Damocles (song)

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"Damocles"
Single by Sleep Token
from the album Even in Arcadia
Released25 April 2025
Length4:24
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)
  • Vessel
  • II
Producer(s)Carl Bown
Sleep Token singles chronology
"Caramel"
(2025) 		"Damocles"
(2025)
Music video
"Damocles" on YouTube

"Damocles" is a single by anonymous English rock band Sleep Token.[1] The song was released on 25 April 2025 as the third and final single from their fourth studio album, Even in Arcadia, through RCA Records, following the previously released "Emergence" and "Caramel".[2] It was written by Vessel and II, and produced by Carl Bown.[3]

Writing and composition

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"Damocles" incorporates piano elements, being described as softer and lighter than previous works,[4][5] as well as being labeled as a ballad.[6] The song later progresses into a heavier and more modern sound.[7] Lyrically, it has been observed as honest and vulnerable.[8][9] The group spoke about the lyrics of the song, saying:[10]

"The track delves into the quiet unravelling beneath the surface, where grandeur fades and unspoken battles take centre stage. With their signature blend of mystique and vulnerability, "Damocles" captures the weight of unseen struggle and the haunting echo of former glory, inviting listeners to confront what lies beneath the mask."

The song was written by Vessel and II, while Carl Brown handled production.[3] It is composed in the key of F♯ with a tempo of 77 beats per minute.[11]

Commercial performance

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Upon release, "Damocles" debuted at its peak position of No. 25 on the OCC UK Singles chart, while the song topped the UK Rock & Metal Singles.[12][13] On the ARIA Top 20 New Music Singles chart, the song peaked at No. 14,[14] and on the IRMA Ireland Singles chart, the song reached No. 92.[15] The song reached No. 38 on the RMNZ New Zealand Top 40 chart.[16]

Personnel

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Adapted from Tidal.[3]

Charts

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Chart performance for "Damocles"
Chart (2025) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[17] 54
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[18] 69
Global 200 (Billboard)[19] 83
Ireland (IRMA)[15] 92
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[16] 38
UK Singles (OCC)[12] 25
UK Rock & Metal (OCC)[13] 1
US Billboard Hot 100[20] 47
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[21] 11

References

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  1. ^ DiVita, Joe (26 April 2025). "Here Are the Lyrics to Sleep Token's Song 'Damocles'". MSN and Loudwire. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  2. ^ Ford, Andy (25 April 2025). "Sleep Token unveil new piano-led song "Damocles"". Alternative Press. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Damocles". Tidal. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  4. ^ Thomas, Laviea (25 April 2025). "Sleep Token Drop Final Single "Damocles" Ahead of New Album". MetalSucks. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  5. ^ Kaufman, Spencer (25 April 2025). "Sleep Token Unveil Melodic New Song "Damocles": Stream". Consequence. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  6. ^ Lewry, Fraser (24 April 2025). "Sleep Token invite listeners to "confront what lies beneath the mask" on exultant new single Damocles". Yahoo Entertainment. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  7. ^ Adams, Gregory (24 April 2025). "Hear Sleep Token's cutting new piano ballad "Damocles"". Revolver. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  8. ^ Garner, Emily (25 April 2025). "Sleep Token have released another vulnerable new single, Damocles". Kerrang!. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  9. ^ Ambrioso, Isabella (25 April 2025). "Sleep Token Drops New Single "Damocles"". Metal Injection. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  10. ^ Lewry, Fraser (24 April 2025). "Sleep Token invite listeners to "confront what lies beneath the mask" on exultant new single Damocles". Louder Sound. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  11. ^ "Damocles Chords". Chordify. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  12. ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. 1 May 2025. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  13. ^ a b "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart". Official Charts Company. 1 May 2025. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  14. ^ "ARIA Top 20 New Music Singles for week of 5 May 2025". Australian Recording Industry Association. 5 May 2025. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  15. ^ a b "IRMA Singles (Week 18, 2025)". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  16. ^ a b "Top 40 Singles". Recorded Music New Zealand. 2 May 2025. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  17. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 5 May 2025". The ARIA Report. No. 1835. Australian Recording Industry Association. 5 May 2025. p. 4.
  18. ^ "Canadian Hot 100: Week of May 10, 2025". Billboard. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  19. ^ "Billboard Global 200: Week of May 10, 2025". Billboard. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  20. ^ "Billboard Hot 100: Week of May 10, 2025". Billboard. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  21. ^ "Hot Rock & Alternative Songs: Week of May 10, 2025". Billboard. Retrieved 6 May 2025.