The Sleep Token drummer, known only as II, has given the first video interview to any member of the mysterious British alt-metal band.
II spoke with drum training platform Drumeowhich included an hour-long video of the drummer discussing his influences and playing style, as well as reviewing 12 plays of songs from Sleep Token.
Considering the band's music draws comparisons to classic alternative metal acts like Slipknot and Deftones, it's no surprise that II cited those bands' drummers among his biggest influences.
“Nowadays, I would describe my playing style as a mix of that signature Abe Cunningham, Deftones-inspired style, a heavier type of groove with a linear, gospel-influenced style,” II said, later adding, “When I started to play, I liked many others in my generation – I was very interested in drummers like [late Slipknot drummer] Joey Jordison, Matt from the band Mudvayne, as well as the most extreme speed players like Derek Roddy.”
One of the most notable aspects of Sleep Token is the group's multifaceted sound. While their heavier leanings have made the band beloved by fans of metal and gothic rock, tangible elements of R&B, electronica, and post-rock are equally prominent in Sleep Token's music, especially the acclaimed 2023 album. Take me back to Eden (which was included in our ranking of the 30 Best Metal and Hard Rock Albums of the Year).
“Personally, I've always been very inspired by the UK dance music scene,” II explained. “And specifically listening to various subgenres of drum and bass allows me to incorporate stylistic traits from those genres into my vocabulary as a drummer.”
He continued: “I'm also a big fan of R&B and pop, which have made their way into my playing. “I grew up playing mostly metal, so the obvious next step for me was to combine these other styles with heavier performances to add versatility to my drum parts.”
II admitted that while his “stylistic approach and objectives have generally remained the same” during the development of Sleep Token as both a studio and live performance, he says that his “vocabulary in the kit” has expanded, allowing him to add more variations of the song. to the song.
“I tried to work on not always using the same phrases, or using those phrases in the same voice, to make sure the parts were still somewhat interesting,” he said. “However, this in itself is a work in progress. As a player, I admit that, like others, I don't always succeed. But for me, that's very much part of the journey itself.”
Sleep Token are scheduled to play a handful of select US dates in 2024, starting with an appearance at the Sick New World festival on April 27 in Las Vegas. From there, the band will play Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado (May 11), before a stop at the Sonic Temple festival (May 18) and a sold-out show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City (May 22). ). Get tickets to upcoming Sleep Token concerts here.
Below you can watch Drumeo's full 54-minute session with Sleep Token II.
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