Thursday 21 March 2019

#29 - Top of 2018

Haken - Vector (InsideOut)


Over the last decade, Haken have been able to establish themselves among the leaders of the contemporary prog scene. Their 2011 & 2013 albums "Visions" and "The Mountain" constitute undoubtedly some of the best prog rock moments of this decade. However, many fans criticised their 2016 output "Affinity" and the band seemed to be suffering from fatigue at that point. Nevertheless, "Vector" is a certain return to form from the band, easily standing on equal footing to their greatest moments and showing that the band still has what it takes. Songs such as the frantic & erratic "Puzzle Box" and the musically enchanting "Veil" show beyond any shadow of doubt that the band still's "got it". The album is quite short (~45 minutes), but makes up in quality what it lacks in quantity, with the new electronic elements introduced in Affinity more seamlessly blended to the sound of the band. Another excellent record that shows that despite bumps in the road, the band was able to get it together and continue on their prog journey with us tagging along to an amazing ride.

For more Haken, you can check out the review of their best album yet here.

93.1/100

Below is the music video for "A Cell Divides"



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