Haken

Haken is a modern progressive rock band hailing from London, England. Since the sextet started jamming together in 2004, they’ve been one of the genre’s most loyal yet simultaneously adventurous forces. Every album they’ve released is distinct from all the rest, but they’re all tied together by their incalculable time signatures, earless songwriting, and majestic vocals – and, of course, their critical acclaim.

Haken’s 2010 debut, Aquarius, gave British prog a sorely needed lifeline. In establishing the band’s balance of mighty hooks, off-kilter riffs, and flamboyant keyboard lines, it made them the most exciting and experimental sons of the genre’s homeland since Porcupine Tree emerged almost two decades prior. The next year’s Visions somehow pushed the melodies and scope even further, setting the stage for the breakthrough The Mountain: an avant-garde behemoth that united the best traits of Gentle Giant, Metallica, and Soft Machine in one swipe. Since then, Haken has gleefully dabbled in ’80s synths on 2016’s Affinity, before the conceptual duo of Vector and Virus aggravated their heavy metal leanings to invigorating levels.

How do you honor such an eclectic, unpredictable career? You make Fauna: Haken’s most genre-busting and conceptually fascinating album to date. Haken’s 7th studio album is due for worldwide release on March 3rd, 2023. Haken is also scheduled for a co-headline European tour with Between the Buried and Me in early 2023.