HAKEN

Vector

INSIDEOUT Experimental diehards trim the fat and crank up the heaviness In 2016, Haken released

Affinity, a dynamic, hourlong opus that was praised for its lengthy, diverse tracks and took inspiration from modern prog, classic rock, metal, electronic and classical music. On the follow-up to their most successful album to date, the six-piece pull a 180, opting to make Vector a succinct, impactful ball of melodic excitement. Anthems like The Good

Doctor and Puzzle Box are among the most direct and infectious Haken have ever unleashed, having been given new focus by muscular guitar-work, the production of ex-Periphery bassist Adam Getgood and a rock opera-style narrative about a mental hospital. Even at its most experimental, like on the 12-minute Veil and the instrumental Nil By

Mouth, the sheer power of metal perpetuates Vector, resulting in Haken’s most invigorating disc.