Progressive metal titans TesseracT have long been at the forefront of the djent and prog-metal scene, continuously evolving their sound while maintaining their signature blend of intricate polyrhythms, soaring melodies, and crushing heaviness. Their latest release, ‘War of Being’, has pushed their sonic boundaries even further, delivering a conceptual and immersive experience that translates powerfully into a live setting. For their ‘War of Being Part II Tour’, they have enlisted French progressive metalcore outfit ‘Novelists’ and Australian instrumental prog trio ‘The Omnific’, a lineup that promised a night of relentless musicianship and emotional intensity.
Opening the night, The Omnific showcased their unique approach to progressive metal, setting themselves apart with a lineup that features two bassists and a drummer, no guitars necessary. The Australian trio’s complex interplay of melodic tapping and heavy grooves captivated the audience, creating an atmosphere that was utterly hypnotic. Tracks like “Merlin’s Id” and “Ne Plus Ultra” demonstrated their ability to weave intricate bass melodies into heavy, groove-laden passages, while the sheer dynamic range of their set ensured that even those unfamiliar with their work were left impressed. Despite being the first act, their intricate compositions and undeniable chemistry made them a standout, proving that bass can more than hold its own at the forefront of modern progressive metal.
Taking the stage next, Novelists brought a heavier, more emotionally charged energy to the night. Vocalist Camille Contréras, commanded the crowd from the moment she graced the stage with a mix of soaring cleans and raw screams, while the band’s dynamic transitions kept the audience fully engaged, making full use of all platforms. Opening with ‘Lost Cause’, the band immediately ignited the pit with crushing riffs and soaring choruses. Tracks like ‘Do You Really Wanna Know?’ and “Prisoner” balanced melody with raw heaviness, proving that Novelists are a force to be reckoned with in the modern prog-metalcore scene.
As the lights dimmed and the intro to ‘Natural Disaster’ rumbled through the venue, anticipation reached its peak and the venue erupted. TesseracT have built a reputation for delivering sonically and visually immersive performances, and tonight was no exception.
From the first note, they commanded the stage with an effortless blend of technical precision and raw emotional power, which was magnified further by vocalist Daniel Tompkins balancing on the barrier and immersing himself in the crowd.
Following with ‘Echoes,’ the band wasted no time in locking into their signature ethereal yet crushing groove. Vocalist Daniel Tompkins seamlessly transitioned between his soaring clean vocals and guttural roars, demonstrating his incredible range and control. The interplay between Acle Kahney’s and James Monteith’s intricate guitar work created a hypnotic wall of sound, perfectly complemented by Amos Williams’ thunderous basslines. Jay Postones’ complex yet groove-laden drumming provided the perfect foundation, driving the band’s dynamic intensity forward.
The middle of the set saw deep cuts from across their discography, including ‘Of Mind - Nocturne’ and the hauntingly beautiful ‘Tender’, before launching into the emotionally charged ‘Sacrifice’. Each song building in intensity and drawing the crowd deeper into their sonic world, ‘King’ and ‘Smile’ further cemented the band’s ability to balance melody with crushing heaviness.
As the set progressed, ‘The Arrow’, ‘Legion’, and the monumental ‘War of Being’ showcased the sheer range of TesseracT’s sound, from atmospheric passages to devastating riffs, each moment more immersive than the last. Closing out the main set with the fan-favorite ‘Juno’, the band left the stage to thunderous applause.
But the night wasn’t over yet. Returning for an encore and bringing the full crew on stage in sheer appreciation, the unmistakable opening notes of ‘Concealing Fate, Part 1: Acceptance’ sent the room into a frenzy. One of their most iconic tracks, it was a fitting way to close an evening that encapsulated everything Tesseract does best - technical brilliance, raw emotion, and a performance that transcended mere live music, becoming something truly cinematic. A fitting way to end the last UK show of their tour.
TesseracT’s ‘War of Being Part II Tour’ is more than just a live show - it’s an immersive experience. With a carefully curated setlist, impeccable sound, and an awe-inspiring stage presence, the band reaffirmed their status as one of the most innovative acts in progressive metal. Supported by the phenomenal performances from Novelists and The Omnific, this was a night of musicianship at its finest, one that left Leeds with a newfound appreciation for the sheer artistry of modern prog metal.#
Words: Katie Edwards
Photos: Ollie Hayman
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