Album Review: Polaris by Tesseract

On Polaris, British prog metallers/djent movement pioneers Tesseract offer hardcore fans what they've been waiting for: the return of vocalist Daniel Tomkins. It's been tough to keep track of all the comings and goings on the microphone: first with Elliot Coleman followed in quick succession by Ashe O'Hara. Tomkins (who also fronts Sky Harbour) possesses a natural range and silvery-smooth delivery in every situation that is the envy of most rock singers, and has always been their most compelling frontman.

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Upon releasing their acclaimed debut One in 2011, TesseracT received praise for the captivating work of lead vocalist Daniel Tompkins, who was lauded for his impressive range and power, which complemented the band's polyrhythm-focused prog metal perfectly. Choosing to leave the fold only months after, the band have since worked with two different vocalists over the course of releasing an EP and a sophomore full-length. While Elliot Coleman and Ashe O'Hara were both undeniably talented vocalists in their time with the band, both lacked the dynamism that made Tompkins a favourite with listeners.

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British djent pioneers TesseracT are famous for churning through frontmen. Their new album marks the return of Daniel Tompkins, their third (and now fifth) vocalist. 'Polaris' is, at last, the platonic ideal of a TesseracT album, the one where they get everything just right. It’s drama-bringing, supremely melodic,and riff-heavy, with an emphasis on clean vocals.

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They’re back together, and this time it’s (even more) serious. It’s not been the easiest ride for UK sonic soul-searchers Tesseract. Highly respected from day one in progressive and djent circles, they’ve struggled to keep a consistent frontman on the hook, the slippery buggers swimming off into the sunset at an almost farcical rate. _ _ ADVERTISINGinRead invented by Teads .

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Review Summary: Tesseract risk nothing with an effort that neither impresses nor disappoints.At some point in time - and I guess that time may as well be now - someone - and I guess that someone is me - had to ask whether or not post-2011 Tesseract is really just a front for Acle Kahney and Amos Williams to audition to write the backing track to hypnotherapy sessions. While I enjoyed the saxophone solos and lounge chair ambient groove on 2013 precursor to Polaris, Altered State, I had no clue that it truly signaled Tesseract's transformation into the Kenny G of groove metal, but here we are. Hindsight is 20/20, I suppose.Simply put, Polaris is both inoffensive and uninspiring.

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