such a large crowd.

As Thornhill finished their set, the arena was filled with the sound of wind and a low, steady beat — the background to the growing anticipation as Sleep Token’s time neared. When the lights finally cut and the wind sounds silenced, the giant curtain covering their stage blazed with a projection of their symbol, and the voice of the singer only known as Vessel resounded with the start of “Look To Windward.” Pink petal confetti blew across the venue, setting us into Arcadia as the curtain finally dropped and the incredible, grotto-like set was revealed — with Vessel standing at the very top, looking down upon the thousands of worshippers and commanding the start of the ritual.

Donned in matching robes and masks, the rest of the band — known as II (drummer), III (bassist), and IV (guitarist) — are equally grandiose, as each member played into their part with a fervor matching the fans’ passion for each song. Behind his impressive drum set, situated above on the rocks, II took moments to stand and gesture emphasis on the lyrics. III playfully motioned to the fans, directing clapping and waving, and moved through the set with a dramatic flourish. IV sauntered around the stage, grooving along to the rhythm before belting out harsh vocals that reverberated through the arena. The trio of backing vocalists known as Espera looked and sounded ethereal as they added their flourish to round out Sleep Token’s astonishingly perfect live performance.

I can say for certain that not a single soul in the audience expected what would come before the performance of “Rain” in the middle of their set. It started off as usual — a few piano notes of an improvised intro that would surely lead into the actual song. But then confusion, shock and awe hit everyone as Vessel began to sing — not “Rain” but Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark.” With no accompaniment aside from his beautiful piano arrangement, Vessel sang a soulful, emotional rendition of the song. Not only was this stunningly beautiful, it truly was a special experience for the fans in attendance, as Sleep Token has not performed a cover since their “The Room Below” show in 2022, when they covered “Hey Yeah” and “Hallelujah.”

Without missing a beat or giving the crowd a moment to gather themselves again from the experience they had just witnessed, Vessel led straight into “Rain” and the show resumed its usual path. The fan-favorite song “The Summoning” showcased some of the fun antics the band has become known for, with Vessel balancing up on the rocks behind IV and posing in the galore of the guitar solo. The mysterious saxophonist who appeared at the end of “Emergence” made another appearance during “Aqua Regia” as part of a new sax feature they’ve just added to the live performance.

The start of the end of the ritual is the eight-minute-long album closer, “Infinite Baths.” Even before the song started, you could see Vessel gesture his gratitude in the darkness, perhaps toward the numerous “You Are So Loved” signs held up by fans all around the pit barricade. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, much like traversing through an epic journey to close out the night.

As Vessel stepped out with his own guitar at the very end and joined III and IV for the final breakdown — a stunning visual of all three rocking out in the center together — petal confetti blew around them in an ethereal storm. There were no words spoken as the last notes fell, and no words could even express the gratitude everyone could feel from Vessel as he dropped to his knees and bowed with his hands pressed together, gesturing his thank-you to everyone that night. The specialness of this ritual was emphasized once more as the band lingered in their final goodbyes.

Philadelphia’s show was only the sixth on the tour, yet by all accounts it felt like a tour finale. Seeing Sleep Token live is always a special experience, but this night especially belongs in the history books as one of their most unforgettable shows.

Follow SLEEP TOKEN | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC