A new masked band called Arcus have arrived with nine members, two music videos and a connection to Sleep Token that has already raised a few eyebrows.
Their introduction came on September 18th, when a cryptic video appeared on YouTube featuring masked figures, unsettling imagery and a message designed to get people talking (per Loudwire).
“From the co-creator of Sleep Token comes a chance to bear witness. Have you seen them?”
That’s a substantial name to attach to a band nobody had heard of a month ago.
Arcus have since released two tracks, ‘Death’ and ‘Rebirth’, with accompanying music videos. The former leans into atmospheric electronics and pop melodies, while ‘Rebirth’ brings heavier guitars into the mix. Both feature male and female vocals, alongside the theatrical imagery that has become familiar territory for masked alternative metal acts.
The group lists nine musicians, although five remain unidentified. Four aliases have been revealed: vocalists Soma Leith, Obsidian and Eupheryx, plus guitarist and vocalist Istarion. The remaining positions are credited simply as question marks.
It’s the Sleep Token connection, however, that’s attracting the most attention.
On October 18th, Sleep Token issued a rare statement through Instagram addressing outside projects using their name.
“Sleep Token has no affiliation with any outside musical project that invokes this name,” the band stated.
They also made clear that such promotional claims did not carry their endorsement.
Importantly, Sleep Token didn’t mention Arcus by name. The timing has prompted speculation about whether the statement was directed at the new group, although that hasn’t been confirmed.
Arcus have reportedly since removed references to Sleep Token from their social media promotion.
Beyond the music, the band have launched whatisarcus.com, an interactive website featuring cryptic documents, hidden clues and a mythology they’re gradually revealing.
Whether that mystery translates into something substantial remains to be seen. For now, Arcus have two songs available, an elaborate visual identity and plenty of unanswered questions about the people behind it.
Watch Arcus’ ‘Death’ and ‘Rebirth’ music videos.
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