Tune of the Day 004: Sleep Theory’s “Ill”
- Jason
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read

Tune of the Day: Sleep Theory’s “Ill” – A Sonic Journey You Can’t Miss
Hey, rock fans! Today’s Tune of the Day is the electrifying track “Ill” by Sleep Theory, a band that’s redefining the nu-rock scene with their genre-blending sound and raw emotional energy. If you’re craving a song that hits hard with heavy riffs, soulful vocals, and introspective lyrics, “Ill” is your next obsession.
Let’s dive into why this track—and this band—deserves your attention, plus get the scoop on their upcoming tour, a peek into their story, and where to grab their merch!
Why “Ill” is the Tune of the Day
“Ill” is a standout from Sleep Theory’s upcoming debut full-length album Afterglow, set to drop on May 16, 2025, via Epitaph Records. This track showcases the band’s signature blend of anthemic heavy rock, metalcore intensity, and pop-R&B sensibilities. Frontman Cullen Moore’s powerhouse vocals soar over dynamic instrumentation, delivering a raw, emotional punch that’s both haunting and cathartic.
Song Review Snippet for “Ill”:
“‘Ill’ is a masterclass in balancing vulnerability and aggression. Moore’s vocal range shines, moving from gritty intensity to soaring melodies, while the band’s tight instrumentation builds a cinematic soundscape. The lyrics cut deep, exploring inner turmoil with a relatability that lingers long after the song ends.” – Loudwire
Crank up “Ill” today and let it take you on a journey through heartbreak and resilience. It’s the kind of song that demands to be played loud, whether you’re headbanging in your car or reflecting in your headphones.
Sleep Theory: A Brief Biography
Formed in 2020, Sleep Theory has skyrocketed from local sensation to one of heavy music’s biggest breakouts. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, the quartet—vocalist Cullen Moore, guitarist Landon Lane, bassist Paolo Vergara, and drummer Ben Pruitt—blends metalcore, pop, R&B, and anthemic rock into a sound that’s uniquely their own. Their debut single “Another Way” amassed over 1.5 million streams, setting the stage for their 2023 Paper Hearts EP, which propelled them to the fifth most-played artist on Active Rock radio in under two years. With hits like “Fallout” (the ninth most-played song on Active Rock in 2024) and endorsements from heavyweights like Jelly Roll, David Draiman, and Shinedown, Sleep Theory is poised for stardom.
Their debut album Afterglow promises to push their creative boundaries even further, cementing their place as a band to watch in 2025, as hailed by Amazon Music, Loudwire, and Revolver.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Sleep Theory is hitting the road for their first North American headline tour, The Afterglow Tour, with support from Nevertel, Oxymorrons, and Stray View. Don’t miss their high-energy live show, which fans have called “mind-blowing” and “better than the recordings”! Here are the confirmed 2025 tour dates:
May 17: Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome to Rockville (Festival)
May 20: Birmingham, AL – Workplay Soundstage
May 21: Mobile, AL – Soul Kitchen
May 23: Corpus Christi, TX – Brewers Street Ice House
May 24: The Woodlands, TX – Buzzfest (Festival)
May 25: Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion (KEGL’s BFD Festival)
May 27: El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace
May 28: Phoenix, AZ – The Marquee
May 29: Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl
May 30: Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
May 31: Reno, NV – Virgin Street
June 3: Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
June 4: Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
June 6: Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
June 7: Colorado Springs, CO – The Black Sheep
June 8: Denver, CO – The Summit
June 10: Lincoln, NE – Bourbon
June 11: Minneapolis, MN – Varsity
June 13: Madison, WI – Majestic
June 14: Chicago, IL – House of Blues
June 15: Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall
June 18: Syracuse, NY – The Song & Dance
October 2-5: Sacramento, CA – Aftershock (Festival)
Tickets are on sale now! Grab yours through Ticketmaster, Bandsintown, or the band’s official website.
Get Your Sleep Theory Fix
Official Website: sleeptheoryofficial.com – Check out tour dates, news, and more.
Store Links: Snag exclusive Afterglow vinyl (limited yellow and purple swirl variant!) and merch at:
Stream “Ill”: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Join the Sleep Theory Movement
Sleep Theory isn’t just a band—they’re a vibe, a community, and a force in modern rock. “Ill” is the perfect introduction to their dynamic sound, and with The Afterglow Tour on the horizon, now’s the time to jump on board. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and
X for updates, and let us know in the comments how “Ill” hits you!
Rock on, and keep it tuned to Sleep Theory!
Comments