Affinity by Haken, released in 2016
Haken is 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 additional members, releasing their first demo in 2008. They then released their debut concept album, Aquarius, in 2010, the beginning of something great.
It's the first album with bassist Conner Green, who replaced Thomas MacLean in 2014. As the band stated, it was a collaborative effort, no longer limited to Richard Henshall's writing.
The sound and influences of progressive rock shift from the '70s to the '80s, but I strongly detect progressive metal in many songs, a distinctive trait, and the songs' creativity and intensity remain unchanged.
The album explores aspects of human behavior, from their primordial nature to their evolution, all the way up to the impact of computer science. "The Architect" (a beautiful suite on the B-side of the first album, featuring guest vocals by Einar Solberg of Leprous) explores artificial intelligence, a full ten years ago.
- "affinity.exe" is an instrumental intro with deliberately imperfect and raw sounds reminiscent of old computers, continuing the album's technological theme.
- "Initiate" is an exciting and energetic track with beautiful, strong melodies, beautiful vocals, and a commanding synth riff.
- "1985" is a progressive rock song in a neo-prog style with "classic" synth sounds and a very catchy chorus.
- "Lapse" is a melancholic track with a beautiful instrumental section and a great guitar solo.
- "The Architect" is the album's top track, the longest at about 15 minutes. It's a progressive metal style, very complex and intense, with dark overtones and a great vocal performance by Einar Solberg of Leprous, djent guitars, and an extraordinary bass solo.
- "Earthrise" is a short but beautiful song, with a pop feel and a very emotional tone.
- "Red Giant" is a slow and melancholic song, which in my opinion is subdued compared to the other tracks.
- "The Endless Knot" is a great piece, complex and with impactful melodies, exceptional guitar solos, and a phase with syncopated rhythms and deep, powerful bass. Beautiful.
- "Bound by Gravity" closes the album, a long, very emotional track, a prog ballad with an epic finale dominated by the great voice of Ross Jennings. A great finish.
After the first three albums, and especially the beautiful " The Mountain" expectations were sky-high. It's difficult to repeat and maintain such high levels, but this band has proven itself. Beautiful album that in my opinion is even superior to the first 3.
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.
Tracklist
1. affinity.exe (1:24)
2. Initiate (4:16)
3. 1985 (9:09)
4. Lapse (4:44)
5. The Architect (15:40)
6. Earthrise (4:48)
7. Red Giant (6:06)
8. The Endless Knot (5:50)
9. Bound by Gravity (9:29)
Duration 61:26
LineUp
- Ross Jennings - vocals
- Charlie Griffiths - guitar
- Richard Henshall - guitar
- Diego Tejeida - keyboards
- Conner Green - bass
- Raymond Hearne - drums
Featuring:
- Einar Solberg - vocals (5)
- Pete Rinaldi - acoustic guitar (9)
