The Download Festival 2025 promises to be historic with Sleep Token headlining, marking a major turning point for this enigmatic British group. In an interview for Again!festival director Andy Copping discusses the reasons for this bold choice and why he firmly believes that Sleep Token are on the verge of becoming one of the biggest bands on the world scene.
A dazzling and deserved success
Andy Copping remembers the first time he discovered Sleep Token, during the Download Pilot in 2021: “I knew from that moment that something special was happening. It wasn’t just the anonymity or the masks, but a real ritualistic atmosphere that resonated deeply with the audience.”
Since then, Sleep Token has continued to climb the ranks. In 2023, their concert at the Hammersmith Apollo surprised everyone with a meteoric rise in ticket sales at the last minute. And in 2024, their tour concluded with two sold-out nights at London’s O2 Arena, a feat that confirmed their explosive popularity.
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A group impossible to categorize
For Copping, what sets Sleep Token apart is its ability to transcend genres: “They are heavy, light, progressive and emotional at the same time. Their music doesn’t fit into any box, which allows them to appeal to fans from very different backgrounds.”
He compares their mystery and uniqueness to bands like Kiss or Slipknot in their early days, while emphasizing their unique ability to open new doors for the Rock and Metal scene.
A well-calculated opportunity
Copping insists that the decision to headline Sleep Token at Download 2025 was not taken lightly: “We have to move the scene forward and believe in what we are doing. This choice is not random, it is very measured. This is their time.”
He is convinced that this performance at the festival will be a decisive moment for the group, capable of converting even the most skeptical spectators: “Out of curiosity, people will watch them and, after their show, many will say: ‘I didn’t know them, but they’re now my new favorite group.’ They have that little something that appeals to everyone.”
A path shrouded in mystery
Sleep Token became known with their third album Take Me Back To Eden in 2023. Rumors have it that the group is finalizing their fourth album, which will be their first since signing with RCA Records. It is believed that the album will arrive before the band’s performance at Download, but no official confirmation has been made yet, so caution is advised.
