TesseracT at O2 Ritz Manchester

In 2010, TesseracT released their first EP at a time where bands such as Bring Me the Horizon, While She Sleeps and Architects were at the forefront of the UK metal scene. 

Just over 13 years later, following the success of last years album ‘War of Being,’ TesseracT have brought their exciting live show back to home soil in the UK as part of their ‘War of Being’ world tour. Bringing with them a strong line-up of supporting bands; it’s easy to see why many of the dates are sold out, including their show at the O2 Ritz in Manchester.

Whilst the first band of the night, The Callous Daoboys, may seem a little out of place on this tour, it doesn’t stop the band from bringing a fast-paced, high-energy set to the stage. What starts out as a quiet crowd is quickly won over by the sheer confidence of the band as they blast through their genre-bending set, to much applause from the crowd.

Following on from this, we take a step in a different direction with a strong set from German progressive metal band, Unprocessed. As they make their way through their 8 song set list, it’s clear that the band is composed of talented musicians. Even if you’re not a fan of the band, it’s hard not to appreciate the speed and precision of vocalist and guitar extraordinaire, Manuel Gardner Fernandes. Through soaring choruses, beefy breakdowns and technical riffs, the band waste no time in showing off what they’re capable of, leaving the crowd well and truly ready for the main attraction. 

As tube lights flicker and anticipation builds, members of TessaracT appear one by one on the stage, silhouetted by spotlights. Last to the stage is vocalist Daniel Tompkins. The strumming chords of ‘Natural Disaster’ begin to play as Tompkins kicks things off with his immense vocals. Lights flash and pyrotechnics stream from the back of the stage throughout the performance, as the band waste no time in proving themselves deserving of a place in the metal mainstream spotlight.

Although this tour is celebrating last year’s album ‘War of Being,’ the setlist covers all areas, taking us back to some of the bands earlier work, including fan favourite ‘Nocturne’. This is a career-spanning set. Through crushing guitars and polyrhythmic beats, the crowd is in motion. The circle pit erupts into a swirling chaos and crowd surfers begin to emerge in an attempt to beat the previous night’s record. The stage show has a theatrical element to it, that would not look out of place in an arena. As the set progresses, there are smiles all around; mostly from drummer, Jay Postones, who is clearly enjoying himself throughout. 

As the band start heading for the finish line, the crowd are treated to a powerful performance of the album’s second single, ‘The Grey’, followed closely by ‘Juno’ from 2018’s ‘Sonder’, before closing out with ‘Concealing Fate’ parts 1 and 2; something the older fans within the audience clearly appreciate. The energy is electric during this 12 minute epic, creating the biggest circle pit of the night. 

When asked who had been to a TesseracT show before, a large portion of the crowd put their hands up into the air; a clear sign of the growing popularity of the band. Judging by tonight’s performance, their popularity is something that will only continue to grow; proving that TessaracT are deserving of their headline slot at this year’s Radar Festival.