Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the media-library-assistant domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/functions.php:6114) in /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1893 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/functions.php:6114) in /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1893 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/functions.php:6114) in /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1893 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/functions.php:6114) in /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1893 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/functions.php:6114) in /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1893 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/functions.php:6114) in /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1893 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/functions.php:6114) in /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1893 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/functions.php:6114) in /customers/8/6/5/powerofmetal.dk/httpd.www/newsite/wp-includes/rest-api/class-wp-rest-server.php on line 1893 {"id":7528,"date":"2016-03-30T04:33:05","date_gmt":"2016-03-30T02:33:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/powerofmetal.dk\/?p=7528"},"modified":"2016-03-30T16:01:54","modified_gmt":"2016-03-30T14:01:54","slug":"haken-affinity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsite.powerofmetal.dk\/reviews\/haken-affinity","title":{"rendered":"Haken – Affinity"},"content":{"rendered":"

Haken is a band name that in progressive circles is known for quality, musicianship, and an attention to their craft that is being praised by not only their own fans, but fans of all eras of progressive music.\u00a0 For a band to be able to transcend that many levels of distinction in their respective musical field is a somewhat rare feat these days.\u00a0 So as you can imagine, expectation levels for their new album \u201cAffinity\u201d are at an all-time high.\u00a0 The promotion for the album, the constant online chatter, the overall buildup to the release of said album; it\u2019s reaching a fever pitch.\u00a0 The popularity of the band has grown steadily over their first two albums, and with the release of their last full-length \u201cThe Mountain\u201d, their praise got even higher and even more interest was garnered.\u00a0 After the release of their EP \u201cRestoration\u201d and their first North American headline tour, the band took on the daunting task of writing the album I am about to review.<\/p>\n

And so, where do I stand?\u00a0 It would be hard to not have my expectations on high since they are fast becoming one of my favourite bands.\u00a0 Well after giving this release a thorough aural digesting, I can honestly tell you that the hype is real, and the band is even more on top of their game than at any time in their talented career.<\/p>\n

Starting off with \u201caffinity.exe.\u201d, we get an astral presence, something otherworldly, which leads the buildup into \u201cInitiate\u201d, weaving back and forth between beautiful atmosphere and a nice back-and-forth chugging between all the instruments.\u00a0 Ross Jenning\u2019s vocals give an immediate presence and help guide the listener through the start of the journey.\u00a0 Switching gears into what might be one of the big highlights of the album is \u201c1985\u201d, which is not just a year, but a song that embodies many of the various musical trends that helped to shape eighties music as a whole, while the band puts their own twist on it and brings it into present day.\u00a0 Electronic drums and retro synth fit in seamlessly to the whole idea put forth in this song of then vs. now.\u00a0 Blending the nostalgic with the new has very rarely, if ever, come off this well.\u00a0 It\u2019s surprising as hell to hear, and very rewarding.\u00a0 \u201cLapse\u201d with it\u2019s playful fusion-like elements and impressive guitar solo serves as a tasty appetizer of the upcoming main course of \u201cThe Architect\u201d, which clocks in at a meaty 15:40.\u00a0 This is what most will view as the epic song on this album, and it will take a few listens to fully appreciate as there\u2019s a lot to digest, but it runs the spectrum from atmospheric and sullen to heavy and deliberate (as well as the return of the vocal growls not present since the debut album, courtesy of Leprous vocalist Einar Solberg).\u00a0 This song is almost indescribable as there is just so much to take in, but imagine all of their styles and influences making appearances throughout this piece.\u00a0 It\u2019s a fulfilling listen which will almost want you to start listening again from the start to try to take everything in once again and pick apart it\u2019s many layers.\u00a0 Pairing down the sound after such a weighty composition is \u201cEarthrise\u201d which is poppy in a sense and powerful in a positive light.\u00a0 \u201cRed Giant\u201d presents the most basic and stripped-down track of the bunch, but don\u2019t let that deter you as there are lots of cool effects to compliment the electronic atmosphere contained.\u00a0 \u201cThe Endless Knot\u201d is punchy as hell.\u00a0 The excellent syncopation gives way to a song that is fluid as hell during all parts.\u00a0 Album closer \u201cBound By Gravity\u201d is a 9 minute ballad which shows off beauty and tranquility, and as that brings calm to the listener as it finishes, we get an old-school internet modem sound to remind us of the nostalgic throwback aspects of our concluded musical voyage.<\/p>\n

What I can tell you is this band isn\u2019t repeating itself.\u00a0 The band continues to constantly evolve with each album, but more in growth and maturity and not in a way that alienates listeners.\u00a0 Having said that, the band still wears their influences on their sleeves, but not in a blatant or damaging way.\u00a0 They make the sound their own, which is what learning from your peers and having influence in music should always be about.\u00a0 The remarkable thing is that they\u2019re still able to give us a great middle zone between prog rock and prog metal, which is no easy task to handle.<\/p>\n

Every member of Haken is just as important as the last, all contributing to a sound that would not work half as well if it weren\u2019t for all involved.\u00a0 Their collective talents shine and they have never sounded as on point and driven as they do on \u201cAffinity\u201d.\u00a0 The one magical thing you can take from this product is it\u2019s a real grower of an album. It has many different layers, different flavours, and lots to hear and many things you\u2019ll newly discover on future listens.\u00a0 And for those that thought topping \u201cThe Mountain\u201d was a daunting and almost impossible task, you will be surprised at how much higher the band has raised the bar.\u00a0 This is Haken doing what they do best; making engaging, thought-provoking music that demands full attention and deserves enormous praise.<\/p>\n

Tracklist:<\/strong><\/p>\n

01. affinity.exe
\n02. Initiate
\n03. 1985
\n04. Lapse
\n05. The Architect
\n06. Earthrise
\n07. Red Giant
\n08. The Endless Knot
\n09. Bound By Gravity<\/p>\n

Playing time:<\/strong> 61:25<\/p>\n

Release date:<\/strong> 29 April, 2016<\/p>\n

Label:<\/strong> Inside Out Music<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong> Haken Official Website<\/a><\/p>\n