What makes Sonder by Tesseract notable?

Sonder received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its ambitious sound and emotional depth. The album debuted at number 23 on the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant commercial achievement for the band, further establishing them as key players in the modern progressive metal landscape. Released on April 20, 2018, Sonder is Tesseract's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Altered State. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their place within the progressive metal scene while exploring new sonic territories, particularly in vocal delivery and production techniques.

Sonder works well if you're into wave-like emotional peaks, introspective sonic journey and short bursts of intensity.

How many songs are on Sonder?

Sonder has 8 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Sonder

Tesseract · 2018

36 min · 8 tracks · progressive metal

A delicate interplay of atmospheric soundscapes and intricate rhythms creates a mesmerizing journey through progressive metal's emotional depths.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
King — The track showcases a powerful blend of melodic hooks and heavy instrumentation, embodying the thematic exploration of personal struggle and triumph that defines the album.
→
Beneath My Skin — This song features a haunting vocal performance that deepens the album's introspective quality, with a dynamic shift that captivates listeners and reflects inner conflict.
→
Mirror Image — With its complex rhythm patterns and layered arrangements, this track represents Tesseract’s signature style while pushing boundaries in both composition and emotion.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Sonder showcases intricate compositions and strong production, creating a compelling yet cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

The first three tracks build a dense atmosphere with layered guitars and synths, gradually introducing more complex rhythms.
Tracks four through six feature a shift towards more melodic vocals, contrasting with the heavier instrumental sections.
The final two tracks slow the tempo significantly, allowing for extended instrumental passages that emphasize mood over aggression.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like emotional peaks
introspective sonic journey
short bursts of intensity
atmospheric layers for focus

Maybe skip if you

seek instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on April 20, 2018, Sonder is Tesseract's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Altered State. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their place within the progressive metal scene while exploring new sonic territories, particularly in vocal delivery and production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Periphery· Animals as Leaders· Between the Buried and Me