Haken
Affinity

Currently, the Progressive Metal music scene is as vast as it can be, with dozens of bands from all over the world churning out albums of varying merit, with success consequently alternating. Contrary to what one might think, this "subgenre" of Metal is much more flourishing than Prog's detractors might admit. And to think that said genre has come a long way since that distant 1992, a year when a certain group from Boston created their own world made of "Images and Words," consecrating the birth of a new subgenre of Metal, which would create quite a stir among the "TRUE METALLERS." Many years have passed, and the "heirs" of the Dream Theater are now truly many, and today I am about to talk about those who are perhaps among the best things that have happened in modern Prog.

Haken. These English lads have managed to carve out a space and a solid fanbase within a few years, managing to emerge further in that ocean that is the current Prog scene...and how did they do it? How did they achieve it? Simply by releasing excellent albums, one after the other, albums of a freshness that almost leaves one amazed. After the first two albums (Aquarius and Visions), Haken shakes off the label of "Modern Copy of Dream Theater" by releasing the monumental The Mountain, a small (actually not so small) masterpiece of Modern Metal, and three years later, here we are talking about what so far is their latest studio effort. This is Affinity. I don't want to overextend...this is an amazing album, to be listened to again and again until the CD wears out. Stylistically, it's very different from the previous The Mountain, and here there are a plethora of references to the purest '80s Prog. Haken prefers to draw extensively from this decade, offering something new and fresher compared to the usual Prog album that delves deeply into the masterpieces of the early '70s. Here we are faced with an impressive variety of sounds, arrangements, and stylistic choices. "1985," for instance, is the sum of all that the music of that year offered. Flashy keyboards, yet intelligent at the same time, half-acoustic and half-electronic drums, a guitar that knows how to make dreams when it's time to dream and attack when it's time to attack. "Lapse" is much easier to listen to, boasting a chorus and an almost "Pop" feel (take these words lightly). The monumental "The Architect" at 15 minutes is a continuous orgasm, featuring guest Einar Solberg of Leprous (the Growl returns in a Haken song). "The Endless Knot," as flashy as it is ingenious, even features a dubstep interlude. The concluding "Bound By Gravity" is a ballad that exudes positive emotions from every single note, gently leading us to the end. I avoid talking about all the tracks because I don't want to spoil the listening experience by "spoiling everything." The singer Ross Jennings’ voice perfectly fits into the "futuristic '80s" sound (if you'll allow me the term) that the other band members (all extremely skilled musicians in top form) manage to create with their instruments. Affinity is the best one could expect today, absolutely nothing to envy in the records of more "historic" bands, and today it represents a beacon in today's musical ocean. When you don't feel like discovering new albums or new bands for fear of being disappointed or wasting your time listening to something of low quality, remember that Haken is here, ready to make you dream, enjoy, and be proud to listen to such a beautiful music genre. And Affinity is the confirmation, the absolute confirmation of their quality and preparation. A must-have and listen at all costs.