SLEEP TOKEN guitarist IV takes vocals on BRING ME THE HORIZON’s “Antivist” live at recent Brisbane show
Forget masks, forget anonymity – SLEEP TOKEN just proved they’re a force to be reckoned with, even without revealing their identities. The enigmatic band is fresh off an epic Australian tour supporting BRING ME THE HORIZON, MAKE THEM SUFFER, and DAINE, but Brisbane fans got a special bonus. During BMTH‘s headlining set at Riverstage, SLEEP TOKEN‘s guitarist IV took the stage for a guest vocal spot on BRING ME THE HORIZON‘s classic track “Antivist.”
The internet promptly exploded. Fan footage of the collaboration flooded social media, with even SLEEP TOKEN bassist III getting in on the action by sharing a behind-the-scenes clip on his Instagram stories. Thankfully, eager fans have reuploaded the backstage view, giving everyone a chance to witness this historic moment.
But wait, there’s more! It seems the love goes both ways. While IV joined BMTH onstage, BRING ME THE HORIZON vocalist Oli Sykes paid homage to SLEEP TOKEN by sporting one of their signature masks. This exchange comes after SLEEP TOKEN debuted their own new mask designs during their massive Wembley Arena headline performance last December.
Could this be a hint of a future studio collaboration? Fans are certainly buzzing with speculation. In the meantime, one thing’s for sure: the worlds of SLEEP TOKEN and BRING ME THE HORIZON collided in Australia, and the internet is still reeling from the epicness.
Speaking of BRING ME THE HORIZON, during the 2024 BRIT Awards at London’s O2 Arena back in March 2, Oli Sykes and Mat Nicholls of the band shared insights with NME regarding the progress of their highly anticipated new album, “Post Human: Nex Gen“. Originally slated for release last September, the LP encountered delays due to unforeseen circumstances, leaving Sykes and the band dissatisfied with the record’s quality.
“It’s nearly finished, but it’s not finished yet,” Oli told NME. Mat agreed, saying: “It’s not quite finished, but it’s closer than it has ever been. We came back off tour and built a studio in Sheffield and, yeah, just cracked on, got our heads down and everyone pulled together. And, yeah, we’re getting there. It’s this close. [holds two fingers very near each other]”
When it was noted that BRING ME THE HORIZON has been promising the arrival of the new album “for a while”, Oli replied: “Every time we think we’ve got it, we get another song, and it’s, like, ‘Oh.’ It’s gonna be very good though. It’s like the best album ever. So it’ll be worth the wait.”
Mat added: “It does sound really good, and we’re really happy with it. It takes time, doesn’t it? You can’t rush these things.”
Last August, Oli posted the following message regarding the new album: “so I got some bad news… nex gen won’t be coming September 15th. unforeseen circumstances rendered us unable to complete the record to the standard we’d be happy with. I was hoping despite the setbacks we could pull it off in time for you guys but there’s still so many little details I want to be perfect and until it’s nailed I’m just not willing to give it to you guys.
“We can’t give a new date just yet but just know it’s close… & I know you guys have been so patient but you just gotta be a lil more.. we did finish the artwork at least… here’s the final cover by my muse @alissic
“Sorry & thanks for understanding.”
In January, BRING ME THE HORIZON unveiled a fresh track titled “Kool-Aid,” marking the band’s first release following the departure of longtime keyboardist and percussionist Jordan Fish in December.
Fish, a member since 2012, contributed to albums like “Sempiternal,” “That’s The Spirit,” and “Amo,” actively shaping the band’s sonic evolution.
As for SLEEP TOKEN? While news on a follow-up to their critically acclaimed album “Take Me Back To Eden” remains under wraps, a recent signing with major label RCA Records hints at exciting possibilities. Buckle up, because new music might be closer than we think!
However, before diving into the studio, SLEEP TOKEN has a jam-packed touring schedule keeping them busy. First up is a North American tour, with a stop at the highly anticipated Sick New World festival. Catch them live before they wrap things up in Toronto on May 28th. Then, it’s back across the pond for a historic first: a headline arena tour across the UK, culminating in a thunderous finale at The O2 on December 3rd.
Will they unveil new material on the road? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: SLEEP TOKEN is showing no signs of slowing down, and with a major label backing them, the future looks bright (or perhaps more accurately, masked) for these enigmatic rockers.
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