The word 'djent' is an onomatopoeia for a heavily palm-muted, distorted guitar chord. It was coined by Meshuggah guitarist Fredrik Thordendal, though generally made popular by Mansoor on the band's online forum and it was there that Kahney originally learned the technique. When Thordendal heard and commented on some of Kahney's riffs, it was all the encouragement he needed to forge ahead.
Embodying the international vibe of the genre, Frenchman Juilien Perier initially supplied vocals but the logistical difficulties meant that he could not join the band permanently. The line-up was completed by Jay Postones on Drums, James Monteith on Guitar and Amos Williams on Bass. Monteith and Williams brought along with them the vocalist of their previous band 209, Abisola Obasanya. TesseracT released a three-track demo with Obasanya on vocals. In 2009, the band parted ways with Obasanya and chose Dan Tompkins (SkyHarbor, In Colour, ex-First Signs of Frost, Piano) to take over vocal duties.
TesseracT's long-awaited debut album 'One' was released on September 12th 2011 with Tompkins on vocals.
On August 20th 2011, rumours began spreading that vocalist Daniel Tompkins had left the band, as TesseracT were seen performing with a different vocalist during a gig at the Crauford Arms in Milton Keynes. This was confirmed by the band on the 23rd, citing personal reasons for Daniel's departure. TesseracT introduced their new singer as Elliot Coleman (Zelliack, Of Man Not of Machine, ex-Sky Eats Airplane, ex-Of Legends). Daniel remains on good terms with his former band mates and stated that he enjoyed his time as TesseracT's vocalist. Elliot stated later that he would not move permanently to the UK and that joining TesseracT would not affect his other current projects.
TesseracT released one EP in with Coleman entitled 'Perspective' (released on May 22nd 2012, primarily featuring acoustic renditions of tracks from the band's debut album) before he too announced his departure from the band.
TesseracT announced in September 2012 that Coleman would be replaced by Ashe Austin O'Hara (Voices From the Fuselage, Nebulae). The band's second album 'Altered State' was released on May 27th 2013.
Vocalist Daniel Tompkins returned to the band in June 2014, replacing Austin on the band’s live album ‘Odyssey/Scala’. Following Tompkins’s return, TesseracT have released three full-length studio albums: Polaris in September 2015, Sonder in April 2018, and War of Being in September 2023.
Music
As stated in the band's official biography: "Fans will often focus on the quintet's time signatures and musical complexity, but TesseracT are far from an exclusionary exercise in tech/extreme prog metal pomposity. They fully embrace their experimental, prog sensibility without excessive indulgence or pretentiousness; delivering atmospheric, metallic songs that stir strong emotions and evoke powerful mental images. All of which, they argue, is at the core surprisingly simple".
2. Tesseract is a modern jazz quintet based out of Toronto, Canada. Alto Saxophonist Edwin Sheard, Tenor Saxophonist Leland Whitty, Guitarist Patrick O’Reilly, Bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes, and Drummer Derek Gray began playing together while studying at Humber College. They have continued this collaboration and can be seen regularly performing at venues across Toronto. Tesseract's debut CD, "Impossible Images", was released on February 29, 2012.
3. Tesseract is a democratically run jazz ensemble, formed in 2011, featuring the composing and playing talents of bassist Chris Hyson, saxophonist Matt Anderson, pianist Sam Leak and drummer Chris Draper.
Echoes
TesseracT Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A twisting of fate had scuttled in
And poisoned me
(The life I chose) it cost me dear
I'm imprisoned by the truth
Confronting seems the only way to lose
(Well, I can't believe it no matter what I want)
Will you draw your fatal lines
Up to the sky and cut through the clouds?
And you call this a celebration
As the lies flow from your mouth
I had a choice to treat the pain
I removed every trace of all that remained
(Time helps you stand alone)
I narrate my script then hide it in this grave
(I interfere with external sound)
(From the jealous and the fools)
And it seems to me the only way to lose
Will you draw your fatal lines
Up to the sky and cut through the clouds?
