Altered State
by Tesseract
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
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  1. Rock Sound
    Jun 12, 2013
    90
    TesseracT have taken the djent blueprint and, barring occasional plunges into riff soup, have re-engineered it into a living, breathing, emotive display of rousing poly-prog.
  2. AllMusic
    Jun 26, 2013
    80
    After an impressive debut, Tesseract return with Altered State, a sophomore effort that finds the band expanding its progressive metal sound in a bigger, more ambitious direction.
  3. Kerrang!
    Jun 12, 2013
    80
    This is the sound of TesseracT getting even better. [25 May 2013, p.54]
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  5. Revolver
    Jun 12, 2013
    80
    TesseracT’s real strength is that they focus on the whole instead of getting bogged down with the intricacy of the parts.
  6. Exclaim
    Jun 12, 2013
    70
    Baroque in complexity and dripping romantic drama, Altered State is a strong move in the right direction for TesseracT.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 2 out of 40
  1. mrphil
    Jul 12, 2013
    10
    After the loss of two singers it's difficult to imagine how Tesseract could find a third who would be as good as those preceding him. But heAfter the loss of two singers it's difficult to imagine how Tesseract could find a third who would be as good as those preceding him. But he is. In fact, in many ways this is the voice the band should have always had. While I miss some of the impassioned screams from their first release, the vocals on Altered State have become an instrument unto themselves, and an important one at that.
    Similarly, I miss some of the more grinding, almost nineties, heavy moments from the first album, but that doesn't mean this album doesn't hint at what came before. It's just different. It's bigger. It's broader. And it's altogether spectacular.
    You want interesting come on in. You want unexpected take a seat. You want soft they got time for you. You want heavy yep, your ears will bleed. You want random time frames that'll have you spend multiple listens just trying to understand how the different instruments fit together, let alone stay focused on what they're doing you are in the right place.
    Stop wondering whether you should listen to this masterpiece and just settle down with some great speakers/headphones, put your feet up and go on the journey. Altered State is not a collection of songs, it is one piece of music conveniently sliced up for you listening pleasure.
    I can't wait to see what they come up with next time.    … Full Review »
  2. padrah
    May 18, 2014
    9
    Fantastic album. As someone who didn't listen to Tesseract's first album, "One", "Altered State" was mind-blowing. From the guitar tones toFantastic album. As someone who didn't listen to Tesseract's first album, "One", "Altered State" was mind-blowing. From the guitar tones to the groove, to Ashe's amazing vocal range, it was a non-stop journey of awesomeness. The use of saxophone on the tracks 'Calabi-Yau' and 'Embers' was a great addition. Absolutely recommended.… Full Review »
  3. allfanmu
    Oct 13, 2013
    10
    Absolutely most promising progressive metal bands. Altered State is pretty consistent, hard hitting but very emotional and lyrically greatAbsolutely most promising progressive metal bands. Altered State is pretty consistent, hard hitting but very emotional and lyrically great album. They have such a big potential to become absolute legends which will be counted with Dream Theater as masters of progressive music.… Full Review »
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