Korn’s reaction to Sleep Token’s Download set? Sleep Token didn’t just headline Download Festival 2025, they threw down the gauntlet. According to Korn guitarists Brian “Head” Welch and James “Munky” Shaffer, the masked UK collective didn’t just meet expectations, they crushed them.
Speaking on BBC Radio 1’s Rock Show, Korn have praised Sleep Token’s Download Festival Set. Korn closed out the festival’s final night and had nothing but respect for the band that played just before them (Sleep Token).
Head addressed the doubters directly:
“I love it because all these people… I heard chatter about people like, ‘Sleep Token headlining?’ Some people were saying they’re so young to be able to headline so quick. And they came with that stage? Shut everybody up. They went bigger than a Slipknot stage, man.”
Munky echoed the sentiment, highlighting the full package:
“Also, the new record is incredible. So it’s not only like the stage, yeah you can do that all day long, but they got the songs to back it up.”
That record, Even In Arcadia, released in May via RCA has helped fuel the band’s meteoric rise. Sleep Token’s fusion of metal, R&B and pop continues to divide fans, but when it comes to their live presence, the results speak for themselves.
More details on Even In Arcadia here!
It wasn’t just Korn’s reaction to Sleep Token’s Download set that has people singing their praises. Bad Wolves’ Doc Coyle recently penned a piece for Metal Hammer backing the band, calling for the heavy community to drop the gatekeeping: “Like what you like. Hate what you hate. But I think we’d all be healthier if we weren’t so protective and defined by our outspoken contempt.”
From small clubs in 2017 to Download’s main stage in 2025, Sleep Token have made their statement. Now with the scene’s biggest names paying attention. With this kind of backing from metal royalty, it’s clear Sleep Token’s reign is only just beginning. The doubters can keep talking, but the band’s work speaks louder.
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