And you call this a celebration
As the lies flow from your mouth
With the nails removed
I'm still alive with infected wounds
I'm still in love but it feels too soon
We were born to die
It's a dangerous world
Suffocates and burns
In the song "Echoes" by TesseracT, the lyrics delve into themes of regret, disillusionment, truth, and the consequences of one's actions. The singer admits to making mistakes and feeling ashamed for the decisions that led to their current predicament. They feel trapped by the truth and understand that facing it head-on may lead to further pain and loss. The mention of imprisonment and confronting the truth as the only way to lose implies a sense of resignation and acceptance of the consequences of their actions.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of denial and self-deception. The singer expresses disbelief in the situation despite their desires, hinting at a struggle to come to terms with reality. The lines about carrying on despite the challenges further emphasize the theme of resilience in the face of adversity. The reference to drawing fatal lines and cutting through clouds symbolizes a desire to break free from the lies and illusions that surround them.
There is a sense of introspection and introspection in the lyrics as the singer reflects on their choices and the pain they have caused. They acknowledge the need to confront their past and let go of the remnants that linger. The mention of standing alone and narrating their script hidden in a grave suggests a sense of isolation and a desire to bury the past. The singer also expresses frustration with external influences and the realization that letting go may be the only way to move forward.
The final lines of the song echo a grim reality, highlighting the inevitability of death in a world that can be suffocating and burning. The mention of being alive with infected wounds symbolizes the lingering pain and scars of past mistakes, while still feeling love amidst the turmoil. The juxtaposition of love and pain, life and death, creates a poignant reflection on the complexities of human emotions and the harsh realities of existence in a chaotic and dangerous world.
Line by Line Meaning
I was wrong and I'm ashamed
Admitting guilt and regret for past actions
A twisting of fate had scuttled in
Unexpected events leading to negative consequences
And poisoned me
Causing harm and pain
(The life I chose) it cost me dear
The choices I made had significant consequences
I'm imprisoned by the truth
Feeling trapped by reality
Confronting seems the only way to lose
Facing the truth leads to accepting defeat
(Well, I can't believe it no matter what I want)
Despite my desires, reality is hard to accept
(There's ways to carry on)
Finding ways to move forward despite difficulties
Will you draw your fatal lines
Are you willing to make defining decisions
Up to the sky and cut through the clouds?
Reach for clarity and understanding
And you call this a celebration
You see this as a positive event
As the lies flow from your mouth
Deceit and falsehoods being spoken
I had a choice to treat the pain
Option to address emotional distress
I removed every trace of all that remained
Eradicated all remnants of past experiences
(Time helps you stand alone)
Overcoming challenges leads to self-reliance
I narrate my script then hide it in this grave
Telling my story, burying it in the past
(I interfere with external sound)
Disturbed by outside influences
(From the jealous and the fools)
Avoiding negative and envious individuals
And it seems to me the only way to lose
Failure appears inevitable
With the nails removed
Once barriers are eliminated
I'm still alive with infected wounds
Surviving despite emotional pain
I'm still in love but it feels too soon
Strong feelings despite the circumstances
We were born to die
Acknowledgment of mortality
It's a dangerous world
Life is filled with risks and threats
Suffocates and burns
Causes suffocation and pain
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Katherine Ellen Marsh, Acle Kahney, Jay Postones, James Monteith, Amos Williams, Daniel Tompkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@guitarplayerssolo
we are all so lucky to be alive during this time of new TesseracT music. This album is a masterpiece!
@prestonmoney
I can’t get enough of it
@226butters226
I love how the djent is less of a focal point in this album but rather supports the vocals and overall presentation. Not that djenting is a bad thing.. love all their albums
@guitarplayerssolo
I didn't even think about it until you mentioned it! It has its moments in the spotlight, but it's absolutely more of a supportive role in the best way possible. Goes to show how well djent works in different songs!
@DandelionVolta
Probably the part that Jay doesn't like about the song haha
@chrissavage5491
@DandelionVolta did he say there's a part he didn't like?
@IIESPD00DII
3:19
@user-pw6yz6kz5v
Just another Tompkins solo album, and they've lost about 5 dB of volume as well
@horacethelion3920
Love the new album!!!
Sacrifice is my ALL TIME FAV!
@giancarlorevolledo5050
x2! <3