When the news broke that Sleep Token would headline Saturday at Download Festival 2025, my reaction was… mixed. Download has a reputation for booking some of the biggest and most legendary acts in rock and metal history. It’s a stage that has hosted the likes of Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slipknot, bands with undeniable legacy and charisma. So, when Sleep Token’s name came up, my immediate reaction was, Are they really ready for this?

Image by Sleep Token on Facebook

To be fair, I don’t hate Sleep Token. I even enjoy a couple of their songs, but I’ve always been on the fence about them as a whole. Their rise in popularity has been meteoric, and they clearly have a devoted fanbase, but was that enough to justify such a coveted spot? I wasn’t so sure. Rather than sit on my scepticism, though, I decided to put it to the test. If they were going to headline one of the biggest festivals in the world, surely their live show would make it all make sense, right?

With that in mind, I grabbed a ticket to their Birmingham show at the Utilita Arena and decided to see what the fuss was about. I went in with an open mind, ready to be proven wrong. Maybe I’d leave the show a new fan, completely sold on their ability to take the Download main stage by storm. Or maybe I wouldn’t. Either way, I was determined to experience Sleep Token for myself, up close and personal.

The night kicked off with Bilmuri, and wow, they came out swinging. From the moment they stepped on stage, it felt like they were there to prove a point, and they absolutely nailed it. Their energy was off the charts, their music hit that perfect mix of catchy and chaotic, and they had this effortless way of pulling the crowd into their world.

Image by Bilmuri on Facebook

Honestly, by the end of their set, I was already thinking, This ticket was worth it. Bilmuri made such a strong impression that I found myself wishing they had more time. It’s rare for a support act to feel like they could’ve been the headliner themselves, but Bilmuri really delivered. Their set was a perfect mix of hype and personality, and they left the crowd buzzing. If they weren’t already on your radar, trust me – they need to be.

Bilmuri are back in the UK in March 2025, so make sure to nab your tickets.

Sleep Token took to the stage shrouded in their signature mystery, but for me, the magic fell flat. Their anonymous aesthetic is intriguing in theory, but in practice, it created a noticeable barrier. It’s supposed to create this immersive, almost ritualistic vibe, but in real life, it felt more like a wall. Without any direct interaction or even a hint of personality from the band, the whole performance felt distant and, honestly, a little soulless. It was hard to connect when there was no acknowledgment of the crowd, no banter, and no sense that they were even playing for us. The whole thing just sort of… happened.

And then there were the lights. Let me just say, if you’re not big on sensory overload, this show might not be for you. The lighting was relentless; bright strobes, flashing colours, to the point where I could barely make out the band on stage for most of the set. I get that it’s part of their whole mysterious vibe, but it felt more like a rave than a concert, and not in a good way. The visuals were so overwhelming that it almost distracted from the music entirely, which, for a band that leans so heavily on atmosphere, was kind of a weird choice.

Speaking of the music, I went in knowing I only liked a couple of their songs, but I was hoping that seeing them live would bring the rest of their catalogue to life. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. A lot of their set felt monotonous, with one track blending into the next without much variation. Sure, the musicianship is solid, and the vocals are undeniably strong, but the overall vibe stayed so locked into the same slow, brooding tone that it started to drag.

The crowd’s energy didn’t help either. You’d think with Sleep Token’s cult-like following, the audience would be electric, but instead, it felt like everyone was just… standing there. Maybe it was the lights, maybe it was the vibe of the music, or maybe it was just one of those nights, but the energy in the room was painfully low. There were no mosh pits, no real movement, just a lot of people swaying quietly and staring up at the stage like they were watching some kind of moody art installation. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a more reflective, intimate concert vibe when it’s done right, but this just felt lifeless.

At the end of the day, it was hard to shake the feeling that the spectacle of the production was being used to cover up a lack of connection. The light show was impressive in its own way, but it felt disconnected from the music, like it was trying to inject energy that just wasn’t there. Sleep Token clearly has their devoted fans, and I respect their commitment to their craft and their unique approach, but for me, it didn’t land. Instead of leaving the venue feeling awed or moved, I mostly felt exhausted.

If this is the kind of performance they’re bringing to Download Festival 2025, I have to admit, I’m still sceptical about how they’ll hold up as headliners. A big stage demands a big presence, and while Sleep Token has the theatrics down, they’re missing the human connection that really brings a live show to life.

I went into this concert genuinely hoping to understand the hype around Sleep Token, especially with them being named as Download Festival 2025’s Saturday headliner. I wanted to see what made them headliner material, what set them apart, and why they’ve been rising so fast in the music world. But by the end of the night, I just wasn’t convinced. Their performance style and music clearly hit hard for their dedicated fans, they’re obviously doing something right, but for me, it didn’t land.

The whole show felt more like an elaborate spectacle than an engaging performance. Don’t get me wrong, I get the appeal of a visually stunning production. But when that production feels like it’s carrying the weight of the entire show instead of complementing it, something’s off. It was like the visuals were there to mask the fact that the performance itself lacked connection, charisma, or that intangible “wow” factor you expect from a band aiming to headline one of the world’s biggest rock festivals. Sure, some people live for that level of mystique and detachment, but personally, I want to feel something real. I want to feel like the band is there, sharing the moment with the crowd, and Sleep Token just didn’t give me that.

On the flip side, though, Bilmuri was a total highlight. Their set was pure energy, packed with personality and just the right amount of chaos. They didn’t need over-the-top lights or a veil of mystery to pull the crowd in, they did it through raw connection, humour, and music that banged from start to finish. I left their set buzzing, feeling like I’d already gotten my ticket’s worth.

So, about Sleep Token’s Download headlining slot? I’m still firmly on the fence. They clearly have a devoted following, and I respect that. But Download isn’t just about serving one niche group of fans; it’s about uniting the entire festival in a massive shared experience. And I’m not sure Sleep Token has the widespread appeal or the stage presence needed to pull off something of that magnitude. Maybe they’ll surprise me in 2025, but based on this show, I’m not holding my breath.