Shrouded & Shredding
The Rise of Anonymous Metal
May 2025 will be remembered as a landmark moment in music history (at least for weirdos like us) — not just for the quality of the releases, but for an unusual and electrifying chart phenomenon. Two masked metal bands, Ghost and Sleep Token, each topped the Billboard 200 with their albums Skeleta and Even in Arcadia. For hard rock and metal fans, this is more than just impressive — it’s a sign of shifting tides in both public taste and the music industry.
At first glance, these bands share striking visual motifs: both don masks and cloaks, weave religious and satanic symbolism into their imagery, and craft elaborate mythologies around their personas. Ghost’s theatrical Satanic performances have been turning heads since the early 2010s — we remember their 2014 live shows blowing our mind — and they’ve paved the way for newer act Sleep Token to push even further. Both groups also write and record under aliases (“A Ghoul Writer” for Ghost, “Vessels” for Sleep Token), cultivating an aura of privacy that feels increasingly rare in our hyper-connected, overexposed world.
But while their looks align, musically the bands pursue very different paths. Ghost revels in grand operatic metal with a playful, tongue-in-cheek spirit — tracks that irreverently reference being “Satanised” or firing “love rockets” and lean into dark humor. Sleep Token, on the other hand, are pioneers, melding metal with rap, piano, and R&B influences to create a deeply emotive and carefully produced soundscape. Their position at number one marks a milestone not only for metal’s sonic diversity but for the genre’s growing mainstream appeal.
These aren't isolated incidents. We've seen masked artists achieve number 1 before: Slipknot's "We Are Not Your Kind" in 2019, Daft Punk's "Random Access Memories" in 2013, and the pervasive presence of electronic artists like DeadMau5 or Marshmello. But it is very strange to have two huge niche acts at the same time seeing this much success.
So why now? The answer likely lies at the intersection of cultural shifts and collective psychology: (or maybe just that masks are cool?)
The Post-Pandemic Masked Aesthetic: The global pandemic, ironically, normalised mask-wearing for millions. While the function was protection, the visual impact was an inescapable sense of anonymity. Did this widespread familiarity with obscured faces, coupled with the imagery from protests and social movements where masks became symbols of collective identity or authoritarian defiance, soften public perception towards masked performers? Are we, as a society, more comfortable with the idea of hidden faces now than ever before?
Social Media Burnout and the Desire for Mystery: In an era defined by relentless self-promotion and curated personal brands on social media, masks offer a powerful counter-narrative. Every artist, influencer, and even casual user is encouraged to present a polished, often inauthentic, version of themselves. For bands like Sleep Token and Ghost, the masks strip away the individual ego, redirecting the spotlight entirely onto the music, the lore, and the collective artistic vision. Could this deliberate withholding of personal identity be a refreshing antidote to social media fatigue? Does the mystery itself become a potent marketing tool, sparking curiosity and speculation in a way that conventional celebrities cannot?
The "Masked Singer" Effect: Mainstream Fascination with the Unknown: The unexpected success of TV phenomena like "The Masked Singer" speaks volumes. While musically distinct from metal, these shows demonstrate a broad appeal for hidden identities and the anticipation of revealing the "real" person beneath. Does this popular entertainment format inadvertently condition audiences to engage with performances where the visual identity is deliberately camouflaged, making the leap to a band like Sleep Token or Ghost less jarring?
Beyond the Gimmick: The Power of the Music and Performance: While the masks are undeniably a key part of their appeal, it's crucial to acknowledge that neither Sleep Token nor Ghost would achieve such heights without compelling music and captivating live shows. Sleep Token's genre-bending sound challenges expectations, drawing in listeners from various musical backgrounds, while Ghost's meticulously crafted narratives and theatrical stage presence create an immersive experience. Do the masks matter? Or are we just incredibly lucky to be witnessing a rare moment in time with two great bands pushing the genre forward at once?
Either way, if this trend gains momentum, expect more bands to ditch social media gimmicks, strap on their favourite satanic masks, and hit the stage with full theatrical flair. Get ahead of the curve by checking out Australian psych-rockers Glass Beams — they just might be the next masked sensation to watch.