President have hit out at “lazy” comparisons between them and Sleep Token
The masked metal band first came onto the scene at the start of 2025, when they were added to the bill for last summer’s edition of Download Festival – despite no one knowing the identity of the members and them not having released any music at that point.
Sleep Token were co-headlining the festival, leading to some fans suggesting that the two bands may feature some of the same members.
Rumours have also been fuelled by President signing to Future History – the record label that also looks after Sleep Token. While speaking to Metal Hammer, President’s anonymous lead singer reacted to the rumours, saying: “What a fucking lazy comparison.”
“I mean, yes, we have the same management, and we both wear masks,” he continued. “Those are both facts… you got me! It’s like, is that it?! That’s all you’ve got? It’s hardly a new thing, is it, wearing masks?!”
Since first coming onto the scene, President have gone on to drop an EP called ‘King Of Terrors’, perform to a packed out crowd at Download, head out on a headline tour, and lock in an ongoing support slot with Architects.
Given the seemingly huge overnight success of the band – which some fans are convinced is fronted by Charlie Simpson – there has been some suggestion that they could be “industry plants”.
The term is used to describe an artist who appears to have emerged organically, but has actually had covert backing from avenues including wealthy or well-connected family members, or from a major record label.
Last year, the band responded to this speculation and said that they actually “couldn’t have planned a harder way” to get their name out there.
NME caught President when they played at The Garage last summer, and gave their set a three-star review, describing it as “triumphant debut headline show” but needing “more songs to sustain their hype”.
“After just six songs (there’s no outing for ‘Conclave’ from forthcoming debut EP ‘King Of Terrors’) and 30 minutes, some of the euphoria does fall off a cliff,” it read. “By announcing more headline dates only for 2026, President have perhaps bought themselves the time they need to flesh out their live show with more material. This assertive debut performance, nevertheless, has secured them our vote.”
Elsewhere, Sleep Token released their fourth studio album, ‘Even In Arcadia’, last year, earning them a glowing five-star review from NME. “‘Even In Arcadia’ shatters any pressure of expectation into oblivion, building on the bravery of its predecessor, sonically, while its lyrics reveal the most exposed version of Vessel we’ve seen yet. From Eden to Arcadia – and beyond – let the worship continue,” the review read.
