Haken

Vect or

Inside Out Music ✪✪✪✪✪

UK Prog metallers, Haken are back. They’re not taking prisoners either as opener, Clear has a huge opening that evokes modern prog majesty as much as a Hans Zimmer movie score. The segue into The Good Doctor is impressive; huge metal riffing, harmony vocals and a groove that’s reminiscent of two of GT’s favourite early ‘90s bands, T-Ride and King’s X. Haken has two outstanding guitarists, Charlie Griffiths and Richard Henshall who favour eight-string Kiesel guitars for all manner of shredding, tapping and funk popping (check out The Good Doctor). While there are only seven tracks on Vector, many are of considerable length with the middle track, Veil clocking in at over 12 minutes. In many ways, this is the heart of the album as it travels through many dynamic levels and colours; the piano and harmony vocal intro, the dropped-tuned riffing, the ominous syncopations half-way through complete with crazy shred lines, the atmospheric break down with emotive guitar and the blazing solos in the outro. Quite a journey! If you’re new to Haken and love progressive music, now’s the time to check them out.