A very apt album title with what’s been happening over the world for the past 3 years. This is the band’s 6th studio album released in 2020. If Prog metal is your thing, then you need to dive into Haken’s catalogue immediately. I think they were heavily influenced by Dream Theater, and Mike Portnoy had them has his band when he toured the Seven Steps Suite as Shattered Fortress.
The heaviest of beginnings with the very heavy djenty guitars to Prosthetic. A absolutely stunning track with killer riffs and grooves, and great vocals. Lots more of that please! Invasion is completely at the other end of the spectrum. It starts with a bare vocal and a pulsed synth before the main track kicks in – so much going on here! A killer drum pattern with djent guitar and vocals matching each other., and the middle section is nuts – just superb! Carousel is so freaking cool. I love the seemingly repeating riff that throws in the key change. Wonderful middle section with supreme heavy guitars mixing with ethereal vocals and soundscape keys. By the time the track ends, it feels as though you are listening to a completely different piece of music. I think this is my favourite track…well, today anyway.
The Strain follows with a killer drum pattern and groove, and the track keeps on building. Canary Yellow follows and this track is a lot more chill to what has gone before – I like the change in vibe. Well, that’s the end of the first three sides, and Side D is given over to the Messiah Complex split into 5 parts, and Only Stars. I love these big concept pieces that drift off and comeback with multiple riffs, time changes, and grooves ,and Messiah Complex is up there as one of the best – epic stuff! That leaves, Only Stars, which by comparison is a quite delicate piece that drifts across the speakers and is a beautiful ending to a killer record. You guessed it – you should buy this immediately.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
