TESSERACT – Sonder (2018)
TESSERACT, one of the most ever-evolving acts from the current progressive metal scene, will release its fourth studio album, “Sonder“, on April 20 through Kscope.
A band that sits outside the bounds of any genre specificity, the group delivers an always captivating blend of off-kilter riffs, soaring melodies, and clever atmospherics.
“Sonder” adds significant firepower to the band’s arsenal, blending the abrasiveness of “One” (2011) and progressive ethereal elements of “Altered State” (2013) with the accessibility of “Polaris” (2015).
For the first time, TesseracT has utilised a choir on one of its recordings (produced and conducted by Randy Slaugh and recorded at Soularium Studios, Utah).
“Sonder” also includes field recordings submitted by the band’s worldwide online fan base, giving an insight into the complex and varied lives of others; a theme which is also referenced in the artwork and the wider concept of self-identity within a population full of complex and vivid lives.
“Sonder” expands the band’s sound by adding more dimensions and elements that fit perfectly with what Tesseract do best.
While only clocking in at a meagre 36 minutes or so, the album definitely does not feel short and does give you the sense of a full length album. While not necessarily interlude pieces per say, “Orbital” and the closer “The Arrow” does add to that album feel with it’s more atmospheric, synth sounds in a way that interlude pieces tend to do.
“Luminary” opens the album with a big, heavy and punchy intro before setting out on a melodic journey of sorts that has a slightly off beat tempo. While it tapers off a bit in the middle it does come back around to round things off nicely before proceeding to the next track.
On “King”, perhaps the strongest track on the album other than “Smile”, the riffs are reminiscent of the debut but do enough to be fresh and exciting; the ambiance has been dialed back a bit and the riffs hit harder than ever. Even the pop influenced breakaway in the middle has punch and serves to dissect the track nicely, creating variety and expectation where they were most needed.
Not to be outdone, “Smile” features one of TesseracT’s heaviest moments; the main riff is monstrously big and right after the middle of the track, it’s accompanied by incredibly convincing vocals. The whole ends up being heavy and groovy, beautifully backed by some synths.
“Juno” is a more uptempo and commercial affair, a funky riff drives the verse sections of the song with anthemic chroruses bleeding through out. The ending however, is the real highlight of this track.
“Beneath My Skin” backs off the pedal a little with more mellow passages but with some riffy off beat rhythms with tinges of heaviness and continues to reel the listener in with the kinds of moods this album overall gives out.
To summarize, “Sonder” is a strong and concise effort by TesseracT, never repeating themselves, exploiting its signature sound yet exploring newer lyrical and musical latitudes.
The production is top notch, spearheaded as it is by guitarist Acle Kahney, one of the people who made this sound exist in the first place. When it kicks, it kicks hard and it’s hard not to be moved by it.
Strongly Recommended
01. Luminary
02. King
03. Orbital
04. Juno
05. Beneath My Skin
06. Mirror Image
07. Smile
08. The Arrow
Acle Kahney – Guitars
Dan Tompkins – Vocals
Jay Postones – Drums
James Monteith – Guitar
Amos Williams – Bass
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