Vector by Haken, released in 2018
This version is beautiful, with a double LP of which only 3 sides are engraved and the last one is screen-printed (as shown in the photo).
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, creating their first demo in 2008 and then releasing their debut concept album, Aquarius, in 2010, the beginning of something great.
It is the shortest album recorded by the group up to that point, the sounds are purely progressive metal compared to previous albums and, as stated by the band themselves, it contains some of the heaviest riffs they have ever written.
Vector is also a concept album and tells the story of a man who is the victim of a psychopathic doctor who toys with his mental state.
We are undoubtedly faced with a hard prog-metal album, a metallic sound worthy of extreme metal, also typical in the format: while previous albums lasted about 70 minutes, here we have 7 tracks for 44 minutes, an “80s metal” length.
Here too, tracks of the highest quality but this time pushing on the heavier side, splendid guitar riffs and a rhythm section that improves with every album.
- Clear is a short instrumental that opens the album with beautiful synths creating a tense atmosphere introducing the next track,
- The Good Doctor, which well represents the heavy atmosphere of the album with beautiful organ parts, very powerful metal, beautiful
- Puzzle Box is a pressing and frenetic track with great technical execution.
- Veil is an epic track of about 12 minutes, splendid with its fusion of Metal and melody.
- Nil By Mouth is a beautiful completely instrumental track, with complex rhythms, heavy riffs influenced by djent and a fantastic duel between guitar and keyboard.
- Host is one of the soft moments of the album with a beautiful Floydian atmosphere.
- A Cell Divides is the closing track, powerful, with a catchy chorus and funky and melodic influences, beautiful. A typical closing ballad.
Another great album, but not comparable with the previous ones, here there is a change of direction that makes it something different and still beautiful. Great Band.
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page
Tracklist
1. Clear (1:50)
2. The Good Doctor (3:56)
3. Puzzle Box (7:43)
4. Veil (12:35)
5. Nil by Mouth (6:51)
6. Host (6:45)
7. A Cell Divides (4:57)
Duration 44:37
LineUp
- Ross Jennings - vocals
- Charlie Griffiths - guitar
- Richard Henshall - guitar
- Diego Tejeida - keyboards
- Conner Green - bass
- Raymond Hearne - drums
With:
- Miguel Gorodi - flugelhorn (2)
- Peter Jones - drum programming
