Released: May 21, 2012
Genre: Acoustic Rock, Progressive Rock, Dark Ambient, Djent
Label: Century Media
Number Of Tracks: 5
This EP is what happens when a modern prog metal/djent band decides to do an acoustic EP. Compared to their contemporaries' albums, TesseracT's "Perspective" stands out as unique due to the very prevalent acoustic elements.
Perspective [EP]
Reviewed by:
gitarheroexprt, on june 15, 2012 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: The sound on this album is definitely a hard one to try and tackle, simply because not much has changed. The absence of electric guitars may turn off some people, but I see the addition of acoustic instruments as a brilliant way to add new life into older material. The atmospheric texture of the group is there, and with newly recruited vocalist Elliot Coleman (Sky Eats Airplane, OMNOM (Of Man Not Of Machine), Zelliack) there is a distinct difference in how the older songs are performed.
The important thing to notice that in the acoustic tracks, the TesseracT staples are still driving the EP: the layering of clean guitar repetitions, the accented syncopation that beg the listener to bob their head, and the percussive quality of not only the drummer, who utilizes percussion outside of his normal drum set, but also of the guitar riffs.
This rhythmic foundation is what keeps these tunes on repeat in my car or on my iTunes at home. "Perspective" starts the EP with such a powerful reminder of Tompkins' vocals, yet Elliot Coleman finds a way to take the same words and melodies and shape them to fit his vocal mold. "April" is so powerfully relaxing it was hard not to just stop my car and absorb the song in its groovy, acoustic form. "Origin" loses nothing when transformed on this album, showing just how creative TesseracT can be with essentially the exact same music. "Dream Brother", a cover of a Jeff Buckley song, was the first full track released after "Eden 2.0" hit the web earlier in the year, and it is a tasteful cover of the song. They didn't infuse it with complex rhythms and dense harmonies, but rather let the song speak its message through the medium of their instruments. Finally, "Eden 2.0" is a powerful end to the album, as it surges forward with that easily recognizable TesseracT sound, and the passion infused in this remake is clear from beginning to end. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically the album can't be described other than "Don't fix what ain't broke". Tompkins' laid the groundwork on the band's first album "One", and many were stunned when he decided to leave the group for other projects and career opportunities. Once Elliot Coleman took the reigns, the firestorm of Internet hatred came to the forefront. From YouTube video comments to direct Facebook messages, it seemed like it would be a rough start for the Coleman.
However, all Coleman had to do was sing in "Eden 2.0" to get my vote. Coleman's voice soars high and dies down with such grace, easily establishing himself as a fitting musician to replace Daniel Tompkins. The dedication to hitting every note with both precision and musicality shows his appreciation for TesseracT's music. Coleman will continue to do great things with the band, and even if the hatred still continues to swarm, remember this haters: Coleman was awesome in Sky Eats Airplane, he already put out an awesome album with his project Zelliack earlier this year, and he works with household modern metal guitarist Misha Mansoor on an awesome project as well. So while he continues to tour the world with TesseracT, he is still maintaining the high standards in his other groups as well. // 8
Impression: This is the start of a new, beautiful chapter in TesseracT's music. Elliot Coleman brings a tenderness and vulnerability to vocals as the groups instrumentalists continue to operate like a finely tuned machine. The production is also great, continuing to expand on their atmospheric palette even with the absence of electric guitars. They are going into production of their second full length release, and with Elliot Coleman on board, plus the hinting of new elements like saxophone, one can only wait in anticipation by purchasing this EP. // 8
Perspective [EP]
Reviewed by:
ProgFripp74, on may 25, 2012 1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: The highly anticipated first release from the UK djentlemen since the departure of highly acclaimed vocalist Dan Thompkins, and after the request of fans after the acoustic set in NY, is a personal favorite, however the general the conscious amongst the TesseracT die hards is less so. Having read other fan reviews on the EP, the main issue people are having is Elliot Coleman's different vocal style. He uses a slide vocal technique while having a softer tone, similar to The Mars Volta vocal style while others complain about his different tempo choice. The vocals certainly have less bite than those on their debut "One" however the transition compliments the whole purpose of this acoustic EP, more so than Dan perhaps could have.
To the actual music, the five track EP at 23 minutes long is perhaps short, but every song has impact, "Concealing Fate Pt. 4" coming in softly with guitar laden ambience, "April" and "Concealing Fate Pt. 6" sweeping through with refreshing musicality only TesseracT can employ, while showing the simplicity of their debut through a stripped back acoustic environment. Then the Jeff Buckley arrives, obscure though the choice may seem, it is a perfect fit for the EP, with the Elliot's vocals shining through with a remarkable resemblance to Buckley's.
