Hello all!
This is Ray from HAKEN
Please try and keep this thread live. Olaf's... i mean 'pulsefloyd' (:P) is doing a great job! Arrich, where did you go?!
Just to let you know we're still working hard, Charlie has slotted in perfectly and Diego (our new man on keys alongside Hen) is doing an incredible job.
We're working on our debut album which should see an official release early in the new year. It seems far away now, but trust me it'll be worth the wait.
We're all very excited about the progress we're making and we should get a couple of gigs in during the next month or two before I enter the studio at the end of July to lay down the drums.
That's all folks! Cheers for listening!
Ray
HAKEN
It'll be nice to see Haken really moving forward from small time band to something bigger (hopefully). Especially after I saw a similar situation that failed. Why should talented local bands fail while half the crap on the radio doesn't deserve that attention :tdwn
It'll be nice to see Haken really moving forward from small time band to something bigger (hopefully). Especially after I saw a similar situation that failed. Why should talented local bands fail while half the crap on the radio doesn't deserve that attention :tdwnYeah I know what you mean. Fortunately I think Haken, while being at times very heavy, at times very complex and at times downright bizarre, still have a really good sense of melody and harmony, which makes the music surprisingly accessible. Hopefully that'll work in their favour.
That cover art's actually quite cool.Yeah I'm seriously impressed, wasn't sure what to expect but I think the result is excellent.
Well, I just got a message from Amazon stating that there has been a delay in receiving the album from their suppliers. AARGH!I haven't received a message from Play, but they haven't shipped it yet so I'm guessing it's the same thing. What a useless record label! :(
Why are the mailpersons so slow?I think it's the record label rather than the postmen.
Patiently waiting for mine in the mail :sadpanda:Me too. I'm also awaiting some summer tour dates so I can go see them again. I last saw them in 2008 and I would love to see them again. (If you read this Hen, HINT!!! :p)
Patiently waiting for mine in the mail :sadpanda:this
Tim, I'd be very surprised if they don't play at the Peel again sometime soon!Not too soon, I am going to be suffering from finals fever until early june!
Oh Parama, just to warn you, the cheesy moments are not even close to gone. There are a couple of moments where I almost forgot I was listening to a metal band and thought I was listening to Disney. :lol
Thanks a lot for ordering the album guys, lets hope it arrives very soon! Thanks again for being so patient.
We're definitely going to be playing some shows very soon. We'll hopefully set up some kind of tour during the summer alongside some festival dates.
MY LACK OF PATIENCE HAS BEEN REWARDED
IT HAS ARRIVED
LISTENING NOW
I tend to think of Haken as one disaster after another that's hard to classify as anything other than awesome. :lol ...that's supposed to be a compliment.
Thanks a lot for ordering the album guys, lets hope it arrives very soon! Thanks again for being so patient.
Ordered the CD just a couple of days ago, your MySpace samples sound great! :)QuoteWe're definitely going to be playing some shows very soon. We'll hopefully set up some kind of tour during the summer alongside some festival dates.
Would that be a real European tour or more of a UK only thing?
THIS ISNT EVEN A LITTLE BIT FAIR!!
I'm glad your digging the samples Kyo. We'll definitely aim to play a few shows in Europe at some point during the summer. If we get on any european festivals, we'll try to plan a mini tour to coincide with the festival. Where abouts are you from?
This Haken CD is so cool to look at, such really nice artwork and it smells good too!SHUT UP I KILL YOU!
Here in America we can enjoy such things! :D
This Haken CD is so cool to look at, such really nice artwork and it smells good too!
Here in America we can enjoy such things! :D
I'm glad your digging the samples Kyo. We'll definitely aim to play a few shows in Europe at some point during the summer. If we get on any european festivals, we'll try to plan a mini tour to coincide with the festival. Where abouts are you from?
From the area of Nuremberg, Germany.
Man! Rich, you still haven't got it! That sucks!I'd have a word with the label if possible, they don't seem to have even sent the discs to the sellers yet.
