TesseracT "Juno"
Acle Kahney
Acle Kahney
Acle Kahney is a guitarist, producer, mixer, and founding member of the UK-based progressive metal band TesseracT. Known for his intricate songwriting, expansive sound design, and forward-thinking production style, Acle has played a central role in shaping the modern progressive metal landscape. His work blends complex rhythms, ambient textures, and emotional depth, helping define the djent movement while pushing beyond its boundaries.
Acle founded TesseracT in the early 2000s as a solo project, writing and recording music that fused heavy, down-tuned guitar work with atmospheric synths and unconventional time signatures. What began as a bedroom studio experiment quickly grew into one of the most influential bands in progressive metal. As the band expanded into a full lineup, Acle took on the roles of guitarist, main songwriter, and producer, guiding TesseracT through the creation of critically acclaimed albums like One, Altered State, Polaris, Sonder, and War of Being.
Acle is still an active member of TesseracT, both on stage and in the studio. His guitar work is known for its clarity, rhythmic precision, and ability to seamlessly shift between aggression and melody. His songwriting often incorporates layers of ambient soundscapes, cinematic build-ups, and dynamic shifts that take listeners on a journey rather than following traditional song structures.
In addition to his role as a performer, Acle is also the band’s primary producer and mixer. He has recorded and mixed much of TesseracT’s discography in his home studio, achieving a sound that is both massive and refined. His mixes are spacious and detailed, with careful attention paid to each frequency range to ensure that every instrument has its place without overpowering the rest. The result is a sonic experience that feels immersive and emotionally resonant.
Acle is known for being at the forefront of modern production techniques, often blending real instrumentation with digital elements to create a hybrid sound that feels organic and futuristic. He has developed a signature tone that many other artists in the genre strive to emulate, and his production style continues to influence a new wave of progressive and technical metal bands.
Outside of TesseracT, Acle has worked with other artists as a producer, mix engineer, and collaborator. While his primary focus remains on his own band, his knowledge and experience make him a valuable asset in any creative setting. He is also passionate about gear and tone shaping, frequently experimenting with amp modeling, IRs, and virtual instruments to push the limits of what can be achieved in a home or project studio.
Acle Kahney’s session on Nail The Mix offers an in-depth look at how a modern progressive metal record is crafted from start to finish. From guitar tone creation and layering techniques to ambient production and final mix decisions, he shares insights that reflect both his technical skill and artistic vision.
With a career built on innovation, precision, and creativity, Acle Kahney continues to shape the future of progressive music both as a musician and a producer.