The Unmasked Enigma: 5 Shocking Facts About Dave Ball, Sleep Token's Bassist 'III'

As of December 2025, the identity of Sleep Token’s enigmatic bassist, known only by his masked moniker 'III,' is one of the worst-kept secrets in the modern alternative metal scene. While the band’s entire mythology is built on anonymity and worship, the internet’s relentless curiosity has successfully peeled back the veil, revealing the man behind the bass mask to be the exceptionally talented musician, Dave Ball. This deep dive uncovers the essential facts about Ball's life, his integral role in Sleep Token, and his emerging side projects that are finally bringing his name into the spotlight. The revelation of Dave Ball as 'III' has only amplified the intrigue surrounding Sleep Token, proving that even in an age of viral fame, a commitment to the art can endure. His contributions are far more than just rhythm; they are the atmospheric, groove-heavy foundation that allows Vessel’s vocals and the band's unique genre-blending sound to soar. From his specific gear choices to his history in the UK metal scene, here is everything you need to know about the man who is the backbone of the Vessel’s masked collective.

The Definitive Dave Ball (III) Biography and Career Timeline

Dave Ball, known to the global fanbase of Sleep Token as 'III,' is the British musician responsible for the band's distinctive and often complex basslines. His identity was pieced together by fans and confirmed by various industry sources around January 2023, following a tour with the band Architects, effectively ending the pure anonymity of the masked collective’s members.

• Full Name: Dave Ball
• Stage Name: III (The Bassist)
• Date of Birth: April 28, 1991
• Nationality: British
• Primary Role: Bassist
• Associated Acts (Past/Present): Sleep Token, Spitting Glass
• Sleep Token Tenure: Joined the collective around 2016
• Notable Industry Connections: Toured with Architects, worked with Northlane’s guitar tech
• Musical Style: Known for atmospheric, integral, and groove-focused basslines that bridge the gap between metal, pop, and R&B elements

Unpacking Dave Ball’s Integral Role in Sleep Token’s Sound

While Vessel (the vocalist) and II (the drummer) often receive the lion's share of attention, Dave Ball's work as III is arguably the most crucial element in defining Sleep Token’s unique sound. His basslines are not just supporting elements; they are melodic counter-rhythms that often carry the emotional weight of a track, a key factor in the band's topical authority.

The band’s music, which fluidly shifts between crushing progressive metal, ethereal pop, and R&B grooves, relies heavily on a dynamic bass performance. Ball’s work on tracks like "The Summoning," "Alkaline," and "Granite" showcases his versatility. He utilizes a super-bright tone with a "magnified presence," allowing the bass to cut through the heavy mix and maintain clarity even during the band’s most aggressive moments. This technical approach is a cornerstone of the Sleep Token signature sound.

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His playing style often incorporates techniques rarely heard in metal, such as subtle slap bass and complex fingerstyle patterns, that give the music its signature atmospheric quality. This level of technical proficiency and genre-bending creativity is what truly sets III apart and makes the bass an indispensable voice in the collective’s musical conversation.

The Signature Gear That Defines III’s Tone

For bass enthusiasts and fellow musicians, the gear used by III is a major point of interest, as it directly contributes to his recognizable tone. His choice of equipment highlights a preference for instruments that can handle both the low-end thunder of metal and the clarity required for intricate, melodic passages.

• Primary Bass: Dave Ball is most frequently seen using a Warwick Corvette $$ 5-String. This instrument is known for its versatility and powerful, punchy sound, making it ideal for Sleep Token’s diverse catalog.
• Strings: He is a D'Addario artist and favors the D'Addario XL ProSteels Bass 45-100 strings. These strings are crucial for his tone, utilizing a highly magnetic alloy that delivers the super-bright sound and "magnified presence" that allows his basslines to be so prominent in the mix.
• Tuning: While the band’s exact tuning is often debated, the common assumption for much of the heavier material is a low drop tuning, likely Drop C or Drop B, to match the extended range of the 5-string bass.
• Future Gear: There have been discussions and leaks in the community regarding a potential signature bass for III, which would solidify his status as a major player in the modern bass world.

The Rise of Spitting Glass: Ball’s Other Musical Endeavor

In a fascinating move that provides fresh, unique content for fans, Dave Ball is also a member of a separate, high-profile project called Spitting Glass. This side band is a significant piece of the puzzle, as it allows Ball to express his musical creativity outside the confines of the Sleep Token narrative.

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Spitting Glass is not a low-key side project; it features other notable musicians, including Fit For An Autopsy vocalist Joe Bad, alongside Reuben Bescoby, Danny Yates, and Chris Keepin. The band has already generated considerable buzz, with a confirmed appearance at the Download Festival 2026 lineup.

The existence of Spitting Glass provides a crucial window into Ball’s identity and artistic drive. It confirms his commitment to creating music and offers fans a chance to see his unmasked work. The project’s rising profile serves as a testament to Ball’s talent, proving that he is a creative force in the UK metal scene far beyond his role as III.

The Impact of the Unmasking and The Future of III

The revelation of Dave Ball’s identity in early 2023, alongside the other members Leo Faulkner (Vessel), Adam Pedder (II), and Rhys Griffiths (IV), marked a pivotal moment for the Sleep Token collective. While the band has maintained its commitment to the masked persona and the lore of "Worship," the unmasking has allowed fans to connect the artistry to a real-world figure, increasing topical authority and specific entity knowledge.

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For Dave Ball, the future looks incredibly busy. He continues to be an integral part of Sleep Token as they headline major festivals and release critically acclaimed albums like Take Me Back to Eden. Simultaneously, his work with Spitting Glass is gaining traction, promising a dual career that will keep him at the forefront of the alternative music scene for years to come. Whether performing as the mysterious III or as himself, Dave Ball’s impact on modern metal is undeniable and continues to grow with every thunderous bassline.