The EP concludes with the already released track "Eden 2.0". While not acoustic, it again shows the newer vocal style and the slightly altered (shorter) structure. As for production, it is superb quality as was their debut, every instrument is heard clearly while no element of the music is lost in the mix. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: As for lyrics, Elliot has not written anything new himself. As far as I am aware, the lyrics on the one album, apart from sunrise, were all written by Dan, however someone please correct me if I am wrong here. Dan's original lyrics are very good, however it is more the vocal execution by Dan, and now Elliot, that bring the lyrics alive in the music. // 8
Impression: Overall the new "Perspective" EP is as divisive as it is enthralling. Many of the Dan Thomkins die hards were sad to see him leave TesseracT as was I when I heard, however Elliot, while he has not fully won over the fanbase, has shown his worth as a talented vocalist. The EP is a good transition between albums and shows the band in a new light, more as songwriters than capable musicians this time round. // 9
Perspective [EP]
Reviewed by:
oneblackened, on may 25, 2012 0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: This EP is what happens when a modern prog metal/djent band decides to do an acoustic EP (save for "Eden 2.0", which is their usual metallic style). The songs are all mellower versions of songs from TesseracT's debut album "One", released in 2011. They still hit hard though, but differently. They're much more eerie in acoustic form, almost more somber, due to the lack of electric guitar. Also on the album is a cover of Jeff Buckley's 1994 song "Dream Brother". It is a phenomenal cover that adds a whole new level of atmosphere to the original song. The musicianship throughout is very good, especially that of the rhythm section of Amos Williams (bass) and Jamie Postones (drums). // 8
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are diverse, but mostly relate to the human psyche. "April" hints at the psyche of an abuser or a criminal, with lines like "I like to watch things burn down, soft and gently/I need to watch her abused 'til I'm satisfied". "Perfection" shows the thoughts of someone hopelessly in love with another but unable to do anything about it. The lyrics ask the person to "Give me just one second/Just to touch what I'll never own/Let me count those feelings/Of love that I will never share". The mood evoked by the music meshes well with the lyrical content.
The lyrics are hard to interpret at times; "Eden" and "Origin" are difficult to interpret, though their themes are hinted at throughout. "Eden" appears to be about wasting the environment for our own self-gain, where as Mort. New vocalist Elliot Coleman (Of Man Not Machine, Zelliack, Haunted Shores, Sky Eats Airplane) does an excellent job conveying the lyrics, with a haunting, almost neo-soul tone to his voice. // 8
Impression: Compared to their contemporaries' albums, TesseracT's "Perspective" stands out as unique due to the very prevalent acoustic elements. It has a much stronger atmospheric element than most of their peers, and it works very, very, well. If it were stolen (which is difficult, considering I bought it as a digital download), I'd gladly buy it again.
"... and after the request of fans after the acoustic set in NY, is a personal favorite, however the general the conscious amongst..." Sorry, wut?
Sorry, I meant that fans requested an acoustic EP after an acoustic set they did in New York. The EP is one of my favourite records, however it isn't so much for the fans.
Clear things up for you?
I absolute love it, can't stop listening to it. I think it's almost perfect.
I absolutely adored Dan and to me he embodied everything about TesseracT. When he left whoever replaced him was always going to be treated as a cancerous intruder by me. Elliot has grown on me though and I absolutely love him as well now. Great vocals.
I absolute love it, can't stop listening to it. I think it's almost perfect.
I absolutely adored Dan and to me he embodied everything about TesseracT. When he left whoever replaced him was always going to be treated as a cancerous intruder by me. Elliot has grown on me though and I absolutely love him as well now. Great vocals.
This. EP is great, but Dan will be missed when they get back to being br00tal. Just listen to Concealing Fate 1-6 and tell me he isn't near perfect.
This is the third ****ing time they've recorded the same album. TesseracT are incredible musicians but if they don't actually come up with some fresh compositions this kind of thing will become their downfall.
To be clear, I think it does sound amazing but the fact that the last two CDs I have acquired by them are merely older versions of the same one (no pun intended) has a major impact on the shock value.
I absolute love it, can't stop listening to it. I think it's almost perfect.
I absolutely adored Dan and to me he embodied everything about TesseracT. When he left whoever replaced him was always going to be treated as a cancerous intruder by me. Elliot has grown on me though and I absolutely love him as well now. Great vocals.
This. EP is great, but Dan will be missed when they get back to being br00tal. Just listen to Concealing Fate 1-6 and tell me he isn't near perfect.
