A Token Of Gratitude

To the members of Sleep Token (Vessel, II, III, and IV),

At the risk of sounding like an over-excited fan, I felt compelled to write this message.

My name is Jaye, and I’m a newer worshipper; I came across your music last year, not long after the release of Take Me Back To Eden. And it was one of the few times where discovering a new artist legitimately changed my life.

So I wanted to take a moment to thank you.

Firstly, thank you for your music. Simply put: it’s unlike any other kind of music I’ve ever experienced. So much so that it’s difficult to find words to describe it, although the words “ethereal” and “other worldly” are some that come to mind.

Your ability to craft a story through music, as well as transcend the boundaries of traditional musical genres, is astounding. Each offering is pure poetry in both words and sound, overflowing with passion, full of boundless intricacies woven together to create a heartbreakingly beautiful and captivating story. One where there’s always something new to discover, no stone is left unturned, and no detail is forgotten.

It’s truly a beautiful thing.

It seems that your journey, both as individuals and as a band, has not been easy. Painful, even. But my goodness, you have transmuted that pain into art, and done so to a degree I didn’t even know was possible.

Your music has even inspired me in my own creative work. I’ll never compare to you, of course. But I’m a better artist because of you. Every offering of yours has challenged me to think differently, deeper, and more broadly, and explore new ways of weaving stories and expressing ideas. Thank you for that.

You have stated in the past that your wish to be anonymous largely stems from you aiming to show that art should be more focused on the art, rather than the artist(s).

That approach reminds me of a saying I once heard: “If only we saw souls instead of bodies. Our ideals of beauty would be completely different.”

It’s a thought that’s danced around in my head for a long time, and has always resonated strongly with me. But I’ve realized that it applies to not just individuals and relationships, but to art. And you are a perfect example of that.

It’s a saying that ties in well with your aims to keep the focus on the art rather than the artists. And you are definitely succeeding at that.

However, it’s hard to not be drawn to you, the artists, as well.

Which is why I also want to thank you for your incredible energy.

Your passion for your music, for each offering, is evident just from listening to the studio recordings. But watching you perform live is arguably even more awe inspiring.

I haven’t yet had the honor of attending a ritual of yours in person, but it’s a goal of mine to do so. To gather and worship with you alongside other worshippers would be a massive privilege.

But even just from watching videos on social media of past and present rituals, your energy is unmistakably powerful. Your talent, passion, and attention to detail all clearly show in your rituals. And each of your personalities shine on stage, individually and together, adding to that passion and taking the effect of the music even higher.

It’s a wonderful thing to see artists be so passionate about their work and exude such divine energy while performing. And anyone who watches you perform can clearly sense that passion.

You often say “Nothing Lasts Forever”. But I must admit, I partially disagree with that statement.

While yes, our time here as humans is short, and our lives do eventually end, I believe that any person can leave an impact on the world so significant that it lasts forever (or at least close to it). And I truly believe that the impact you’ve made on the world has done just that.

Although lately, those three little words have been echoing through my mind a bit more than usual.

Much of the time, it’s a phrase that can come off as sad or scary. But sometimes it can have a more positive connotation. And since the world is collectively going through hell these days, I often repeat those words to myself as a reminder that this period of chaos and unrest will pass, and to hold onto hope that it ends swiftly.

Frankly this is an understatement, but your music and your energy have been a great source of comfort for many, including me. Yes, it’s a beautiful distraction from the chaos of the world. But it’s more than that.

As someone who has felt strange and different her whole life, I found myself convinced that no one else had the ability or capacity to love as deeply and intensely as I always have. But you’ve shown me otherwise.

Through listening to your music, I feel less alone in the world, knowing that there are others out there who have the same deep capacity to feel and to love as I do. It’s comforting beyond measure to feel so heard and understood. I cannot thank you enough for that.

You all are truly a gift to this world, a light in the darkness, making the world a brighter place one offering at a time.

I hope that you’re happy and enjoying every bit of your success, because you very much deserve it. It’s been a joy and a blessing to experience your art, and I’m excited to watch you continue to grow and succeed.

You are so incredibly loved. I hope you never forget that.

Worship.