Words and Photos: Josh Trotter
Nashville, known for its rich musical history, witnessed a seismic event on the night of November 13th, 2023, as the city’s Brooklyn Bowl played host to a mind-bending concert featuring the progressive metal titans Tesseract, supported by the dazzling Intervals and the dynamic Alluvial. The air was charged with anticipation as the venue filled with an eclectic mix of metal enthusiasts, ready for a night of virtuosic performances and sonic exploration.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd’s excitement reached its peak, Alluvial took the stage, setting the tone for the night with their captivating blend of atmospheric and technical metal. Comprised of guitarist Wes Hauch and drummer Matt Paulazzo, Alluvial displayed a masterful command of their instruments, delivering intricate, tightly woven compositions that left the audience in awe.
Hauch’s guitar work was nothing short of mesmerizing, seamlessly transitioning between delicate melodic passages and thunderous riffs. The chemistry between Hauch and Paulazzo was evident, with the latter’s precise and thunderous drumming providing a solid foundation for the sonic journey that unfolded. Tracks like “Ulysses” and “Colony” showcased Alluvial’s ability to traverse a wide sonic spectrum, drawing the crowd into a sonic vortex that served as the perfect introduction to the evening’s musical odyssey.
Following Alluvial’s intense performance, the Canadian instrumental powerhouse Intervals took the stage, immediately captivating the audience with their intricate melodies and dynamic compositions. Led by guitarist Aaron Marshall, Intervals’ set was a testament to the emotive power of instrumental music.
The band seamlessly blended technical proficiency with emotional depth, creating a sonic landscape that resonated with the crowd. Marshall’s guitar wizardry was on full display, with each note and riff delivered with surgical precision. The rhythm section, consisting of bassist Jacob Umansky and drummer Nathan Bulla, provided a solid backbone, allowing the melodic elements to soar.
Tracks like “I’m Awake” and “Libra” showcased Intervals’ ability to craft complex yet accessible music, bridging the gap between progressive metal and more melodic genres. The absence of vocals did nothing to diminish the emotional impact of their performance; if anything, it highlighted the band’s prowess in conveying feelings through instrumental prowess alone. The crowd, entranced by Intervals’ sonic tapestry, responded with thunderous applause after each song, setting the stage for the headlining act.
As the stage was set for Tesseract, the anticipation in the air was palpable. When the UK-based progressive metal juggernauts took the stage, the crowd erupted into cheers, signaling the beginning of a sonic odyssey that would leave an indelible mark on Nashville’s metal scene.
Tesseract’s setlist drew from their rich discography, seamlessly weaving together tracks from albums like “One,” “Altered State,” and “Sonder.” The band’s charismatic frontman, Daniel Tompkins, immediately commanded the stage with his ethereal vocals, effortlessly transitioning between haunting cleans and guttural growls. The duality of Tompkins’ voice added an extra layer of emotional depth to the performance, captivating the audience from the first note.
Guitarists Acle Kahney and James Monteith showcased their technical prowess, delivering intricate riffs and soaring solos that underscored Tesseract’s reputation as one of progressive metal’s most formidable acts. Amos Williams on bass and Jay Postones on drums provided a rock-solid foundation, their rhythmic precision driving the music forward with relentless energy.
The visual aspect of Tesseract’s performance was equally impressive. A stunning light show and mesmerizing visuals complemented the music, creating a multi-sensory experience that immersed the audience in the band’s sonic universe. The interplay of light and sound reached its zenith during the performance of “Concealing Fate,” a multi-part epic that showcased Tesseract’s ability to seamlessly shift between moods and tempos.
Standout moments from the set included the ethereal “King,” the dynamic “Survival,” and the powerful “Luminary.” Each song was met with fervent cheers from the crowd, who were clearly in sync with the band’s musical journey. Their performance left the audience in awe, solidifying Tesseract’s status as a progressive metal powerhouse.
As the final notes echoed through the venue, the crowd erupted into a thunderous applause, expressing gratitude for a night of musical transcendence. Tesseract, along with Intervals and Alluvial, had delivered a performance that transcended the boundaries of genre, leaving an indelible mark on Nashville’s metal community. The Brooklyn Bowl had been transformed into a sonic temple, and those fortunate enough to witness the spectacle would undoubtedly carry the memories of this extraordinary night for years to come.
https://www.facebook.com/tesseractband
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