TesseracT (w/ Unprocessed, The Callous Daoboys) Head Up a Prog Metal Masterclass at Bristol’s O2 Academy [Photos]

Following the release of the triumphant War of Being in 2023 (my personal album of the year), UK prog metallers TesseracT concluded a far-reaching European tour on home soil, including a sellout at Bristol’s O2 Academy.

Opening the bill are The Callous Daoboys, who make an interesting contrast against Tesseract, with a chaotic vibe and rarely settling into any accessible rhythms. The quality of their music doesn’t match the abrasive arrogance of their vocalist, and judging by the muted reaction from the crowd, the majority in attendance agreed.

From a severe disappointment to a performance which threatened to overshadow tonight’s headliners; Unprocessed genuinely blew me away, delivering the biggest first impact an experience with a band has had on me in years. Marrying guitar tones with unfathomable heaviness and clarity played with skill and precision, their live sound is one of the tightest I’ve ever heard. There are similar reactions of awe throughout the audience tonight, with an aura of disbelief about how good they are. Unprocessed embark on a headline US tour very soon, and they’re one to watch.

Tesseract have been around in some guise for over 20 years now and brings all that experience to a headliner-worthy performance. Tracks new and old sit alongside each other seamlessly, with the bombastic opening of “Natural Disaster” kicking off proceedings in the same manner as their latest album.

With a light show befitting the band’s futuristic concept album and the technicality of their sound, all five members command the stage and bring a euphoric audience with them through a far-reaching setlist that touches all in attendance – even after retreating from the photo pit those at the back of the room by the bar are singing and bouncing along, fully encompassed by the performance on stage.

Vocalist Dan Tompkins has been open about suffering with tour illnesses throughout this run, which makes it all the more impressive when he nails every note in potentially their most stretching song in “Legion”; an incredible feat for someone even at the peak of their powers. The whole set is flawless in both performance and production, befitting a larger venue, and it’s clear to see why Tesseract have sold out so many shows on this run. Here’s hoping to catch them again very soon.

Tesseract’s Bristol Setlist

1. Natural Disaster
2. Echoes
3. Of Mind – Nocturne
4. Dystopia
5. King
6. War of Being
7. Smile
8. The Arrow
9. Legion
10. The Grey
11. Juno

Tesseract (w/ Unprocessed, The Callous Daoboys) @ Marble Factory (Bristol, UK) on February 22nd, 2024

58 photos