Virus, sixth album by Haken, from 2020, which is the conclusion of the story started with Vector,
Haken are an English band formed in 2007 by friends Richard Henshall, Matthew Marshall and Ross Jennings. After three years spent studying their instruments, they reunited in 2007 and recruited other members, giving life to their first demo in 2008 and then released their debut concept album, Aquarius, in 2010, the beginning of something great.
An ultra-tough album right from the very first track, progressive metal tending towards the extreme, electric sounds and distortions, the voice at times becoming hoarse and harsh, extraordinary drumming, not only for the speed but for the great taste. Precision beyond all expectations from these great musicians, even though this band has accustomed us to pieces measurable by metronome.
Melodic inserts make it a hard but not mean album, which surprises me with every track for its creativity and inventiveness.
Some notes on the tracks:
Beautiful Prosthetic and Invasion, the opening tracks, aggressive and heavy, of great intensity, and also Carousel, an epic song with heavy atmospheres and melodic moments, Great piece.
More melody in The Strain and Canary Yellow. Messiah Complex is a beautiful suite of about 16 minutes that is more similar to the band's previous repertoire. Only Stars closes the album with a Dark mood.
The sounds are, in my opinion, complemented by superb sampling work. The production is excellent. The artwork mysterious and unsettling just enough.
I no longer make rankings within this band's repertoire, every time I find myself using the same word, “masterpiece,” but once again I think so, without the word itself losing its meaning.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are in the presence of a stratospheric album, a band that improves every time even technically and produces without ever repeating itself or becoming boring.
Beautiful. Energy.
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page
Tracklist
1 . Prosthetic (5:58)
2. Invasion (6:42)
3. Carousel (10:29)
4. The Strain (5:23)
5. Canary Yellow (4:14)
6. Messiah Complex I: Ivory Tower (3:57)
7. Messiah Complex II: A Glutton for Punishment (3:38)
8. Messiah Complex III: Marigold (2:24)
9. Messiah Complex IV: The Sect (2:02)
10. Messiah Complex V: Ectobius Rex (4:57)
11. Only Stars (2:10)
Duration 51:54
- "Prosthetic" track that connects the albums "Vector" and "Virus"
LineUp
- Ross Jennings - vocals
- Charlie Griffiths - guitar
- Richard Henshall - guitar
- Diego Tejeida - keyboards
- Conner Green - bass
- Raymond Hearne - drums