I'd have a word with the label if possible, they don't seem to have even sent the discs to the sellers yet.
What country are you in?I'd have a word with the label if possible, they don't seem to have even sent the discs to the sellers yet.
My copy is on its way to me, so by now they certainly have...
What country are you in?
Sorry, I didn't think to look at your profile. Never seen you post around here either so I guess I might be able to use that as an excuse too... :pWhat country are you in?
Is this going to be the thread where I have to answer this question every ten posts? ;)
Germany. Next time just check out my profile, will ya? :lol
This is really frustrating me. Those distributors don't know what they are putting me through!!!
Eternal Rain is Classic Rock magazine's Track of the Day: https://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/track-of-the-day-haken/comment-page-1/#comment-30026 :DYeah I saw that on facebook, awesome news!
Also, still no sign of the CD. :sadpanda:
I'll ask someone from the band if they have a clue what's going on.
The track Celestial Elixir was VERY well received during WPaPU tonight.Schweet! :D Did you play the whole thing? All prog epics should have a trad jazz instrumental section. :biggrin: I notice that you played Point of No Return last week as well, great stuff!
Which reminds me, Rich, set a brother up with an interview much?:lol I'll see what I can do. Hen is currently away on holiday and unable to get home due to there being no flights (bloody volcano), but I'll try and get in touch.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU:rollin
I didn't get paid this week so my play.com order declined and I can't get it >:(
The track Celestial Elixir was VERY well received during WPaPU tonight. Which reminds me, Rich, set a brother up with an interview much?
Glad you liked it PC!
Yeah I know they're planning to do a bit of touring, but I've no idea whether that'll just be UK and Europe or not. Rumour has it they'll be playing Prog Power Europe though...
Was pretty damn surprised to see Aquarius in a record store, and knew that I needed to get it based on what people here are saying.
The album is amazing.
I hope to hear some more music soon! Or, at least, a tour! That'd be awesome.
You are indeed right Rich, we'll be opening on the Saturday. We're going to be in good company, and are really looking forward to playing in such a great line-up.Amazing news, I'm really happy for you guys! On the same day as Shadow Gallery is not too shabby!
We're also thinking of setting up a headlining show at some point over the summer, I hope those of you based in the UK will be able to make it, we'll need your support.Assuming it's when I'm back in London then I shall definitely be there, can't wait to see you guys again! Would that be at the Peel again, or will you be finding some new venues? ;)
We played the show with DSO last night, they are a great band to see live! We played 'Streams', 'Eternal Rain' and 'Celestial Elixir', the crowd seems to dig it and weren't put off by the trombonist and 2 trumpeters that made an entrance during 'Celestial' ;D (well, I suppose DSO fans are used to it!)Glad it went down well, was thinking of coming along but when I heard how early you were going on I didn't think I'd really be able to get home from work and then back into town in time so didn't bother in the end. I'll definitely be at any London headlining gigs though!
If there is a UK headlining show in Sept I will be there with bells onMake it happen, Hen, I want to see Tim in morris dancing gear!
Hell yeah! Are you from over the pond?
Oh Vintage Vinyl...
If there is a UK headlining show in Sept I will be there with bells onMake it happen, Hen, I want to see Tim in morris dancing gear!
Hell yeah! Are you from over the pond?
Yup. I'm from New Jersey. Found it in vintage vinyl. Been listening to it quite a bit still. It's just an all around fantastic album!
Good move. Just skip to the last track and put it on repeat.And miss out on Drowning in the Flood? *slaps*
'Haken' is pronounced
Hay-Ken.
Not 'Hack-en' or 'Hark-en'
but
HAY-KEN.
Just like taken, forsaken or...bacon :p
Who the hell has said Harken? There's not even an R.FREAKS, THAT'S WHO!
Heh, i'd been saying Harken. Guess i'll have to learn to say Hayken.FREAK!
Harken opening for Dream Theatre. Now that'd be a tour to remember.
