Animals As Leaders Debuts New Single, ‘Gordian Naught’

Posted on February 18, 2022 by philspicks

As the release of Animals As Leaders’ new album, Parrhesia, gets ever closer, the band has offered audiences another preview of the record.

The band premiered the album’s new single, ‘Gordian Naught‘ Wednesday. The song is the album’s third single behind ‘The Problem of Other Minds‘ and ‘Monomyth.’ The album is scheduled for release March 25 through Sumerian Records.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Gordian Naught’ is everything that audiences have come to expect from Animals As Leaders. The prog/math metal style approach and sound is just as present as ever. It makes the song easily comparable to works from the likes of TesseracT. The grittier, heavier riffs in the song’s closing bars however, lend themselves to comparison to songs from Between The Buried and Me and Periphery.

Front man Tosin Abasi explained the concept behind the song.

“This song attempts to put a soundtrack to the metaphor of “untying an impossibly tangled knot; A sonic commentary on the seemingly sustained problems facing the world currently,” he said.

In other news, Animals As Leaders is scheduled to launch a tour in support of its new album this spring. The band is scheduled to launch its “Parrhesia Tour” March 30 in Denver, CO. The tour runs less than a month.

The tour is scheduled to run through April 22 in Los Angeles, CA and features scheduled performances in cities, such as Detroit, MI; Cincinnati, OH and Atlanta, GA.

The tour’s schedule is noted below. Tickets are available here.

ANIMALS AS LEADERS ‘PARRHESIA TOUR’

W/ Special Guests TBA

Mar 30 – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall

Apr 1 – Kansas City, MO @ Truman Theater*

Apr 2 – Omaha, NE @philspicks Slowdown*

Apr 3 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater

Apr 4 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

Apr 5 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts

Apr 6 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall

Apr 8 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s*

Apr 9 – Lititz, PA @ Mickey’s Black Box*

Apr 10 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

Apr 11 – Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl

Apr 12 – Boston, MA @ Big Night Live

Apr 13 – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage

Apr 15 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre

Apr 16 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues

Apr 18 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

Apr 19 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s

Apr 21 – Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee Theater*

Apr 22 – Los Angeles, CA @ Theater At The Ace Hotel

*Not a Live Nation Date

More information on Animals As Leaders’ new single, video, and album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.animalsasleaders.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animalsasleaders

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnimalsAsLeaders

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Live CDs Did A Lot To Help Audiences Get Their Concert Fixes In 2021

Posted on December 9, 2021 by philspicks

As December (and the year) continues to wind down, Phil’s Picks is far from winding down. There is still much more to share from Phil’s Picks in the final weeks of this year, including today’s year-ender list, that of the year’s top new live CDs. In years past, Phil’s Picks has had an abundance of live material, including live DVDs and BDs, but this year, offerings from that field were far slimmer, likely due to the ongoing pandemic. On the opposite side though, there were plenty of live CDs released this year. Audiences across the spectrum got live material to enjoy this year. The metal masses got new live material from the likes of Destruction, Motorhead, and TesseracT. Jazz fans got new live content from the likes of Doug MacDonald, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Jazz at Lincoln Center Sextet. Rock audiences got new content from the likes of The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Foghat. Even reggae fans got a little something new from a “live” recording from Bob Marley. Simply put, 2021 was still a good year for new live music releases, if only on CD. To that end, Phil’s Picks is offering once again this year, the Top 10 New Live CDs.

As with each and every list presented by Phil’s Picks, the list also features five additional honorable mention titles, bringing the total to 15. Every single act and title listed here is deserving of its own applause, being that enjoyable. There is no bad release. Without any further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks’ 2021 Top 10 New Live CDs list.

PHIL’S PICKS’ 2021 TOP 10 NEW LIVE RECORDINGS

1. TesseracT – P O R T A L S

2. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Live at Knebworth

3. Harold Mabern – Mabern Plays Coltrane

4. Destruction – Live Attack

5. Motorhead – Louder Than Noise…Live in Berlin

6. The Allman Brothers Band – Down in Texas ‘71

7. Bob Marley – The Capitol Session ‘73

8. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Sextet – The Democracy Suite

9. Doug MacDonald – Live in Hawaii

10. Foghat – 8 Days on the Road

11. Eric Clapton – The Lady in the Balcony

12. The Hawkins – Live in the Woods

13. The Philadelphia Orchestra – Blue Symphony No. 2

14. Harold Land – Westward Bound

15. Enrico Rava – Edizione Speciale

That’s it for this list. Again, there is no bad recording here. Each act and title deserves its own share of praise and applause. With this list done, this year’s music year-ender lists drops now to only three – the year’s top new rock, hard rock/metal, and overall albums. From there, the attention will turn from music to TV and movies. Stay tuned!

Animals As Leaders Gets Metaphysical In New Single, Video; Re-Signs With Sumerian Records

Posted on September 2, 2021 by philspicks

Animals As Leaders premiered its first new music in five years this week.

The band premiered its new single, ‘Monomyth‘ and its companion video Thursday. The band’s new four-minute-plus single is a full-on instrumental track. Its musical arrangement presents its own trademark experimental math/prog metal approach while also lending comparison to works from the likes of TesseracT.

Band founder/guitarist Tosin Abasi, ina prepared statement, talked about the song and translated the message in the video’s presentation to the song’s message.

‘Monomyth’ is part fever dream, part ritual,” said Abasi. “Its imagery represents man’s ceaseless attempts to translate transcendent ideas into movement. The conflation of struggle with meaning. Pain with significance. The ultimate failure of distilling perceived patterns in the world into knowledge.”

The video translates the noted message in the song by having a group of men, bodies painted white, dance to the music. The dancers’ presentation can be considered to be interpretive in nature.

In other news, Animals As Leaders announced Thursday, it has re-signed with Sumerian Records. Details about the deal were not revealed, nor was information about the band’s next album.

More information on Animals As Leaders’ new single, video, and record deal is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.animalsasleaders.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animalsasleaders

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnimalsAsLeaders

TesseracT Debuts Live ‘Concealing Fate Pt. 1’ Clip

Posted on August 26, 2021 by philspicks

TesseracT is offering audiences another preview of its new live recording.

The band premiered the live clip of its song, ‘Concealing Fate Pt. 1‘ Thursday. The performance is part of the band’s new live recording, PORTALS, which is scheduled for release Friday through KScope Records. It is now the third clip that the band has premiered from the recording following the premieres of the live clips for the band’s performances of ‘Tourniquet‘ and ‘Nocturne.’

Bassist and founding member Amos Williams discussed ‘Concealing Fate Pt. 1’ in a prepared statement.

“‘Concealing Fate Part One…Acceptance’; This, for many long time fans, would have been the first bit of noise that they would have heard from us. It’s a powerful journey for the band that encompasses so much of what we are, Wililams said. “Heavy, chunky riffs, soaring melodies, and intricate rhythmic sections. It’s all and everything TesseracT is.”

He continued, “So, for P O R T A L S, we decided it needed a look that was unlike anything else we had ever created. Our team did not disappoint. The visual tone captured by Richard Oakes has a quality that draws you in. The unusual lighting created by Tom Campbell sits stark in contrast to the rest of the show. Somehow this song stays fresh, even after all these years. The story it has to tell remains true. It is perhaps fitting that as we release P O R T A LS on Friday, we should also release the first song from our first release way back in 2010. The song that began our long journey.”

Pre-orders are open for PORTALS through band’s official website and all digital retailers. It will release through a variety of platforms noted below. A trailer for the recording is streaming here.

LIMITED EDITION DELUXE 4 DISC BOOK EDITION:
Blu-ray & DVD includes: P O R T A L S main feature • Behind the scenes documentary Live In The Lockdown • P O R T A L S hi res audio only version (all BD/DVD audio 48/24 PCM Stereo) • 2-CD P O R T A L S soundtrack • All presented in a lavish set with 40-page book containing exclusive pictures • Extensive liner notes from Amos Williams • Individually numbered art print

The band webstore will exclusively sell a limited number of this set with the art prints signed by TesseracT – available from June 17.

BLU-RAY EDITION:
P O R T A L S main feature • Behind the scenes documentary • Live In The Lockdown • P O R T A L S hi res audio only version (48/24 PCM Stereo)

3LP GATEFOLD/2CD EDITION/DIGITAL:
The soundtrack to the stunning cinematic live experience P O R T A L S featuring tracks spanning the band’s career to date including “Nocturne,” “Seven Names,” and “King.”

The recording’s track listing is noted below.

P O R T A L S TRACK LISTING:
1. “Of Matter” (P O R T A L S) [13:55]
2. “King” (P O R T A L S) [06:28]
3. “Concealing Fate Parts 1, 2 & 3” (P O R T A L S) [18:15]
4. “Tourniquet” (P O R T A L S) [04:30]
5. “Beneath My Skin/Mirror Image” (P O R T A L S) [05:44]
6. “Orbital (P O R T A L S) [02:06]
7. “Juno” (P O R T A L S) [06:11]
8. “Cages” (P O R T A L S) [05:28]
9. “Dystopia” (P O R T A L S) [06:43]
10. “Phoenix” (P O R T A L S) [04:18]
11. “Nocturne” (P O R T A L S) [04:21]
12. “Eden” (P O R T A L S) [06:30]
13. “Of Energy” (P O R T A L S) [11:05]
14. “Seven Names” (P O R T A L S) [05:02]

More information on TesseracT’s upcoming home release of its PORTALS concert is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.tesseractband.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tesseractband

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesseractband

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

TesseracT’s ‘PORTALS’ Deserves Its Own Spot Among This Year’s Top New Live Recordings

Posted on August 23, 2021 by philspicks

The COVID-19 pandemic put a serious hit on the music industry in 2020. It caused the industry to completely shut down all live music. Now this year, live music is back, but is still continuing to take a hit as a result of the pandemic. Thankfully, a lot of bands made the best of a bad situation last year, launching a series of livestream events to make up for revenues lost from those live cancellations. One of the many bands that went the livestream route was the progressive metal band TesseracT. The band held a one-of-a-kind livestream even dubbed, PORTALS Dec. 12. Now Friday, audiences can own that livestream performance to enjoy any time when it is released through KScope Records. The recording is a standout edition to this year’s field of new live recordings. The recording’s success is due in part to the its set list, which will be discussed shortly. The band’s performance thereof builds on the appeal established by the set list. It will be discussed a little later. The recording’s production rounds out its most important elements and will also be discussed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the recording. All things considered, they make PORTALS one of the best of this year’s new live recordings, as well as one of the year’s best new live CD and BD/DVD offerings.

TesseracT’s forthcoming presentation of its 2020 PORTALS livestream event is only the second live recording that the band has ever released. While only the band’s second-ever live recording, it is an impressive offering. Its success comes in part through its featured set list. The set list spans 14 songs and all four of the band’s albums, as well as one of its three EPs. It lifts liberally from all four albums, too, with the band’s debut 2011 album One getting two nods. The band’s sophomore album, Altered State (2013) is represented with three songs. Polaris (2015) gets four nods while Sonder (2018) sees five songs featured in this set list. The band’s debut record, its 2010 EP, Concealing Fate even gets one nod here with the song, ‘Tourniquet.’ The short and simple of the set list is that the band reaches all the way back to its beginnings with this set list. Yes, the band’s other two EPs – Perspective (2012) and Errai (2016) are omitted here, but that is a minor omission. Considering that the band offered audiences such a rich selection of content from its catalog is sure to appeal to audiences new and old alike. It gives audiences plenty of reason in itself to keep audiences engaged and entertained and is just a portion of what makes the recording so appealing. The band’s performance of that expansive set list builds on the appeal ensured through the set list.

The band’s performance of the noted set list is impressive in itself. Considering that the band, like so many others in 2020, held its performance without an in-person audience, the performance still brought out the best in the band. Front man Daniel Tompkins’ subtle presence alongside his band mates is so powerful in its own right in its simplicity. The control that he exhibits throughout the concert is amazing in itself. Speaking of the other band members, they – Alec Kahney (guitar), Jay Postones (drums), James Monteith (guitar), and Amos Williams (bass) – exhibit their own control throughout the performance. The group’s performance of ‘Nocturne’ serves well to support that statement. The tight, sharp guitar riffs, equally precise time keeping, and rich bass line build the atmosphere here alongside Tompkins’ vocals. It shows the full attention to detail that each musician paid to his respective performance both by itself and alongside those of his band mates. The precision is evident not only there, but also in the likes of ‘Juno.’ That song’s riffs cut through so sharply and precisely alongside the bass line and Tompkins’ vocals. Postones’ ability to keep time here, even with so much going on even in his own part, is impressive in its own right. Those moments when the band comes together in the choruses creates such a powerful wall of sound approach that still has its own control. It creates such a strong impact, too, showing again the importance of the band’s performance. Between this performance, that of ‘Nocturne’ and so many others throughout the concert, the band gives its all even though its audiences were on the other side of a computer screen. It made the best of a bad situation and put on a full performance that is as strong as the performance in the band’s debut live recording, Odyssey/Scala (2015) and that of any other band of its ilk. That overall performance, together with the recording’s set list, makes even clearer the power of the presentation in whole. The collective is just a part of what makes the recording appealing. The concert’s production puts its own positive touch to the presentation.

The production that went into PORTALS is impressive to say the very least. Audiences get the best seat in the house throughout. There is a lot going on in each song in terms of the arrangements. They go from soft to loud and back again with so much in-between in each work. That means that so much attention had to be paid to the audio mix in each song. Considering that the band was performing without an audience, this was especially important to address because it meant there was no one else present to soak up the sound. Clearly the fullest attention was paid to this detail. That is because with so much going on, no one member of the band overpowers his band mates. Every heavy, crunching riff is audible alongside every hard hit against the drums and cymbals. The low-end from the bass works with the drums and guitars to enrich every song in its own right, really giving each composition a certain appealing edge, too. Even the vocals work so well alongside the instrumentations throughout. Audiences who own a home theater system will especially catch it all and really appreciate the whole.

On a related now, the camera work also plays into the production. The cuts from one camera to the next are expertly timed. They help enhance the experience just as much as the audio production. The quality of those shots is of the highest quality, too. It makes the lasers and the lighting add their own unique richness to the video presentation. When the expert production in the video is paired with that of the recording’s audio mix, the whole makes the recording’s aesthetic value just as positive as its content. When that content is considered along with the recording’s production, the whole shows fully why PORTALS is such an impressive new live offering from TesseracT.

TesseracT’s forthcoming presentation of its 2020 livestream event, PORTALS is another impressive live offering from the band. That is even with the recording being only the second live offering from the band. The recording’s success is due in part to its set list. The expansive set list all four of the band’s albums and one of its three total EPs. In other words, it presents audiences with a rich representation of the band’s catalog. The band’s performance of the noted set list adds to the recording’s appeal because the band takes the concert just as seriously as it would a live, in-person concert, as is evident. Each performer puts his best foot forward in each song, the whole group showing throughout the concert that it wanted to give its audiences an experience that would be just as special and memorable as that offered through its in-person shows. The recording’s production works with the noted overall content to round out its most important elements. It brings everything full circle, making the concert experience that much more enjoyable. That is due to the balance in the audio mix and in the video. Each item examined here is important in its own way to the whole of the recording’s presentation. All things considered, they make the recording one of the best of this year’s field of new live offerings. PORTALS is scheduled for release Friday through KScope Records.

More information on TesseracT’s upcoming home release of its PORTALS concert is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.tesseractband.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tesseractband

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesseractband

TesseracT Premieres Live ‘Tourniquet’ Performance From Upcoming ‘Portals’ Recording

Posted on August 4, 2021 by philspicks

TesseracT is giving audiences another preview of its forthcoming live recording, Portals.

The band premiered a live clip of its performance of its song, ‘Tourniquet‘ Wednesday. The performance is the second clip that the band has released ahead of the release of Portals. The group premiered the live clip of ‘Nocturne‘ July 8.

is a rich presentation in its subtle approach musically and visually. The song’s arrangement is easily comparable to works from Leprous what with its subtle bass line, haunting vocals and often powerful guitar and drums. The visual end of the presentation shows the band in subtle lighting and red laser lights, partially putting the band in shadow as it performs.

Bassist Amos Williams talked about the video’s presentation in a prepared statement.

“We wanted to bring a balance of fan favorites and deep cuts to the show,” he said. “’Tourniquet’ is one of those songs that sits firmly in both of those camps and is one we have never performed live before. It’s such a powerful build-up that we knew we had to find a really interesting way to support this visually. The team of Tom Campbell (LD), Dan Briggs (Lasers), and Richard Oaks (DP) really brought their ‘A’ game. When we saw this footage back, it was mesmerizing. Once again, this song highlights just what a wonderful team effort this was. The colors, the vibe, the cinematography — it all intertwines to lift the song to another level.”

TesseracT will release ‘Tourniquet’ by itself to all digital outlets Thursday. Portals is scheduled through a variety of platforms

Aug 27 through KScope Records. The label also released the band’s then latest album, Sonder in 2018. The career-spanning 2020 concert featured songs from across the band’s catalog, which spans four albums and one EP. The 14-song set ran more than two hours.

Williams said during a recent interview, the concert was a positive experience for the band.

“It is only with hindsight and some time to appreciate it that we realize what this show meant to us,” said Williams. “P O R T A L S as a show was an experiment afforded to us in a time when anything was possible because nothing of our previous life was possible. The overwhelming acceptance of such an approach to our music, and the stories contained within it, has shown us a potential path forward for TesseracT. It was exciting to connect with our fan base in such a difficult time for everyone, and it was powerful to see how it allowed some respite and escapism. These things were the gifts that this show gave to us, a direction and a drive, as we use this show’s example to forge a new path for TesseracT.”

Pre-orders are open for the forthcoming recording through band’s official website while other retailers will open re-orders Friday. It will release through a variety of platforms noted below. A trailer for the recording is streaming here.

The recording’s track listing is noted below.

More information on TesseracT’s upcoming home release of its PORTALS concert is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.tesseractband.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tesseractband

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesseractband

TesseracT Announces Home Release Date, Specs For ‘Portals’ Performance

Posted on June 17, 2021 by philspicks

TessaracT is bringing its PORTALS livestreaming concert to the masses again.

The band is scheduled to release the concert, which it livestreamed Dec. 12, to a variety of platforms Aug 27 through KScope Records. The label also released the band’s then latest album, Sonder in 2018.

The career-spanning 2020 concert featured songs from across the band’s catalog, which spans four albums and one EP. The 14-song set ran more than two hours.

Bassist Amos Williams said during a recent interview, the concert was a positive experience for the band.

The recording’s track listing is noted below.

More information on TesseracT’s upcoming home release of its PORTALS concert is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.tesseractband.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tesseractband

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesseractband

Exist Immortal’s New EP Is An Impressive Addition To 2021’s Field Of New Prog-Metal Records

Posted on March 16, 2021 by philspicks

Independent progressive metal outfit Exist Immortal has been making its own course in the metal community since the release of its 2014 album, Dream Sequence. In the time since the album’s release, the band has gone on to release two more albums, one EP, and a handful of singles largely on its own. Now Friday, the band takes another step forward in its life with the release of its second EP (the band’s fifth studio recording), Act II: Gold. The record has already produced one single, ‘Come Alive.’ Its video has received more than 6,600 views since its premiere last month. The EP’s latest single, its title track, is set to debut Wednesday through knotfest.com. The second release in the band’s EP trilogy, Act II: Gold continues the band’s musical exploration of navigating internal struggles, which was started in 2020 with Gold’s predecessor, Rebirth. That is according to front man Meyrick de la Fuente. The path taken in this record is itself sure to engage and entertain audiences. This will be discussed shortly. The musical arrangements that accompany the record’s lyrical theme do their own part to make the record appealing, and will be discussed a little later. The record’s production rounds out its most important elements and will also be discussed later. Each item noted here is important way to the whole of Act II: Gold. All things considered, they make the record a work that any prog-metal fan will find worth hearing.

Exist Imortal will take a big step forward in its life Friday when it releases its new EP, Act II: Gold through Seek & Strike Records. While the label is technically an independent label, the release of the EP with a label’s backing means the band is moving in the right direction. Of course it is just one sign of the band’s positive growth. The overarching lyrical theme of the band’s new EP is its own assurance of the growth of the band’s popularity. Front man Meyrich de la Fuente pointed out in a recent interview that the album’s lyrical theme continues the overall theme of dealing with inner struggles once a person has gotten through the initial stage of going through those emotional obstacles.

“Act One: Rebirth is about coming to terms with missed opportunities and letting the past go,” he said. “Act Two: Gold is about assessing what needs to be done in moments of clarity while coming through difficult times.”

His statement is proven through the record’s overall lyrical content. As the EP opens in the song ‘Atmosphere,’ de la Fuente sings in its chorus, “They’ll be waiting with their daggers out/To see if I am denied/It’s terrifying I might prove them right/I have to live my life/That’s why I need to find a place I can unwind/When it’s over/When I feel it sinking in.” This is clearly the beginning of that moment of clarity.

The positive vibe of which de la Fuente noted is even more as the EP continues in ‘Come Alive.’ He sings in the song’s lead verse, “I wanna get away/So tired of being this afraid/I feel it/I feel it/I can’t be down/I hate it/I hate it/I always drown/I won’t be your ghost/Holding on again/How can I be there/When something always takes me in the end.” The sense of determination continues in the song’s second verse, which states, “I’m still tryna find a way/While hoping for a better day/I feel it/I feel it/You must know why/We are one/So just take it away/It won’t be the same/Inside the echo of our/Heart is a game/The world is insane/It’s all a lie/Hard to see/Just where we meet inside these lines (It won’t be the same).”

As the EP enters its title track, the song seems to hint at letting go of the past as we reach that point of clarity. That is inferred as the speaker makes note of being so eager to let someone from the past back into one’s life even though we know the likely repercussions of such actions. The song’s subject responds, noting, that “I won’t back down/I can’t back down for anyone.” In other words, this is that self-assuredness coming through in that moment of clarity. That assurance is echoed in the chorus in the song’s finale, ‘The Cure.’ The song’s subject sings in the song’s chorus, “I’m waking up from all the chaos inside/I won’t give up/I’m strong enough.” The rest of the song’s lyrical content is just as confident. When it is considered along with the clear emotional journey on which the subject travels from the record’s opening, that overarching lyrical theme of which de la Fuente noted becomes fully clear. It in itself forms a strong foundation for the EP’s presentation.

The overall lyrical concept presented in this EP is itself reason enough for audiences to hear the record. It is just one of the positives to which audiences have to anticipate. The EP’s overall musical approach adds even more to its appeal. The musical arrangements featured in Act II: Gold will reach a wide range of metal and hard rock fans. The 16-minute presentation opens with a solid prog-metal work whose rich heaviness and djent style immediately lends itself to comparisons in part to works from Devin Townsend and in part to works from TesseracT. That hybrid approach makes the song a strong opener for the record. The band changes things up slightly in ‘Atmosphere’ with an almost metalcore style approach paired with its prog-metal roots. It makes for yet another interesting presentation in itself. ‘Gold’ is perhaps the most radio-ready of the EP’s works with its pure prog-metal approach, complete with soaring vocals. The TesseracT comparison is definitely present here, too. Though, the band still manages to give the song its own identity. The band goes even heavier in ‘The Cure,’ which closes out the album. Along with the continued TesseracT comparison, there is also a minor touch of a Meshuggah influence in the guitar arrangement. That added to the song’s overall melodic prog-metal arrangement makes for even more engagement and entertainment. When it is considered along with the rest of the record’s musical content, that whole enhances the EP’s appeal even more. It still is not the last of the EP’s most notable elements. The production of that content puts the finishing touch to the record.

The production that went into Act II: Gold is important to examine because of how much is going on in this record’s arrangements. The songs are busy to say the least, combining the rich, heavy guitars, the equally rich bass line, drums and vocal harmonies. Considering how much each instrument “has to say” within the bigger picture of each song, a lot of attention had to be paid to each song so as to ensure everything was balanced within each work. Thankfully that attention paid off each time. de la Fuente’s vocals, which possess their own wonderful power pair so well with the intensity of the instrumentation in each song. At no point do any of the lines overpower one another. Everything is so well balanced, to the result that the record’s production leads listeners to be fully immersed in the record. To that end, there is no doubt about the importance of the EP’s production. When it is considered along with the record’s featured arrangements and lyrical content, that whole makes Act II: Gold a record that every prog-metal purist will agree is worth hearing at least once.

Exist Immortal’s forthcoming EP Act II: Gold is a presentation that any prog-metal fan will find interesting. That is due in part to its featured lyrical theme. The theme in question follows the theme established in the record’s predecessor, Act I: Rebirth. The continuation of the “story” featured in that record is certain to engage listeners in its own right. The musical arrangements that accompany the EP’s lyrical content makes for its own appeal — especially again — for prog-metal purists. They are unique compositions that still exhibit influences from the band’s more well-known counterparts, such as TesseracT. The production of those arrangements puts the finishing touch to the record. It ensures every composition within the record is balanced to the utmost extent, and succeeds in so doing. Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of this record. All things considered, they make the EP a presentation that prog-metal purists will find worth hearing at least once. Act II: Gold is scheduled for release Friday through Seek & Strike Records. More information on the EP is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://ex-im.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/existimmortal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/existimmortal

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

TesseracT Announces Details For Upcoming Live Event

Posted on December 1, 2020 by philspicks

Courtesy: Century Media/Century Media Records/Atom Splitter PR

TesseracT will hold a unique live performance later this month.

The band made the announcement Tuesday through a press release. The event, titled “PORTALS,” is scheduled to stream live at 2 p.m. ET Dec. 12. The pre-show is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET and will feature extra, such as interviews with the band, behind-the-scenes footage, crew rehearsals.

Tickets for the upcoming concert experience are available here. Early bird tickets are $17 while standard tickets are $20. Ticket bundles featuring t-shirts, laminates, and posters are also available.

A trailer for the extensive presentation is streaming here. According to the trailer, the concert will be spread across five separate acts and will have a “new set list.” Audiences can stream the concert for three days after its premiere.

Bassist Amos Williams produced “Portals” and discussed the upcoming presentation in a prepared statement.

“P O R T A L S is a celebration of our love of performing,” he said. “Each act is a still from an ever-evolving musical personality. Each song is the conversation you have with old friends when you meet up for the first time in ages and you pick up exactly where you left off.”

“This year has presented us all with an unusual set of barriers to surmount,” added Williams. The limitations of not being able to tour and the absence of shows has focused us towards the concept of creating the ultimate tour production, within the ultimate TesseracT show; Where we explore every facet of our music, and every story we have told, and in doing so create new stories and in some cases commit evolved versions to a medium that will outlast the moment.”

Mike Malyan handed drums for the upcoming concert in place of the band’s drummer Jay Postones. Postones was unable to travel from his hometown in Texas to the United Kingdom due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Early this year, TesseracT re-issued its 2013 sophomore album Altered State through Century Media Records. The record was released on a 4LP/2CD box set. The collection features the isolated instrumental tracks that were recorded during the Altered State sessions.

Tesseract’s vinyl/CD re-issue of Altered State is available now.

More information on TesseracT’s Altered State re-issue and upcoming concert is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.tesseractband.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tesseractband

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tesseractband

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TesseracT’s ‘Altered State’ Re-Issue Will Find A Very Targeted Appeal

Posted on November 2, 2020 by philspicks

Progressive metal band TesseracT is resurrecting its 2013 sophomore album Altered State. The band is scheduled to re-issue the record Friday on an extended 4LP/2CD box set. The set’s re-issue is centered around the addition of the previously unreleased isolated instrumentals recorded during the album’s sessions. This aspect will be discussed shortly. That the band featured the noted instrumentals not just on one, but both platforms is its own positive that deserves its own attention. The box set’s average price point rounds out its most important elements. That is especially considering the average prices for vinyls in this day and age. It will be addressed later, too. Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of TesseracT’s vinyl re-issue of Altered State. All things considered, this presentation is one that will appeal mainly to the band’s most devoted audiences.

TesseracT’s forthcoming re-issue of its 2013 sophomore album Altered State is a presentation that will appeal largely to the band’s most devoted fan base. That is thanks in part to the inclusion of the album’s previously unreleased isolated instrumental tracks. For those who might not already know how the creation of songs works, instrumentals are recorded and mixed separate within themselves and even separate from vocal tracks. The instrumentals that accompany songs’ lyrical content can either compliment that lyrical content or even give that content (and itself) a whole new identity and impact. The thing is that when the two sides are coupled it is sometimes (actually often) difficult to focus just on one or the other. By presenting the isolated instrumentals, audiences are able to focus just on the instrumentals. This in turn allows the band members’ talents to really shine and get the appreciation that they deserve. The djent nature of so much of the record’s musical arrangements is on full display here alongside the record’s darker, heavier, moments, which were clearly influenced by the likes of Fates Warning, Tool, and Dream Theater. Simply put, having the instrumentals isolated and available for audiences to hear by themselves for the first time is plenty of incentive for TesseracT’s most devoted fans to own this re-issue of Altered State. Adding in to that appeal is the fact that Century Media has made sure not to alienate any of the band’s fans in the process.

TesseracT’s forthcoming re-issue of Altered State is a box set that features the band’s landmark album and its isolated instrumentals on vinyl and CD. In other words, whether a fan takes the side of vinyl or CD, audiences on both sides of that discussion will get to enjoy the full presentation. The only catch is that regardless of which side audiences take, they will have to purchase the box set in whole in order to get the experience. That can easily be construed as a negative, and yes to a point it is negative. That is because owning the 4LP vinyl set is going to be more expensive than owning the 2CD set by itself. Owning both together is even more expensive. On the other hand, by owning the re-issue together in both formats, Century Media’s officials are making sure that all of their bases are covered. Their logic is understandable. By having the set together in one box means that again, both sides of the discussion are covered. It also means that those audiences who themselves take both sides can enjoy the album’s re-issue whether on vinyl at home (or a family or friend’s place) or in their cars. In other words, again, all the bases are covered, so Century Media has actually done a favor for all of TesseracT’s fans here. It is just one more way in which this record’s re-issue proves to be a boon for TesseracT’s most devoted fans, and not the last.

The average price point of Altered State’s re-issue rounds out its most important elements. As has already been noted, the price of the re-issue together in one full 4LP/2CD set is not inexpensive. The box set’s average price point – using price listings at Amazon, Best Buy, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers (it was not listed at Walmart, Target, or Books-A-Million) – comes to $67.32. As expensive as that is, it is in line with other expanded vinyl box sets that are available from other acts in terms of pricing. To that end, while the noted devotees will shell out quite a bit for the set, it is not above the price for other vinyl collections that are out there. For instance, Motorhead’s newly released Ace of Spades box set – released Oct. 30 – is priced at approximately $165. It features far more content, though. Single disc vinyls will run audiences between $25-$30, depending on the retailer. To that end, the price point for this collection is up there but not overly so. Amazon’s price of $65.98 is the least expensive, though literally by just a penny from the listing at Barnes & Noble Booksellers ($65.99). Best Buy lists the set at $69.99. Simply put, regardless of the retailer, the single pricing at each noted retailer is below the noted average. What’s more, it is below the $100 mark, making for even more encouragement for the band’s devotees to pick up this re-issue. When this is considered along with the overall content and its availability, all three elements join to leave no doubt as to why TesseracT’s biggest fans will appreciate this set.

TesseracT’s forthcoming re-issue of its 2013 sophomore album Altered State is a presentation that will appeal to a very targeted group of the band’s fans. Those fans will be glad to know that there is plenty of motivation to own the new box set, too. That is proven in part through the fact that the re-issue features the album’s instrumentals isolated alongside the full album in this presentation. That the isolated tracks and albums are featured on the box set’s vinyl and CD platforms make for even more motivation for the noted audiences to own this collection. The set’s average and separate price listings are their own motivation. The average and separate listings are below the $100 mark. What’s more, the separate listings are below the average price point, making for even more appeal. Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of the box set’s presentation. All things considered, TesseracT’s most devoted fans can be assured that this box set is a positive investment and addition to their music libraries.

More information on TesseracT’s forthcoming Altered State re-issue is available online now along with all of TesseracT’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.tesseractband.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tesseractband

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tesseractband

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