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| Rating: 8 |
Already? I love Aquarius, so I'm looking forward to this one. I hope that Ross Jennings has been working out those vocal chords since last time.
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Whoa...another one to look forward to. Nice.
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 DrM - 05.08.2011 at 21:45
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First Opeth, now Haken as well: In a recent interview Hen mentioned there'd be no growling on this album.
Quote: "I don't think it's a conscious effort to get rid of the growling. More that that the sections in the new songs didn't need growling. We haven't actually got any growling on the album, but that's not because we made that conscious effort. We didn't feel the need for it, whereas with Aquarius some of the themes were a little bit darker in certain areas of the album, so…"
Excellent! That's the only bit I disliked on their last effort.
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| Rating: 8 |
Whaat, already? Gotta check this out!
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| Rating: 9 |
Holy hell... superb album. Dream-who?
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| Rating: 9 |
Written by Introspekrieg on 22.09.2011 at 23:32
Holy hell... superb album. Dream-who?
You gave it a perfect 10? Wow, that's something. I guess I should check this out 
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| Rating: 7 |
I've never seen a worse metal singer than this Ross Jennings. He really has an DEEPLY annoying voice.
And again, they decided to take the same theme and put it in almost every songs. It becomes boring. And they always want to modulate into another key, always with the same pattern.
I'm not impressed. I was with Aquarius, though.
Still, the musicians are good and the production is perfect!
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Kap'N Korrupt - 27.09.2011 at 09:57
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Yeah, this album is flawless...
Something has been happening with progressive metal in the past ten years...it has been getting stale and bands have been disappearing...albums by prominent bands have been few and far between...Vanden Plas, Symphony X, Dream Theater, Threshold...have dried up...
Haken is a VERY IMPORTANT BAND...they have breathed new life into progressive metal in the past two years...they are very influential and I have VERY HIGH HOPES for them and I think that Haken are going to influence a new damn in progressive metal...they are one of those 'right bands at the right time' sorta things...ALL HAIL HAKEN!
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Written by Guest on 27.09.2011 at 09:57
Yeah, this album is flawless...
Something has been happening with progressive metal in the past ten years...it has been getting stale and bands have been disappearing...albums by prominent bands have been few and far between...Vanden Plas, Symphony X, Dream Theater, Threshold...have dried up...
Haken is a VERY IMPORTANT BAND...they have breathed new life into progressive metal in the past two years...they are very influential and I have VERY HIGH HOPES for them and I think that Haken are going to influence a new damn in progressive metal...they are one of those 'right bands at the right time' sorta things...ALL HAIL HAKEN!
I'll second that, I was really loosing hope with prog when I ran into Haken with the random band band button. It's really great when you feel something big is about to happen with a band and you're right at the beginning of it. I sure hope they get the visibility they deserve. I bough Aquarius at my local disc store but they haven't heard of Visions yet. Anybody can reccomand some good online music store (Exept Amazon friends had bad experience with scratched cds)
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DrM - 28.09.2011 at 11:21
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Written by Edmund Fogg on 28.09.2011 at 05:42
I'll second that, I was really loosing hope with prog when I ran into Haken with the random band band button. It's really great when you feel something big is about to happen with a band and you're right at the beginning of it. I sure hope they get the visibility they deserve. I bough Aquarius at my local disc store but they haven't heard of Visions yet. Anybody can reccomand some good online music store (Exept Amazon friends had bad experience with scratched cds)
You should also check out CDUniverse and lasercd. The latter specializes in prog music, and although sometimes a bit more pricey their service is implacable and the variety like none I have ever seen.
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Written by DrM on 28.09.2011 at 11:21
You should also check out CDUniverse and lasercd. The latter specializes in prog music, and although sometimes a bit more pricey their service is implacable and the variety like none I have ever seen.
Thanks for the heads up. It seems like somethingh is wrong with the release date. On their website it's annouced to be released only by the end of october.
Edit: Release has been fixed I envy the ones that got their promo copy....Lucky bastards
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Mind. Blown. Very possibly prog album of the year, alongside Wolverine's newest.
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| Rating: 9 |
Excellent indeed. There is something special about the vocals and instrumentalization of the album. Definitely a contender for best of the year. Great year for prog!
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I feel like they're getting a bit more comfortable with their genre on this one, and aren't trying to pack in all these juxtaposing ideas every possible second. It feels more fluid this time around, and in general it's just way more consistent. While some of the other prog releases this year have certainly let me down (Dream Theater for starters) this is definitely one of the best.
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| Rating: 8 |
Just as good as Aquarius. Not better. Still a terrific addition to anyones Prog Metal collection.
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I haven't heard it but I want to. I just haven't found it on the net.
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Great album in a new wave of progressive albums. If you like this, try "Bilateral" by Leprous. I can hear many similarities, although Leprous is more adventurous and exciting to me, since Haken is closer to traditional ProgMetal. Nonetheless Haken is one of the best bands in the genre I've heard for a while. To me, this new wave of prog is matched only by that other new 'wave' I discovered earlier this (fantastic) year: the Brisbane sound by bands alternative proglike bands such as Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus and The Butterfly Effect.