Cool interview in Classic Rock Presents Prog guys. :D
Backstory: I recently got a new phone which has MP3 player functionality
Interesting bit: It occurred to me this morning that I could take the phone into the bathroom and play music on it through the loudspeaker whilst I shower.
Today I showered whilst listening to "Streams" and it was great!!
after weeks of listening, I'm still loving this album. The only thing I don't care for are the growls in Streams. I don't mind growling, but the way it's mixed in seems a little weird. Like the growls are really really loud compared to everything else going on.
:o Exciting news indeed!
Regarding growls, personally I think the way they're used on the album works pretty well, but I also imagine a lot of people who are into Haken's kind of music won't be a fan, so I can understand cutting them out. I mean look how upset DT's fanbase got over the use of even vaguely harsh vocals on recent albums.
:o Exciting news indeed!
Regarding growls, personally I think the way they're used on the album works pretty well, but I also imagine a lot of people who are into Haken's kind of music won't be a fan, so I can understand cutting them out. I mean look how upset DT's fanbase got over the use of even vaguely harsh vocals on recent albums.
And bowing to a few whiners instead of doing what *you* want is what should be done?
Yeah, being successful and listening to your fans are so lame and overrated.:o Exciting news indeed!
Regarding growls, personally I think the way they're used on the album works pretty well, but I also imagine a lot of people who are into Haken's kind of music won't be a fan, so I can understand cutting them out. I mean look how upset DT's fanbase got over the use of even vaguely harsh vocals on recent albums.
And bowing to a few whiners instead of doing what *you* want is what should be done?
Yeah, this.
Yeah, Haken are terrible! Harken rock!
Backstory: I recently got a new phone which has MP3 player functionality
Interesting bit: It occurred to me this morning that I could take the phone into the bathroom and play music on it through the loudspeaker whilst I shower.
Today I showered whilst listening to "Streams" and it was great!!
Hell yeah! next time put on 'Eternal Rain'
a special cover which will feature the one and only Richard Henshall on guitar. Worth the price of a ticket just for that spectacle ;)
Well, for a start I've seen Haken about 5 times now, with all combinations of their lineup.
Also, these aren't Haken shows, it's To-Mera. Who I'd also really like to see, but I'm sure I'll get another chance to!
You saw Haken 5 times? Well, for that, I'd not only kill a mermaid; I'd kill its orphaned offspring, too!:hat
Whatever the hell 'wackado' means.Something like a cross between a mallet and an avocado?
Dude, Karmakanic is AMAZING, you better hit that show.I know, Who's The Boss... is one of my favourite albums ever.
Dude, Karmakanic is AMAZING, you better hit that show.
Hi guys,
Got some good news in the Haken camp. We're playing at the Camden underworld, in support of the great Freak Kitchen, on November the 12th. It's going to be a honour for us to share the stage with these guys, they are truly excellent at what they do. We hope to see some you londoners there.
We've also been announced in the ProgPower USA 2011 lineup. It'll be our debut performance in the US, it goes without saying that we're extremely pumped for this show. It'd be great to see some of you guys there!
Also, I've begun writing the next album. It's coming along nicely, four of the songs are pretty much complete. We're hoping to release it during the second half of next year, that's assuming everying runs smoothly.
Thanks
Hen
I recently checked this band out... very good.:tup
I'm just praying it doesn't clash with the conference I will be going to in Spring or I will once again be very sad...I recently checked this band out... very good.:tup
Just found out today that next April they'll be playing at a new festival being done in the same place and by the same organisers as Summers End: https://www.fusedfestival.com/
Also got To-Mera and Threshold already confirmed, and on Haken's facebook page they said that Pain of Salvation might play as well.
nooo
sun has crept its way up my rankings to no.2 its just so perfect
Ross has come such a long way and absolutely nailed every note, and the whole band just gave a really slick performance (Ray said it was the first time he's played with a click-track, and I think it really helped!).
