Haken

Virus INSIDEOUT

Missing link between Slayer and King Crimson.

One of Britain’s most enlightened prog bands, Haken always combine a thrash-style ferocity with intimate complexity. Virus continues that development. Their sixth album, it follows predecessor Vector in many ways, having a similar sense of musical structure.

At the core is the five-part Messiah Complex, which allows guitarists Richard Henshall and Charlie Griffiths to give full rein to their jazz-rock aspirations as well as belting out some bloodied riffs. Vocalist Ross Jennings has a more haunting presentation, which comes into its own on more introspective pieces like Only Stars and Carousel; he can sound a little lost when the brakes are released on the more metaloriented tracks. The same can be said of keyboard player Diego Tejeida.

Although there’s much to admire on this record, Haken are still a little way from delivering the masterpiece that’s within their scope. ■■■■■■■■■■