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HAKEN
"Aquarius" (Sensory; 2010)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
Haken are progressive rock and progressive metal; that
just means they can switch between those two types of progressiveness and still
stay within the defined terms. Haken are from London, England and "Aquarius,"
their debut, is a concept album that tells the story about a couple that has a
mermaid daughter. Fans of progressive music will be drawn into the storytelling
and music of "Aquarius." I know I was. This album would be great to see in
concert with a storyboard behind the band, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
The tracks on "Aquarius" are lengthy and move from progressive time signatures
to musical instruments such as a flute, harp and trombone to name just a few of
the sounds you will hear on this disc. The list of guest musicians on this CD is
impressive! Haken use a lot of jazz, metal and prog to tell the story, I read
that they sound like Kansas hopped up on pills and since they start "Aquarius"
off with a track entitled "Point of No Return" there could be some truth to that
statement. "Aquarius" clocks in at 1:12:48 but the time passes quickly since the
story unfolds in a way that lets the music tell part of the story while the
vocalist sings the other part. There is a dark voice that tells his own story.
He moves in and out of the story so when you hear him listen for his side of the
tale.
At first listen, I was a little sour-faced but after a while I was eager to see
how they would approach each track. It took me some time to take in all the
sounds but once I quit nit-picking and started pointing out I was able to relax
and really enjoy a progressive style of music I don't normally embrace. At times
I think Steve Vai is being channeled. Haken have a weird but cool approach to
progressive music. As of the writing of this review, they now have three discs
out there. I'll have to give each one a chance so look for more reviews
forthcoming on Haken.
Haken: Ross Jennings - Vocals; Richard "Hen" Henshall - Guitar and Keyboards;
Charlie Griffiths - Guitar; Thomas MacLean - Bass Guitar; Ray Hearne - Drums,
Tuba, Djembe; Diego Tejeida - Keyboards. Guest Musicians -Craig Beattie -
Trombone; Alex Benwell; Trumpet; Pablo Inda Garcia - Clarinet; Marged Hall -
Harp; Darren Moore - Trumpet; Jon Roskilly - Trombone; Dave Ruff - Flute.
For more information -
http://www.hakenmusic.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2014 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
15 Apr 2024 16:45:43 -0400.
