Album Review: Haken - Virus
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Haken, the lauded English progressive metal band return with their sixth album, one which was always intended to link with 2018’s ‘Vector’. Any similarity between the current pandemic and the album title is coincidental but it may not feel that way in the current climate.
Now, I’m not the biggest Haken fan by any stretch, aware of their work but hard pushed to name their material. I have friends, however, who would sell various organs to catch this band live. Having worked on ‘Virus’ during their European tours and Devin Townsend support slot in North America, Haken’s drummer Ray Hearne reveals, “since releasing ‘The Mountain’ in 2013, one question has been asked of us time and time again, ‘who is the Cockroach King?’. This is something we were interested in exploring more deeply too, so we essentially did that through our music, elaborating and expanding upon the intervallic, harmonic, rhythmic and lyrical themes of that song. The result is in an arc which spans across two albums: ‘Vector’ and ‘Virus’”.
If you are unfamiliar with the band and this concept, then this review may help as I’m approaching it more as a single album although for most fans the links between ‘Virus’ and the previous record will be essential. Vocalist Ross Jennings explains, “whilst ‘Virus’ can absolutely be enjoyed as a stand-alone work, it is thematically and conceptually linked with ‘Vector’, so our intention is to perform both albums back to back for a special performance someday”.
'Prosthetic’ opens the album. Punchy heavy riffing and a pummelling drive in an explosion of progressive metal; the links with DTP may be unintentional but it seems evident to me. Complex and intricate, it’s a powerful start to 52 minutes and 11 tracks of delicate crafted music which draws influences from multiple genres. ’Prosthetic’ starts the spread of a virus that affects all aspects of our lives, biological, psychological, technological, environmental, or political. The longest track on the album, ‘Carousel’ demonstrates the versatility of the band with crushing brutal riffs juxtaposed with delicate harmonies, gentle almost ethereal segments. Over ten minutes in length, this I understand is essence of Haken. They don’t write simple music.
‘Virus’ is eclectic, perhaps more so than previous albums that Haken have released. ‘The Strain’ is at first listen one of the more accessible and commercial tracks, although the signature time changes, and multiple layers soon change that though. It segues neatly into the lighter but darker ‘Canary Yellow’, Ross Jennings high vocals entwined in intricacy as the band weave their spell. around the lead nicely into the five part ‘Messiah Complex’; a complex suite which is likely to be viewed as the jewel of the album. 17 minutes in length, ‘Messiah Complex’ explicitly and unapologetically references ‘The Mountain’ era’s source material. There are many subtle nuanced elements. The propulsive power in part ii – ‘A Glutton for Punishment’ sees the band break loose, the combined vocals soaring over more challenging patterns which rage below like breakers on the bow of a ship. Part iii – ‘Marigold’ contrasts dramatically, almost Opeth in style and delivery although the fermented jazz segments in Part iv – ‘The Sect’ lead the band to a different dimension, with a familiar, yet twisted reprise of a Gentle Giant-style a cappella vocal counterpoint, distancing further comparison with the Swedes.
The production and mix are once again delivered by Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood who produced ‘Vector’. Long-time Haken collaborators, Black Lake, designed the visuals and artwork with a stark black viral bacteriophage against an arresting yellow background.
Even when taken on its own, this is a super piece of work. It is an organic and sonic soundscape; the development of songs meticulously crafted during the past 18 months. It won’t appeal to all. The complexity and layered style may aurally challenge. At times it is almost overloaded. I am sure that fans will recommend listening to ‘Vector’ first to provide the natural link. However you approach ‘Virus’, ensure that seatbelt is tightened. The ride is one that is thoroughly enjoyable, whichever vehicle you chose to utilise.
