TesseracT – ‘Polaris’ [Review]
Since 2003, TesseracT have been busy building a monolithic name for themselves in the progressive metal world. Ranked alongside the likes of Periphery and Karnivool and hailed as djent pioneers, it’s safe to say that each and every move they make is made under the joint pressures of sky-high expectations and feverish global-scale anticipation.
The burning question, then, is simple: Is Polaris any good, or have the legends lost their touch?
The short answers are:
A) Yes, of course it fucking is; and
B) No, don’t be ridiculous.
If you’re a TesseracT hater looking for mean words, you’ve Read more…




Sometimes a band’s endorsements say it all. Exist Immortal affiliates Chapman Guitars have made a name for themselves as supporters of a new generation of fresh-thinking musicians – and so it comes as no surprise that this tech-heavy album stands as a prime example of that generation’s capabilities.
On the way to this show, I was propositioned by a prostitute; had a guy try to sell me a bible; and was challenged to a fight by a homeless man.
Katana-sharp guitar tones, throat-scarring vocals, über-polished production, one-click kicks, punchy nut-tight polyrhythms and searing solos – all are present and correct on Virus, an eight-stage set of immense tech-metal tracks. It’s unlikely your grandmother will warm to
If you’re a metal fan in a relationship, and you’re not sure whether your other half is really The One, try this simple test:
The first thing that needs to be said is this: Takedown Festival 2015 was really well-run. Organising an event that takes in over 40 bands across five stages, runs to schedule, and delivers a smooth, hassle-free and fun experience for punters is a serious ask – but the Takedown crew rose to the challenge and did an awesome job. Even the security were nice guys. Or maybe paid actors.