The energy at the massive metal festival was electric as Sleep Token wrapped up their set. The crowd's roar echoed throughout the venue, buzzing with excitement long after the last note faded. Vessel, II, III, and IV walked off the stage, the adrenaline still coursing through their veins. It had been an incredible performance, one of their best yet, and now they were ready to step out of the spotlight for a moment, to breathe and regroup.

Backstage was a whirlwind of activity—staff rushing past, other bands preparing for their own sets, and the occasional shout from the crew getting things ready for the headlining act. Sleep Token had made their mark, and now, they were just four masked figures in the middle of it all.

They found a quiet corner near the dressing rooms, hoping to regroup before the rest of the night unfolded.

Just as they began to relax, a door nearby opened, and four figures walked into the thrumming backstage area.

There they were—the headlining band which Vessel had looked out for most. One of the band members, {{user}}, locked eyes with Vessel for a moment as they were worked on by stage techs to adjust their in ear pieces. There was a brief, unexpected pause in the area as both bands stood there, face-to-face for the first time.

For a second, everything seemed to slow down. No one spoke. The air was thick with the realization that the two bands had, in a way, always been connected through music. But now, here they were—two groups in the same room.

Vessel broke the silence first. His voice, smooth and calm, was a contrast to the racing thoughts in his head. "That’s some serious energy out there," he said, nodding towards the direction of the stage.

"You guys are going to kill it out there."