Sleep Token issued a statement to distance themselves from an outside project using their name, in new post shared via Instagram.
Fans connected the statement to Arcus, a new mystery project that appeared on social media about a month ago and was promoted with claims of being from a Sleep Token co-creator. The band wanted to make clear that they have no connection to the project.
Sleep Token said in their statement: “A word, for the sake of clarity. Sleep Token has no affiliation with any outside musical project that invokes this name, nor with anyone who uses it to promote one.”
The band continued: “Such claims are not made without blessing and are not endorsed by Sleep Token. What is ours is here, and here alone.”
One Sleep Token fan reacted to the statement with relief. “This is about Arcus. A group claiming to be ‘from the co-creator of Sleep Token’ showed up on social media a month ago. Speculation ran rampant. I’m glad they made this statement because the whole thing felt icky from the get. Sometimes you have to protect what’s yours a bit more firmly.”
Another fan expressed stronger feelings about the situation. “Honestly…the audacity to claim ‘co-creator’ as a title. And then to name the project Arcus. You are not the King of our Arcadia. That is Vessel. And II is his right hand and guardian. Back off before the Knights, III and IV lead the army of fans after you. You sir, are no longer welcome in Arcadia.”
A third fan noted where the project had been gaining attention. “The new mystery project named Arcus that used their name to promote their material. It’s been circulating on TikTok.”
The statement addressed the confusion created by the new project’s use of Sleep Token’s name and reputation. Sleep Token made clear that only their official work represents the band.
Tom Quigley, Sleep Token’s former manager who was dismissed in 2018, promoted Arcus by claiming to be the “co-creator” of Sleep Token. Quigley had reportedly helped develop some of the band’s original visual aesthetics, including their masks and character lore, but Sleep Token has now firmly denied any association with him or his new project.
Sleep Token formed in London in 2016 around the mythology of a deity called Sleep. Over ten years, the band grew from self-released serialised music to major chart success, with their fourth studio album, Even in Arcadia, reaching number one in both the UK and the US. The album was nominated for two Grammy awards: Best Metal Performance for “Emergence” and Best Rock Song for “Caramel.” Even in Arcadia was Sleep Token’s first release with RCA Records after signing with the label in 2024.
“Caramel” became the band’s first top 10 single in the UK and first top 40 single in the US. The song explores themes of anonymity, with lyrics addressing attempts to expose the band members’ real identities. Sleep Token consists of two main members known as Vessel and II, joined live by five touring musicians: bassist III, guitarist IV, and three backing vocalists known as Espera.