I get the feeling both bands have just been posting the link on their facebook pages and getting fans to vote for them! :lol
Still, it's all good publicity for WPAPU.
12/02/2010
Ray Hearne will be entering the studio this Sunday to record the drums for a one-off tune as a demo for the forthcoming album !
12/13/2010
Guitars are almost done now - Charlie Griffiths is just in the process of double-tracking it all on his mighty 8-string !
12/15/2010
Tom MacLean is now in the process of recording some of the heaviest, lyrical, groovin' bass licks you'll ever hear ! The track is starting to come there !
Ross is currently working on the lyrics as we speak, they are sounding great from what I've have heard.Awesome, he comes up with some really nice stuff at times. On the whole they are good but every now and then he comes up with a line that is just brilliant!
there is a youtube vid of one of the guitarists tracking one of the new songs. Sounds v.Haken and v.heavy!!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmTIVelWL5Y for those who haven't seen it. Sounds beastly!
Awesome, he comes up with some really nice stuff at times. On the whole they are good but every now and then he comes up with a line that is just brilliant!
Just get him to avoid another "I was fishing for my dinner"! ;)
Decent stuff.
it's really good stuff!
Every song on this album has an amazing chorus.
:lol You'll love it dude.This.
Sigz and I will be there!>:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
Everyone laugh at Letters for being too far away!
(https://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r243/ariich/ts-simpsons_nelson_haha3-300x279.jpg)
Sigz and I will be there!
Everyone laugh at Letters for being too far away!
(https://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r243/ariich/ts-simpsons_nelson_haha3-300x279.jpg)
Haken, Anathema, Riverside, IQ, and Dream Theater in two nights... I don't think I've ever been closer to seriously considering a flight to Europe.
Even though Haken have been becoming more and more popular lately, I have a feeling that if they put on a good show this night will be like their 'formal' introduction to the prog world at large.
Get ready, guys. I think Haken are about to get about as big as any prog metal band can these days ;D
Someone in the band had a crush on Ariel growing up I think.:lol Interesting, I'll have to ask Ross about that next time I see them.
Band interests
Pushing boundaries
Eating meat
Listening to 80's cowboy rock
Shouting in awe of pzzadag
Cooking with next level meat cage cooking apparatus
Utilizing next level cross-rhythmic devices for unnecessary means
Playing guitars with more strings than everyone else
More bacon
Octatonic and diminished scales
The Great British Gourmet Burger
The Big Ben Burger
The Fucking Ridiculous Burger
Eating contests
Texican Pizzadag
AquariusThe song is called Aquarium. You should really get that right if it's your favourite on the album! :P
Someone in the band had a crush on Ariel growing up I think.:lol Interesting, I'll have to ask Ross about that next time I see them.
So anyway, the band recently updated the info section of their facebook page. Mostly pretty standard stuff, but I loved the "band interests" section:QuoteBand interests
Pushing boundaries
Eating meat
Listening to 80's cowboy rock
Shouting in awe of pzzadag
Cooking with next level meat cage cooking apparatus
Utilizing next level cross-rhythmic devices for unnecessary means
Playing guitars with more strings than everyone else
More bacon
Octatonic and diminished scales
The Great British Gourmet Burger
The Big Ben Burger
The Fucking Ridiculous Burger
Eating contests
Texican Pizzadag
EDIT:AquariusThe song is called Aquarium. You should really get that right if it's your favourite on the album! :P
Hi everyone,
Like Rich said, we've been posting updates and vids on our facebook page over the last few weeks, and we'll continue to do so over the next few months. We'll also provide everyone with some footage of us in the studio when we begin the recording process.
The music has pretty much all been written, there are just a few small sections to finish. I'm pretty certain you won't be dissapointed! In my opinion we've grown individually and as a band since the Aquarius and the material on our second album reflects this. You can expect the same madness as before but delivered in a slightly more brooding manner. I wrote the majority of this album on the guitar and as a result the music has a slightly heavier feel in my opinion, we'll have to wait how it pans out during the next few months or so. We're currently fleshing out the material in the rehearsal room, hence the clips on facebook, and so far the results have been very pleasing, the music is really starting to come alive!