Dan had an incredible voice and an awesome capability to go from clear and mellow to downright harsh screams. From what I've heard so far the new singer isn't bad but he sticks out so much since I'm not used to his voice. I'm hoping for new material to see how he blends in with their sound (not acoustic)... and I'm not sure why but he reminded me a bit of Cedric from The Mars Volta.
I honestly have no idea why people hate the word djent as a genre. It's just a word. Like saying you hate the word grind to describe a genre.
A few progressive metal bands shared a similar style and use similar music techniques so were grouped together using a word that had been previously used by some of the bands in the genre.
I absolute love it, can't stop listening to it. I think it's almost perfect.
I absolutely adored Dan and to me he embodied everything about TesseracT. When he left whoever replaced him was always going to be treated as a cancerous intruder by me. Elliot has grown on me though and I absolutely love him as well now. Great vocals.
This. EP is great, but Dan will be missed when they get back to being br00tal. Just listen to Concealing Fate 1-6 and tell me he isn't near perfect.
Go listen to Elliot scream on stuff like Immaterial by Haunted Shores and tell me he can't do br00ts
I absolute love it, can't stop listening to it. I think it's almost perfect.
I absolutely adored Dan and to me he embodied everything about TesseracT. When he left whoever replaced him was always going to be treated as a cancerous intruder by me. Elliot has grown on me though and I absolutely love him as well now. Great vocals.
This. EP is great, but Dan will be missed when they get back to being br00tal. Just listen to Concealing Fate 1-6 and tell me he isn't near perfect.
Well, if you check out Elliot C's soundcloud, you'll find his pt. 2 (Deception) audition he did. Imo, it's better than dan's version
I like Elliot. You wouldn't expect a guy with a voice like his in TesseracT or any of these "djent" bands today. I think they're going to do something unique in metal music soon enough
Haven't listened to the new EP but I'm glad to see them get some recognition here on UG. O can only speak of what I heard from their debut "One", which was a very impressive debut at that. Go Tesseract! I'll have to check out their new singer see what the fuss is all about
Elliot has something more jazzy, or something like that, in his voice, it's really interesting to hear another interpretation of Tesseract's songs. The thing is, that Dan wrote the lyrics and the vocal's melodies for his range, abilities and view of Tesseract's music, and to have Elliot sing them is not the best thing to do. Elliot is far from bad singer, I'd like to see what he can do with Tesseract. I, personally, am fan of Dan. He has a youtube and fb channel where you can follow his work, he has some pretty nice projects and appearences. Peace out
Now how the heck is TesseracT metalcore? If anything, they're ambient progressive metal, but METALCORE? Then I guess Meshuggah, Dream Theater and Opeth are metalcore too, right?
I liked it. Elliot's vocals complement the shift in style perfectly. I hope there's more stuff like this in their future, too. It honestly feels a buttload more "prog" than their first record.
Ok, you obviously haven't even listened to this EP because its not metal at all.
It's an acoustic inspired record which does not resemble "metalcore" in any way shape or form.
Now if you don't like the band that's fine, but please post a valid reason for not liking them.
Saying they are "metalcore garbage" is not true so you have no point.
Now I ask you again, go and listen to metalcore, go and listen to TesseracT, learn the difference and then come back and post a comment.
They are metalcore with djent-like breakdowns. But metalcore none the less.
No, I mean really, don't come back and comment unless you learn a little bit about music.
As if you have any say in that, little person.
Its metalcore garbage
For ****s sake dude, it's not metalcore, get over it.
Did you listened to uninspired E string chugging and sissy vocals? I don't think so.
Anyway, arguing about genres is really, REALLY stupid, so I'm stopping here.
Chill, dude. It took me a little long to realize it, but it's just plain trolling. Don't feed the troll
Yeh I realise this now dude, I just thought this guy was either being completely arrogant or just plain stupid as did a lot of people, this will be last comment on the matter.
Lol at people not knowing the difference between metalcore and TesseracT.
Metalcore = pedal riffs in Drop tuning minor + open chord chugga chug breakdowns
TesseracT = neither of those things
They are not Djent. They are metalcore.
Now how the heck is TesseracT metalcore? If anything, they're ambient progressive metal, but METALCORE? Then I guess Meshuggah, Dream Theater and Opeth are metalcore too, right?
You can't be further from the truth. I'm sorry to tell you that, but you've been living in a mistake. Tesseract ARE Metalcore, and Meshuggah, DT and Opeth play Punk. If you check the band called "AC/DC", you'll see that they are actually the creators of Progressive Psychodelic Suicidal Black Rock&Roll. Get your facts straight!