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| Rating: 9 |
Written by MaxBoost on 18.10.2011 at 12:00
Great album in a new wave of progressive albums. If you like this, try "Bilateral" by Leprous. I can hear many similarities, although Leprous is more adventurous and exciting to me, since Haken is closer to traditional ProgMetal. Nonetheless Haken is one of the best bands in the genre I've heard for a while. To me, this new wave of prog is matched only by that other new 'wave' I discovered earlier this (fantastic) year: the Brisbane sound by bands alternative proglike bands such as Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus and The Butterfly Effect.
It's funny that you mention it, Bilateral was my #1 of this year until this album. I would say Leprous have more diverse songs with a better singer, but in the songwriting department I think Haken take the cake...n? Then again, the are both amazing albums that don't need to be compared.
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| Rating: 9 |
This is an outstanding album and an absolute must for any prog listener. "Nocturnal Conspiracy" and "Visions" are landmark pieces and are, arguably, some of the best prog epics in recent memory. While there are transitions within the songs that seem abrupt, the album as a whole has great pacing and flows together well. The production and mixing is outstanding. The performance is excellent. What really sets this album apart is the song writing. While Haken does recycle many of their trademark chord voicings and progressions they seem to effortlessly blend it into every tune to create a fresh-sounding finished product that will make your ears perk up, head rock in all sorts of time signatures, and put a smile on your face. The level of maturation from "Aquarius," which was a phenomenal album itself, to "Visions" is something to be optimistic of. Haken is the future of the genre ladies and gentlemen.
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Not enjoying this one as much as the previous album, might take a break from it.
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| Rating: 10 |
First Aquarius and now Visions. Haken are shitting all over Dream Theater's last six albums like they're nothing. What a dramatic turn of events. 
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| Rating: 9 |
Written by Mechaniacal on 28.10.2011 at 03:07
First Aquarius and now Visions. Haken are shitting all over Dream Theater's last six albums like they're nothing. What a dramatic turn of events.
Dream Theater's last 6 albums? It seems like you're being a little bit overenthusiastic with that statement.
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Not to mention that they have much to learn before they can reach DT levels. I like Haken, but apparently they're quite fresh and inexperienced. Just one example: the growling on Aquarius. It begs a question: what the fuck were they thinking? Totally not matching anything on the album, pointless and simply terrible.
Dream Theater, even on a bad day, still beat Haken hands down.
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Written by Daniell on 28.10.2011 at 14:37
Dream Theater, even on a bad day, still beat Haken hands down.
Really? This album is easily better than the latest DT for me.
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Written by R'Vannith on 28.10.2011 at 15:03
Written by Daniell on 28.10.2011 at 14:37
Dream Theater, even on a bad day, still beat Haken hands down.
Really? This album is easily better than the latest DT for me.
Yes, it is, but it's not my point. DT don't make silly mistakes when they compose songs. Regardless of how good/bad the songs are, they don't strike me as immature. Which is the case with Haken's ridiculous growls.
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Written by Daniell on 28.10.2011 at 16:16
Yes, it is, but it's not my point. DT don't make silly mistakes when they compose songs. Regardless of how good/bad the songs are, they don't strike me as immature. Which is the case with Haken's ridiculous growls.
Oh I see, well DT has been at it for a while.
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Written by R'Vannith on 28.10.2011 at 16:23
Written by Daniell on 28.10.2011 at 16:16
Yes, it is, but it's not my point. DT don't make silly mistakes when they compose songs. Regardless of how good/bad the songs are, they don't strike me as immature. Which is the case with Haken's ridiculous growls.
Oh I see, well DT has been at it for a while.
A bit more nitpicking from me. I really like Haken and I think they have a lot of potential, but they need to make one fundamental change - the vocalist. The guy just doesn't cut it, and most of the time he is annoying as hell.
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Written by Daniell on 28.10.2011 at 16:34
A bit more nitpicking from me. I really like Haken and I think they have a lot of potential, but they need to make one fundamental change - the vocalist. The guy just doesn't cut it, and most of the time he is annoying as hell.
I have to say I enjoyed the vocals on Aquarius, but this one.. I'm not so sure, they seem kind of off for me. He's good, not the best of course. I wouldn't go so far as to say he's annoying though.
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| Rating: 10 |
Written by BloodTears on 28.10.2011 at 14:26
Written by Mechaniacal on 28.10.2011 at 03:07
First Aquarius and now Visions. Haken are shitting all over Dream Theater's last six albums like they're nothing. What a dramatic turn of events.
Dream Theater's last 6 albums? It seems like you're being a little bit overenthusiastic with that statement.
Images & Words - 1992
Awake - 1994
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory 1999
And...that's about it. Last 6, beginning with Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. 
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| Rating: 9 |
I personally like the vocals on this one better than LaBrie... I guess when we talk about sheer technicality DT can't be beat. But as for songwriting...
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| Rating: 8 |
I think that Jennings has really stepped up his game on this one. I liked the debut album a lot, but his style got on my nerves because his voice seemed so thin. That's not the case here, and I am also hearing more variation and some great little flourishes. I think he has a real style now, and quite a recognizable one. There's a bit of LaBrie in there, but I like Jennings better now. The compositions on Visions are also superior imo. And I love those little almost chiptune-like intermezzos and little details. I will definitely be listening to this a lot.
