Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for TesseracT - Polaris (2015)

With Daniel Tompkins' temporary departure from Tesseract, the band had to find a couple other vocalists to fill the void; Elliot Coleman in the Perspective EP and Ashe O'Hara in the Altered State album. Whichever vocalist was in Altered State, that's a perfect offering. Now with Tompkins returning to the band, people were curious about where UK's djent leaders would take them next, and if they would continue to impress.

It seems like Tompkins has taken some of the ambience from his other band at the time, Skyharbor, because that's we're getting more of in the greatness of Polaris! I've also noticed a bit of prog-rock elements as well from late Anathema and The Contortionist at that time, considering those bands share the same record labels, Kscope and eOne.

"Dystopia" has that rock-ish ambience without sacrificing the dynamic aggression, picking up where One left off. The bass, drums, and vocals drift through space in this impressive composition. Martin Grech guest appears in "Hexes", living up to its layered structure and pace. "Survival" is another cohesive melodic track, though the aimless arrangement doesn't make it a highlight.

"Tourniquet" has the softer parts played in perfect harmony. There's more of this sheer poetry in the lyrics of "Utopia", filled with the catharsis of tasting freedom and neglecting Eden. The rap-ish ending is a little strange though. From start to finish, "Phoenix" has identity and character like a few other songs would have.

"Messenger" shows how strong the band is without bragging about it. The rhythms all work out well. As we enter the final leg of the journey, "Cages" is more inventive in the rhythm section. Not just in the bass but also in the drumming with some nice drama that doesn't come out as mechanical. "Seven Names" has the last bit of soft light that doesn't lessen their usual direction.

This 5-member djent quintet stays true to their identity while breaking the mold. That's how unique and talented they are. And if there any flaws at all, they're so trivial and unnoticeable in the flow of things. An excellent album like this deserves at least one full listen, and Polaris has all you can ask for in smoothness and aggression!

Favorites: "Dystopia", "Hexes", "Tourniquet", "Phoenix", "Cages"