Tesseract: War Of Being

Finally, after a five year absence, which admittedly has included live shows, streaming events, an in the studio live album and some stand-alone ‘singles’, Tesseract return with a full length studio outing in the shape of War Of Being. In fact arguably, with their previous ‘long-player’ Sonder barely stuttering to over 35 minutes in length, you could suggest it’s actually been longer…

War Of Being, it would seem has, however, been lengthy in its gestation, a Virtual Reality game being launched alongside the album and based on its themes, hinting that Tesseract are looking at a bigger picture other bands simply are not. Here at SoT it’s the music we’re interested in, so lets gets to grips with an album that positively screams that this band are back. What really strikes you about WoB is just how vital, angry and yet composed it all sounds and just how committed this outfit undoubtedly are as they drive it home. “The Grey� is a prime example where riffs start, stop and then pile straight through you as Daniel Tompkins veers from full on screams to almost entrancing you with his sweet tones.

Released prior to the album, the eleven minute title track leaves little doubt that it’s the central point of the whole shebang - big, bulging and positively rampaging, we’re careening from prog to metal via djent and back again. The beats hammered down by drummer Jay Postones piledrive the groove into your mind and make no apologies for the lasting damage they cause, but it’s the combination of the trio of Acle Kahney and James Montieth on guitars and Amos Williams on bass that truly takes your feet from under you. Angular yet smooth, crashing yet crafted, the mood is heady and grandiose while still being able to turn on a sixpence and suddenly add sections that become small flitterings of respite - the whole experience leaving you breathless. With “Natural Disaster� almost convulsing the album into being with such conviction that it immediately sweeps you up and “Tender� offering a clever flick down through the gears, War Of Being never falters, something confirmed by the closing nine-plus minutes of “Sacrifice� where a more progressive metal stance brings down the curtain in fine style.

On hearing War Of Being it’s difficult not to get the impression that Tesseract haven’t just been away from full length albums for half a decade, but in truth, they’ve been absent from this kind of form for a lot longer - maybe since their 2011 debut. Either way this album is a mighty statement and one that’s gratefully received.

Track Listing
1. Natural Disaster
2. Echoes
3. The Grey
4. Legion
5. Tender
6. War Of Being
7. Sirens
8. Burden
9. Sacrifice

Added: September 13th 2023
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Tesseract online
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Language: english

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