ALBUM REVIEW: Ruins – Daniel Tompkins
TESSERACT frontman Daniel Tompkins doesn’t sit still for very long. Last year he released his debut solo album Castles and has just dropped a reimagined version of this album entitled Ruins which is available now via KScope. For this endeavour, he has worked alongside the masterful Paul Ortiz (who some may know more fondly as Chimp Spanner) to add a different spin on his initially established tracks. How will this venture sit alongside the original?
Wounded Wings lets subtle piano pieces and swelling synths set the tone, building an immersive atmosphere before further instrumentation is introduced. snappy drumming and delicate vocals compound with captivating melodies with a little helping hand from Australian guitar genius PLINI to get proceedings off to a promising start.
Ruins follows in a similar fashion, slowly notching up the intensity as the track progresses. Evocative vocal work and a dramatic narrative combine with a powerful chorus that feels instantly accessible and will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable parts of this release. Tyrant possesses a buoyant pacing which feels theatrical in the first instance but as it gathers momentum a darker, heavier edge is brought to the forefront to add that extra punch.
Stains Of Betrayal lets Tompkins‘ vocals lead the way before strong bass lines mesh with technical intricacy and a distinct vibrancy starts to flow throughout. There is a variety of chopping and changing elements which blend impressively rather than becoming obstacles for each other. Empty Vows is quite minimalist in structure in the early going, this is accompanied by flourishes of uplifting energy that lures you in. The more aggressive side of Tompkins‘ arsenal is let loose and provides an emphatic lift. Sweet The Tongue takes a more industrial turn with quirky electronic experimentation. Groove injected riff work slots neatly into the mix to complement the heightened mood and melody.
A Dark Kind Of Angel has a measured, confident tempo and this is the ideal accompaniment to the tense nature and vibe provided. This combination ensures your attention doesn’t wander for a moment as you are so fixed on what may be coming next. The enticing guitar work and soaring vocals are enough to send chills down your spine. Acquiring the services of one Matthew K Heafy is a testament to how respected Daniel Tompkins is in the industry and this addition provides the perfect conclusion as the appropriately titled The Gift is a true joy to behold. Experiencing two vocalists at the top of their game joining forces is a mouth-watering prospect and it doesn’t disappoint. The higher range of Tompkins and lower range of Heafy fit like a glove and add the ideal exclamation point to bring this release to a close.
Whether you have heard the previous iteration of this material before Ruins is strong enough to stand proudly as its own entity. It possesses the right amount of bite to not overpower the initial concept but provide an energetic boost that offers up an exhilarating listening experience. Daniel Tompkins proves once again why he is one of the most versatile vocalists in his field.
Rating: 9/10
Ruins is out now via Kscope.
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