Matt Heafy recently commented on metal elitism and Sleep Token’s rise in the genre. He addressed the issue in a statement shared on NME.
During his headlining set at Bloodstock, Heafy championed Sleep Token as a legitimate metal band. He pushed back against gatekeeping within the metal community. When asked about his stance on metal purists who dismiss the band, Heafy reflected on his own experiences with genre elitism.
“It’s crazy that it’s still a thing in 2025, but it’s definitely not as bad as it used to be,” Heafy said. “I remember back in the day, I had glass bottles thrown at my head when we were supporting bands. There’d be people waiting outside of our van wanting to fight us because they didn’t like our music. I had some of my favourite bands in the world tell me how much we sucked and called me every word in the book that you could never say to anyone in the face today.”
Heafy emphasized Sleep Token’s legitimate connection to metal. He noted that the band’s frontman III discovered metal through Trivium’s music. He argued that metal transcends strict genre boundaries and is fundamentally about attitude and lifestyle.
“For me, metal is an attitude, it’s a lifestyle,” Heafy continued. “I’ve seen where Sleep Token’s come from. I’ve seen the work they’ve had to do and their incredibly meteoric rise to success to become one of the biggest bands in the world right now. They take metal, pop, some darkness, and they mix it all into who they are.”
Heafy further expanded his definition of metal to include unexpected influences. He suggested that the genre’s essence lies in its emotional impact rather than strict musical conventions. “There are moments when I’ll listen to a Hans Zimmer song and go ‘that’s metal’, the Attack On Titan soundtrack to me is metal. Metal is a feeling; it’s a state of mind. Like it or not, Sleep Token have brought more people into the world of metal and opened up people’s eyes to what metal can be.”
Heafy’s defense of Sleep Token reflects a broader conversation within the metal community about genre boundaries and artistic evolution. The band has become a lightning rod for debates about what constitutes “true” metal. Their unconventional approach challenges long-held assumptions about the genre’s definition.
Sleep Token originated from London and has been active since 2016, according to The Metal Verse. The band blends progressive metal, alternative rock, pop, and R&B with elements such as trap beats and jazz piano. This eclectic mix has fundamentally challenged traditional conceptions of what metal music can be. It pushes the genre into new sonic territories that appeal to audiences far beyond the traditional metal fanbase.
The band’s live performances further illustrate their genre-defying approach. Metal Injection reports that their live shows feature only about 30-40% metal parts. The rest draws from diverse genres. This composition has made their appeal widespread beyond just metal fans. They attract listeners from pop, alternative, and progressive music communities who might not typically engage with traditional metal acts.
Sleep Token’s rise has been meteoric, and their success has forced the metal community to reckon with evolving definitions of the genre. XS Rock notes that the band’s commercial success and mainstream appeal have sparked heated debates among purists. These purists question whether their music qualifies as metal at all. However, artists like Heafy argue that this gatekeeping mentality only limits the genre’s potential. It alienates new listeners who might otherwise discover metal’s deeper artistic merit.
