Sleep Token Take Over Metal Hammer’s Historic 400th Issue – With Two Collectible Covers and Secrets Revealed!
Metal Hammer has reached an incredible milestone: 400 issues of the loudest, heaviest, and most influential rock and metal journalism on the planet. And to mark this momentous occasion, the magazine has gone all out – with not one, but two collectible covers starring the mysterious, genre-defying sensation that is Sleep Token.
Fans of the masked cult band now face the ultimate question: Will you choose the House Veridian Edition or the House Feathered Host Edition?
Both covers are a stunning tribute to Sleep Token’s ever-expanding mythology, offering visuals as intriguing and layered as the band’s music itself. House Veridian radiates with ethereal calm and mystery, while House Feathered Host taps into the darker, more chaotic aspects of Sleep Token’s sonic universe. True collectors and hardcore fans will be desperate to get their hands on both.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the covers.
As Sleep Token prepare to unleash their new album, Even In Arcadia, Metal Hammer delves deep into their origin story, pulling back the curtain on one of the most enigmatic acts in modern music. Through interviews with those who were there from the beginning – producers, publicists, and early label partners – readers are treated to a rare glimpse into the world of Vessel and the creative vision that powers Sleep Token.
George Lever, who produced the band from 2016 to 2021, offers a key insight into the group’s foundational philosophy: “The starting point was removing this idea of the music you listen to being related to the person making it. By being anonymous, the listener is forced to relate to what they’re actually hearing.”
In a world obsessed with celebrity, Sleep Token dared to go the other way. Their anonymity became their identity – and, paradoxically, helped them stand out in a crowded musical landscape.
But that mysterious approach wasn’t always easy to pitch.
“In its simplest terms, we described it as ‘Sam Smith meets Meshuggah,’” recalls Nathan Barley Philips, co-founder of Basick Records, which released Sleep Token’s early material. “Those were the layman’s terms we used to describe it to people who might not get it. Believe me, there were people in those early days who didn’t!”
Yet here they are now – gracing the cover of Metal Hammer’s biggest issue ever.
Beyond the Sleep Token feature, the 400th edition is packed with retrospectives, exclusives, and surprises. Readers can revisit the first appearances of ten of the magazine’s biggest cover stars – from fledgling newcomers to genre-defining legends. It’s a nostalgic look at how rock and metal’s brightest lights first entered the spotlight, and how they’ve evolved over time.
Elsewhere in the issue, Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn takes readers on an insider’s tour of his gritty, vibrant hometown of Oakland, California. Symphonic metal titans Within Temptation reflect on the dramatic highs and lows of their career, while Coheed and Cambria offer a behind-the-scenes look at the writing of their fan-favorite track, The Suffering.
Meanwhile, hardcore heavyweights Knocked Loose are on a mission to bring pig squeals to the mainstream – and they’re not kidding around.
The magazine also includes a variety of unique features sure to intrigue any music lover. Bert McCracken of The Used shares life lessons inspired by Shakespeare and spiders. Deftones-core torchbearers Thornhill explain why they’re bringing ‘90s cool back in style. And power metal heroes Beast In Black unveil their dream collaboration – a crossover with the Diablo video game franchise and the iconic manga Berserk.
In short, this is not just a magazine – it’s a celebration of heavy music in all its glorious forms, and a testament to Metal Hammer’s enduring legacy.
With Sleep Token leading the charge on this landmark issue, fans old and new are in for something truly special. Whether you’re drawn to the lush serenity of House Veridian or the unsettling power of House Feathered Host, there’s no wrong choice – only the one that speaks to you.
But act fast. These covers are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
So, Sleep Token devotees: Which house will you choose?
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