Tessellate, Darren Deschaine’s latest EP, is a meticulously crafted instrumental prog metal experience that I had the pleasure to start my day with. Spanning six tracks, the Scottish guitarist and producer has come a long way from the their great debut EP Unravel, which also I had the pleasure to review. Here, we get a treat with headbanging heavy riffs, electronic elements, and emotional depth into a cohesive 21-minute journey.
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The opener, Equinox, sets the tone with a mid-paced headbanging guitar thriller. It establishes Deschaine’s knack for creating vivid, guitar-driven atmospheres. Next up is Flesh Puppet, a headbanging beast of a track. Trippy electronic synths give way to thunderous djent riffs and pounding drums. The track’s breakdowns are absolutely crushing, and the dark guitar solo is nothing short of mesmerizing. This is where the Darren Deschaine’s genius truly kicks into high gear, blending metal and electronic production seamlessly. Sever.exe shifts into a more contemplative space, with ethereal synths and lingering guitar notes creating an ominous yet captivating mood. The track builds slowly, exploring a rich low-end soundscape before erupting into a blazing guitar solo that feels both cathartic and thrilling.
Brain of Theseus is a high-octane riff fest that channels old-school thrash vibes with a modern sound. The relentless pace, groovy power riffs, and tasty breakdowns make this an instant standout. The ‘chorus’ chord progression is addictive, and another groovy headbanging power riffin masterclass. The title track, Tessellate, brings a sense of grandeur to the EP. With its expansive chord progressions, it gives a feeling as if you’re pondering the universe on a hill. Seeing it all. A well sculpted modern metal instrumental guitar song. Ending the EP on an experimental note with Sabbath, we are greeted with retro dance electronic tones. Guitar sweeps slowly sweep into this brilliantly crafted electronic track before it ends on a grand metal note with an epic guitar solo.
Tessellate shows Darren Deschaine’s versatility as a musician and producer. Each track brings something unique to the table, yet the EP flows effortlessly from start to finish. The combination of brilliant songwriting, elaborate production, and jaw-dropping guitar work ensures that this record isn’t just for fans of instrumental metal, it’s for anyone who appreciates music that dares to push boundaries.
Deschaine has produced a dynamic and captivating progressive metal experience that’s as inventive as it is enjoyable. Whether you’re here for the crushing riffs, the intricate solos, or the seamless blend of metal and electronic elements, this EP has something for everyone. Plug in, crank up the volume, and let Tessellate take you on a journey.
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