I just learned of this band last night and I had to hear it just because the Tesseract is avenger affiliated. (sorry, nerd right here) I expected greatness from this band but I wasn't prepared for what my ears would eventually hear. The BEST acoustic album I've ever heard. I've yet to hear their metal stuff. Oh, and for the bastard that called them metalcore, although I haven't heard all of their stuff I can tell you right now that you need to either quit music altogether if you're going to be that ignorant. Go. Slipknot awaits you.
They are not Djent. They are metalcore.
Now how the heck is TesseracT metalcore? If anything, they're ambient progressive metal, but METALCORE? Then I guess Meshuggah, Dream Theater and Opeth are metalcore too, right?
You can't be further from the truth. I'm sorry to tell you that, but you've been living in a mistake. Tesseract ARE Metalcore, and Meshuggah, DT and Opeth play Punk. If you check the band called "AC/DC", you'll see that they are actually the creators of Progressive Psychodelic Suicidal Black Rock&Roll. Get your facts straight!
Listening to this, my immediate thought was "Good lord, Elliott completely ruins every single song."
Then I listened to April, which is a song I hadn't really listened to before, and it struck me as being nothing short of amazing. I think my main problem with Elliott is that I just can't stand him singing songs I listened to a gajillion times with Dan's voice. This EP has given me new hope for the next TesseracT album, even though I still think Elliott sounds like a whiney little girl.
Listening to this, my immediate thought was "Good lord, Elliott completely ruins every single song."
Then I listened to April, which is a song I hadn't really listened to before, and it struck me as being nothing short of amazing. I think my main problem with Elliott is that I just can't stand him singing songs I listened to a gajillion times with Dan's voice. This EP has given me new hope for the next TesseracT album, even though I still think Elliott sounds like a whiney little girl.
I thought the same before listening to this EP. After listening so many times to these songs with Dan, I found Elliot's voice a bit unfitting. Now I've got more used to it, and I can't wait to hear new songs written with him in mind, and to hear his growls in action (the man is amazing! Listen to Haunted Shores - Immaterial, as an example). He is just as talented as Dan, though with a pretty different voice.
Ugh, I hate it when people hate on the suffix "core" as if its just something added to the end of a random word to make a new genre. It simply means it borrows aspects from hardcore punk, whats wrong with that?!
Ugh, I hate it when people hate on the suffix "core" as if its just something added to the end of a random word to make a new genre. It simply means it borrows aspects from hardcore punk, whats wrong with that?!
No, please go on I really want to know. The only way you can hate "core" is if you hate the idea of mixing different genres with hardcore. So please explain whats so bad about it.
No, please go on I really want to know. The only way you can hate "core" is if you hate the idea of mixing different genres with hardcore. So please explain whats so bad about it.
Ok here we go... Metalcore - Completely generic, no variation in any of the bands. They write very average riffs and harmonise everything in 3rds to compensate for their lack of music writing ability. Vocals are also usually awful and only get noticed if they have emo/scene appeal. Usually can't sing live and are terrible at screaming. Basically generic"core"
Deathcore - Guitars sound like fuzz, no defintion. They play binary code tab with blast beats. Also harmonise everything in 3rds but play harmonic minor constantly. Every riff is a terrible breakdown. Vocals are only screaming and are usually ear-splittingly bad, pig squeals, false chord highs and poor death growls. Solo's are basically all really messy as is producton. The genre died out in the sapce of 5 years for a reason.
I could list more "core" genres but I can't be bothered.
I couldn't disagree more with metalcore. Maybe true if you listen to all the faggy, fake, pretty boy bullshit that keeps getting churned out these days like Of Mice And Men, but bands like Killswitch Engage and As I Lay Dying have fuking tonnes of talent. As for deathcore I can agree with you there. I downloaded an Emmure album the other day and was astounded by how shite it was. Every song is the same, just open drop B/A chugging with no substance whatsoever. However I love it when bands use riffs like that just for short breakdowns and not as the main basis for the song (or in Emmure's case, album), such as Caliban who are a personal favourite.
There are the few metalcore bands like kse, BFMV's poison album and so on that are ok but the genre just has no variation. All these faggy emo/scene/hipster core bands annoy me, like the Kerrang posterboys who write crap music.
The only core band I even slightly listen to are ABR and even then not really.
It just all sounds the same nowadays, there's no innovation in "core"
I dunno man I think that sounds a tad ignorant tbh. Considering all "core" means is that it borrows influences from hardcore, so whatever's before the "core" gives it most of its sound. What I'm saying is that all the "core" genres can't be grouped together just because they share a suffix. E.g. Grindcore is nothing like Metalcore. What might apply to one of the "core" genres doesn't necessarily apply to all of them, "there's no innovation in core" is quite a sweeping statement. And as much as I like ABR I have to say they're probably one of the LEAST innovative.
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