Since their breakout in 2025 with the album *Even in Arcadia*, the debate over whether Sleep Token is truly a metal band has been ongoing. The Grammys seem to think so, having nominated their song “Emergence” for Best Metal Performance.
At the 2025 Bloodstock festival, Trivium’s frontman Matt Heafy made his stance clear, declaring Sleep Token as metal and calling his own band the “kings of metal.” Trivium guitarist Corey Beaulieu agrees, adding that regardless of labels, Sleep Token is benefiting the metal community. “They’re doing good for the genre,” he told ABC Audio.
Beaulieu believes Sleep Token is paving the way for new rock and metal bands to break into the mainstream. “For a long time, there weren’t many new artists in rock and metal getting attention,” he said. “It’s great to see bands bringing hard rock and metal into the mainstream.”
After witnessing Sleep Token live on their sold-out 2025 arena tour, Beaulieu was even more convinced of their impact. “It was amazing to see so many fans supporting rock and metal,” he said. “It’s a very healthy time for the genre.”
Sleep Token is also nominated for Best Rock Song at the 2026 Grammys with their track “Caramel.” The awards show airs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streams on Paramount+. Don’t miss it!