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Fredd - 02.11.2011 at 07:05
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| Rating: 9 |
This and bilateral restored my faith in progressive metal.
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| Rating: 9 |
Written by Fredd on 02.11.2011 at 07:05
This and bilateral restored my faith in progressive metal.
Yea. As of right now these two are duking it out for prog album of the year in my mind. The new Animals as Leaders is still continuously growing on me though so that might take them over although it's a bit different.
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| Rating: 9 |
I'm not a huge fan of progressive metal these days but as has been mentioned there's something special about these guys. I like this album more with every listen. Looking forward to checking out their previous record too.
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Is Haken really metal? To me this sounds like prog ROCK. Haven't listened to this one, but Aquarius is the epitome of boredom imo.
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K†ulu - 18.11.2011 at 13:24
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| Rating: 7 |
Written by MétalNoir on 18.11.2011 at 01:19
Is Haken really metal? To me this sounds like prog ROCK. Haven't listened to this one, but Aquarius is the epitome of boredom imo.
nonono, Haken are too heavy to be prog rock. A good example of modern prog rock would be Beardfish.
but Aquarius the epitome of boredom??? I know tastes differ but what prog bands do you like?
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Written by K†ulu on 18.11.2011 at 13:24
Written by MétalNoir on 18.11.2011 at 01:19
Is Haken really metal? To me this sounds like prog ROCK. Haven't listened to this one, but Aquarius is the epitome of boredom imo.
nonono, Haken are too heavy to be prog rock. A good example of modern prog rock would be Beardfish.
but Aquarius the epitome of boredom??? I know tastes differ but what prog bands do you like?
Usually mixed with power or extreme metal, which in both cases adds speed and intensity. Stuff like Symphony X, Myrath, Barren Earth, Into Eternity, where the progressive side isn't too prominent, you know. When it comes to slooooooowness I rather listen to doom. I swear I tried really hard to understand why people praise Aquarius so much but I failed. I can't go through an entire song without pressing the FWD button. Is there a track off that album or the new one you'd recommend for its heaviness or intensity?
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K†ulu - 18.11.2011 at 19:34
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| Rating: 7 |
Written by MétalNoir on 18.11.2011 at 18:40
Written by K†ulu on 18.11.2011 at 13:24
Written by MétalNoir on 18.11.2011 at 01:19
Is Haken really metal? To me this sounds like prog ROCK. Haven't listened to this one, but Aquarius is the epitome of boredom imo.
nonono, Haken are too heavy to be prog rock. A good example of modern prog rock would be Beardfish.
but Aquarius the epitome of boredom??? I know tastes differ but what prog bands do you like?
Usually mixed with power or extreme metal, which in both cases adds speed and intensity. Stuff like Symphony X, Myrath, Barren Earth, Into Eternity, where the progressive side isn't too prominent, you know. When it comes to slooooooowness I rather listen to doom. I swear I tried really hard to understand why people praise Aquarius so much but I failed. I can't go through an entire song without pressing the FWD button. Is there a track off that album or the new one you'd recommend for its heaviness or intensity?
All their songs seem to have those mellow moments, so I don't know if you will really like anything. From Aquarius, try "Point of no Return" with its crazy jazz bridge in the middle, "Eternal Rain" (the shortest and the most straight-forward I'd say) and "Drowning in the Flood" (the first part is heavy and the intro is also catchy as hell). The new one I still can't get into.
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| Rating: 9 |
I just listened to this album very carefully for the first time now. First impression: Beautiful!
Although I must admit that midway through it I felt that I was being dragged into another Dream Theater copycat cliché (I know it sounds terrible to say this), but soon I felt that I was facing a very unique composition and song writing here. And to be honest, I've found here something that I felt it was lacking in DT's albums over the last years: fresh originality.
So far, and after a first listen, it sounds flawless production-wise and it probably is. Composition, variety, and songwritting also sounds really nice so far. Not to mention the unique and inspiring melodies in some passages.
Incredible album, and even being somewhat away from the prog scene this year, I feel this is a very good candidate for album of the year in this category.
Favourite song so far: the beautiful 'Deathless', that made me feel inspired right away. 
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 Susan - 06.12.2011 at 17:38
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| Rating: 8 |
Wonderful album indeed! Though I don't understand all this talk of it being anyone's Prog Album of the Year. Yeah, the biggies in the genre aren't releasing many great albums but there are SO MANY lesser known prog bands (such as Haken) writing great music and breathing new life into the genre. Thank god, too. It's time for some new "biggies" around the prog world.
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Slinky666 - 08.12.2011 at 04:52
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I liked the artwork. 
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| Rating: 8 |
Visions is a really good album. It gives me the "Metropolis: Part 2" feeling (although not reaching the heights of said album). I'm so glad they got rid of the growling vocals; they were horrendous, and so were the parts where they were used. IMO their debut only had one song worth listening to: the last one. However, this CD is truly a breath of fresh air into the prog genre. BTW, Insomnia is a really awesome track!
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