Tesseract is an English progressive metal band, formed in 2003. The band consists of Acle Kahney (lead guitar); Jay Postones (drums); James Monteith (rhythm guitar); Amos Williams (bass) and Daniel Tompkins (vocals).
The band released War of Being, their fifth studio album, on September 15th, 2023.
The album has an introspective and emotional narrative, that shows in the lyrics as much as the music itself. Almost therapeutic.
Amos Williams, said that War of Being refers to the act of fighting to forgive yourself for being you and dealing with your true authentic self and the consequences, good or bad.
You must keep molding yourself to others, or you could end up hurting them.
Williams also said that progressive music should have liberty, but ironically people expect it to be in a certain way, between some limits. Therefore, it becomes conservative in that way. Music should be creative, otherwise, it becomes a constrictive niche.
Their bassist, Amos Williams, said that War of Being refers to the act of fighting to forgive yourself for being you, and dealing with your true authentic self and the consequences, good or bad. To stay true to yourself, it's hard, because even in a relationship, you lose some parts in order to merge with the other person. Even living in a society, it’s difficult to be true to yourself, you have to mold to the others, or sometimes you could end up hurting others around you.
Williams also said that progressive music should be free, but ironically people expect to be in a certain way, between some limits. It becomes conservative in that way, the idea is to be creative, or it becomes a constrictive niche.
The Songs
1. Natural Disaster: heavy and powerful way to start the album. The musicians are so on point. Great bass, drums and guitars, harsh vocals. The lyrics refer to a person that is a natural disaster.
2. Echoes: starts softer, but then it becomes heavier at some parts. Hopelessness. Beautiful ending, clean vocals.
3. The Grey: most of the song is on the soft side. Clean vocals (mesmerizing). The bass line is insane. Deception in regard to the others, move forward for yourself. Catchy chorus and vibe.
4. Legion: keyboards. Beautiful. He feels lost, doesn’t know where to go, and wants to go home. In the dream realm, he feels better.
5. Tender: a ballad. Break up song.
6. War of Being: the title track. It starts with a muddy sound, grunge style. Reminds me of Alice in Chains. Then it becomes softer like a ballad and after that heavier, with harsh vocals, but keeping that grunge vibe. Next, it changes into progressive metal. Very versatile in genres. Super technical instrumentally and the voice adds the emotional element. Relationship problems, she doesn’t understand him. The song and the video are so epic.
7. Sirens: a relationship is coming to an end. Ballad. What happens to all the plans they made. He tells her that they can continue and fight together. Synths.
8. Burden: my favorite song of the album. Love the bass here. It’s about starting over again, rising from the ashes. Progressive and many interesting transitions.
9. Sacrifice: the last track. Amazing. He gives the other person hope and offers them his support. Musically, I found it special and even though all the songs sound super complex and the band are excellent musicians, this particular track seemed superior.
The album is about internal battles. Each musician excel on their field. The bass is very important, but in concordance with the band. Many songs feature synths that give them an ambient sound. The guitars play in a djent style. The drums give power to the songs and the vocals changes from clean to harsh in many occasions, giving the songs a lot of variety. Fascinating record.
