Album Review: TesseracT – Sonder (Kscope)

It’s always exciting to get a new TesseracT album as the progressive metallers have really made a name for themselves with a host of impressive releases. Albums such as the harsh abrasiveness of One in 2011, the progressive elements of Altered State in 2013 and the modern accessibility of Polaris in 2015.

Well, Sonder can be added to that great list now too. It will be released on CD/2CD – featuring a binaural album bonus disc/black LP/Crystal Clear vinyl LP/picture disc (exclusive to the band’s webstores) and digitally on April 20th 2018.

Opener, Luminary doesn’t see the band stretching themselves too much, instead delivering a short and catchy tune with flashes of clever guitar melodies and hooks. It’s with King that they really come to life. The unique rhythms that makes TesseracT such a joyful listen bursts through here & the oddities fit perfectly alongside the crashing of instruments. Heavy but melodic thanks to a subtle vocal performance.

TesseracT stride forwards with pride for the remainder of the record. Orbital is a short & wonderfully uplifting composition, Juno shows off a darker side with a low bass edge and Beneath My Skin is a complex and thought-provoking journey.

Track after track that enlightens as much as it entertains. Even the most lacking track of the album, Mirror Image delivers a stonkingly impressive final minute.

The final double of Smile and The Arrow end things in style. Smile is a contender for the best track on the album with its infectious beat and hook-laden rhythm. While The Arrow might be brief but leaves things feeling hopeful.

TesseracT have nailed it…again.

TesseracT – Sonder Full Track Listing:

1. Luminary
2. King
3. Orbital
4. Juno
5. Beneath My Skin
6. Mirror Image
7. Smile
8. The Arrow

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You can order the album in a number of formats over on their website, via Kscope as well as listen via Spotify, Deezer, Google Play and Apple Music below. Find out more/keep up to date with news via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

TesseracT will be out on a European headline tour with support from Between The Buried and Me and Plini tour in support of the new album. See dates below:

November 09, 2018 DE – Cologne, Live Music Hall
November 10, 2018 NL – Nijmegen, Doornroosje
November 11, 2018 BE – Vosselaar, Biebob
November 12, 2018 FR – Paris, Le Trabendo
November 13, 2018 DE – Aschaffenburg, Colos-Saal
November 14, 2018 DE – Hamburg, Gruenspan
November 15, 2018 DK – Copenhagen, Pumpehuset
November 16, 2018 NO – Oslo, Parkteatret
November 17, 2018 SE – Stockholm, Kägelbanan
November 19, 2018 DE – Berlin, Lido
November 20, 2018 DE – Stuttgart, Im Wizemann
November 21, 2018 AT – Vienna, Flex
November 22, 2018 DE – Munich, Backstage
November 23, 2018 CH – Aarau, Kiff
November 24, 2018 IT – Parma, Campus Industry
November 25, 2018 LU – Esch, Rockhal

Vocalist Daniel Tompkins comments:

‘To have such a strong support bill with us means the SONDER European Tour could be the event of 2018 for many progressive rock fans! We’re bringing an exciting new production, which properly represents TesseracT in a live environment. Joining us are our friends in Between The Buried And Me – it’s been a long time since we last toured with them and it will definitely be worth the wait. To cap it all off we’re also bringing along the mighty Plini – this will be our second tour of 2018 with him, he’s an amazing musician and gives the tour a great dynamism!’