LIVE REVIEW: Tesseract @ Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

Few acts capture the essence of modern progressive music in quite the same way that TESSERACT do. This is an outfit that have seamlessly climbed to ascendancy in the genre after just four albums, setting a clear precedent for how to achieve groove, grace and atmosphere along the way. In doing so, they have moulded what many would regard as the seminal benchmark for musical innovation and professionalism. In 2018, TESSERACT is more than a band; it’s an institution. Moreover, the quintet’s activity this year serves to paint this picture in the most explicit terms, having unveiled their dazzlingly successful fourth album Sonder, and subsequently embarking on the band’s first comprehensive world tour. Testament to their success, the scope of this touring cycle is vast, but in poignant fashion it was epitomised by their visit to London during the European leg, a show situated within touching distance of the band’s roots, and at a sold out Shepherd’s Bush Empire no less. Joined by fellow scene giants BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and rising instrumental extraordinaire PLINI, this had all the makings of a truly special evening, and special it undoubtedly was.

Despite still being in what feels like the formative stages of his career, Aussie aficionado PLINI needs virtually no introduction. In fact, he may have interpreted this in rather literal terms, sauntering on to the stage and launching into his set without saying a word. The London faithful however clearly had other ideas, greeting him with perhaps the warmest reception we’ve ever witnessed for an overseas opener. And rightly so. In typical fashion, the shred-master and his familiar periphery of backing musicians neglected to waste a single second in displaying their craft, rattling through a short but sweet collection of fan-favourites, and consummately achieving their task of priming the swathes of spectators for the main event. Joined once again by drummer Chris Allison, unconditionally adored bassist Simon Grove, and the reinstated presence of THE HELIX NEBULA‘s Jake Howsam Lowe (no Jakub Zytecki this time), the performance simply represented no less than the fusion of four truly brilliant musical minds, with scarcely a single note missed between the entire band. A blindingly successful opening act, and another remarkably tight showing from PLINI. But, of course, this comes as no surprise.

Rating: 9/10 

Practically a household name within progressive metal, North Carolina’s BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME are another act that barely need introducing. In fact, were it not for TESSERACT‘s status as the headliner, they’re precisely of the ilk you’d expect at the top of a lineup. Had this not already been obvious, it shone through in abundance as soon as they hit the stage, with the already near-packed stalls descending into bedlam and chaos from the get-go. For the first time that evening mosh pits and singalongs sprung into life with sprightly vigour, whilst the remainder of the audience simply watched on, captivated, as the progressive masterclass unfolded. Translating the kind of eclectic obscurity of this band’s sound would often prove problematic for some acts, but this was clearly never in question for these guys. A chaotic amalgam of metal, jazz, blues, and mathcore oozed effortlessly from the stage in perfect syncopation, with frontman Tommy Rogers consistently steering the ship through his arresting stage presence and nearly unmatched enthusiasm, taking sporadic breaks to offer sections of keys and synths to the equation. Instrumentally, the quintet’s exertions were thoroughly convincing; amidst endless tempo changes, tapping sections, solos, and complex drum patterns, barely a foot was put wrong. Arguably the minimum requirement for a progressive giant like BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME. However, vocally, the full picture suffered somewhat. It must be noted that Rogers‘ capacity and range doesn’t quite match his imperious presence and uncanny ability to hold an audience in the palm of his hand. Some may argue that mixing issues could be to blame, however on the night, it simply felt as though his screams couldn’t match the aggression of the heavy sections, and his cleans couldn’t quite capture the bardic grace of the melodies. This said, being in the same room as Dan Tompkins must be difficult for any vocalist.

Rating: 7/10 

With the lights low, the venue’s stalls and grandiose balconies adorned with eagerly awaiting fans, and the familiar geometry of the TESSERACT logo draped across the stage backdrop, the time had come for the main spectacle. At this point the venue was filled to what felt like way beyond its 2,000 capacity, with barely a square inch of free movement surrounding each person. With the atmosphere truly palpable, the headline act proceeded to hit the stage in style, launching into Sonder‘s opening track Luminary with scarcely any warning, the infectious opening groove sending the crowd into delirium. The crisp, compressed, ‘djenty’ guitar chugging pulsated throughout the room, accompanied by the relentlessly spinal quality of Amos Williams‘ bass grumbling beneath the mix, and the familiarly angelic chimes of Dan Tompkins soaring throughout. This opening track formed a neat microcosm of the set, with a satisfyingly harmonious balance between soft and heavy continuously ebbing and flowing. Mosh pits and singalongs continued to occur in equal measure as the quintet rifled through a delightfully varied set, spanning all four albums, and no doubt satisfying every kind of TESSERACT fan in the room. Complimenting this in unerringly consistent fashion was the remarkably precise and balanced mixing, each component having ample room to shine, and amalgamating to form a truly binaural effect. Above all however, was how abundantly clear it was that both the band and the entire crowd were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Each member on stage barely neglected to display beaming smiles and vigorous enthusiasm throughout, whilst the faithful in the stalls scarcely took a second to breath and cease from moshing, jumping, and singing every word. At several points, the raw power and control of Tompkins‘ vocals was simply drowned out by the sound of the crowd’s own efforts; true testament to the infectious nature of each hook and chorus. During their 80-minute performance, not a foot was put wrong by TESSERACT, to no one’s surprise. Arguably more poignant however, was the sheer explosiveness of the crowd throughout, and the grandiosity of the entire event. This was very much a symbol of TESSERACT coming full-circle; this, give or take a few miles, is where they began, and this was the placed they returned to, to sell out the Shepherd’s Bush Empire for what they later described as the “best show we’ve ever played.” A blinding performance from the prog giants, and a truly special night for all involved.

Rating: 10/10 

Check out our photo gallery from the night’s action in London from Karolina Janikunaite here: