In 2010, While She Sleeps burst into British metalcore as a brash alternative to where the scene was heading. At the same time that Bring Me The Horizon and Bullet For My Valentine were scrubbing themselves up, eyeing arena-level acclaim, the Sheffield rabble represented a raw rebellion. Less mega-polished Killswitch Engage, more snot-nosed punks worshipping Converge and Thrice.
Almost 14 years later, Sleeps’ dedication to individuality has turned them from a fringe option to key players in UK metal. They’ve sold out London’s Alexandra Palace and added electronics and melodicism to their arsenal, yet never sacrificed the blunt energy of their origins. With sixth album Self Hell looming on the horizon, Hammer’s ranked every release the Northerners have stamped their logo onto, from the good to the magnificent.
