- Posted By: Dark Emperor
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Haken – Visions (2011)
Riding on the success of their impressive 2010 release “Aquarius”, Haken returns with yet another excellent Progressive Metal release with “Visions”, this clearly shows that their debut album was not a fluke and that the band means business. For over 71 minutes of brilliantly composed music, the band makes it clear that they are ready to take a protagonist role in the crowded Progressive Metal scene. With a very Dream Theater-like approach, Haken opens this release with the instrumental “Premonition”. In this track you can hear brilliant keyboards and the futuristic edge that made “Aquarius” such an appealing release last year. After the soothing effect of the opening track, the 13 minute “Nocturnal Conspiracy” delivers the first appearance of Ross Jennings, the band’s charismatic vocalist. His pipes are very emotional and never as whiny as other singers such as James LaBrie. This track features a few sections that remind us of Ayreon and Star One in terms of the music, but Haken still manages to pull away with their own characteristic sound. |