TESSERACT

"Altered State" (Century Media; 2013)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Tesseract are a British progressive metal band. This is their second disc and their first with a new female lead, Ashe O'Hara. The vocals on "Altered State" are clean as opposed to the band's first disc where there was a mix between screams and clean vocals. Progressive metal from across the pond should not be compared to bands such as Dream Theater or their ilk because their sound is more ambient but it's still progressive metal. It just flows differently and it has a more laid back sound.

There are some funky new sounds as well on "Altered State." There is a saxophone that sounds just about as good as I've heard in a long time and plenty of other instruments that make this progressive metal band one to perk up about. The vocals are beautifully sung and they soar above the music. A female lead in a progressive metal band might sound odd but over there it's not a boys club and open to all who have the passion. The music has a hard edge to it when a song builds up from a few notes. This is a solid disc to listen to when you need to restore your faith in great music.

Tesseract: Ashe O'Hara – vocals; Acle Kahney – guitar; James Monteith – guitar; Amos Williams – bass; Jay Postones – drums; Chris Barretto – saxophone in "Of Reality - Calabi-Yau" and "Of Energy - Embers".

For more information - http://www.tesseractband.co.uk

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

 

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Revised: 12 Feb 2024 12:34:08 -0500 .