The lyrics are based around the theme of dreams, I'm loving what Ross has shown me thus far.
I'll try to keep you all updated as much as possible.
Thanks
Richard
Oh god, they closed with Celestial Elixir. SO JELLY RIGHT NOWDude, it was so epic. The sound kept getting louder and louder throughout the show (every time the sound guy evened up the instruments, he always seemed to do it by making the quietest one louder!) so by that song it was a wall of sound - the choruses sounded incredible.
I'M SO JELLY.Oh god, they closed with Celestial Elixir. SO JELLY RIGHT NOWDude, it was so epic. The sound kept getting louder and louder throughout the show (every time the sound guy evened up the instruments, he always seemed to do it by making the quietest one louder!) so by that song it was a wall of sound - the choruses sounded incredible.
New album later this year. :caffeine:
I really needa get tickets for Night of Prog if they're not sold out yet.
I really needa get tickets for Night of Prog if they're not sold out yet.
This festival is unmissable, not least because it's in an amphitheatre on top of a mountain that has a capacity of about 200 people in total, and you're forced to eat nothing but bratwurst for 3 days (well, it was 3 days when I went). Plus, Haken and Dream Theater sharing a stage.
That said, I'll probably miss it :sad:
New album later this year. :caffeine:OH MY GOD I KNOW! :caffeine:
Oh jeez I know...Yeah it sounds like Ross' lyrics are more thematic this time (the theme being dreams), rather than a story-based concept. And I remember in an interview that Nick from here did with Hen ages ago he said that the new stuff was a bit heavier and more guitar driven.
They're saying it's not going to be a concept album though, and heavier than Aquarius.
Ah that's a shame! In that case you should join me at High Voltage in London a few weeks later instead - no Haken but DT are playing and a bunch of other excellent bands.I really needa get tickets for Night of Prog if they're not sold out yet.
This festival is unmissable, not least because it's in an amphitheatre on top of a mountain that has a capacity of about 200 people in total, and you're forced to eat nothing but bratwurst for 3 days (well, it was 3 days when I went). Plus, Haken and Dream Theater sharing a stage.
That said, I'll probably miss it :sad:
Do we have a release date yet, or do we just know it's coming out this year?
They're currently recording (I think drums are done) so no release date yet. But they're not big enough to have the label sit on the album for months, so I imagine once it's completed it should be released reasonably soon after that!Well I can't wait!
Oh my god, if this album also comes out in September, I might die of orgasm.
Oh my god, if this album also comes out in September, I might die of orgasm.
Oh my god, if this album also comes out in September, I might die of orgasm.
Technically it is released in September. It's just not a full release.
Also, wtf Zook?
COOL!!! MORE UNNECESSARY CIRCUS MUSIC YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!
COOL!!! MORE UNNECESSARY CIRCUS MUSIC YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!
That is honestly my only problem with Aquarius. Everything else is golden, but those Rudess-esque zany parts really take me out of the music.
Can't wait. Love Haken, even got a copy of their demos from one of the members.Pfft, I got it before they were even selling it or sending it out as a promo. :P
Ryan introduced me to these guys today with the song "Streams." I loved it. A lot. I would ask for recommendations, but I see they only have one album currently...so I'll listen to that and report back with my opinion. :tupYou're going to like it.
Ryan introduced me to these guys today with the song "Streams." I loved it. A lot. I would ask for recommendations, but I see they only have one album currently...so I'll listen to that and report back with my opinion. :tupWhat took you so long?
Ryan introduced me to these guys today with the song "Streams." I loved it. A lot. I would ask for recommendations, but I see they only have one album currently...so I'll listen to that and report back with my opinion. :tupYou're welcome.
Ryan introduced me to these guys today with the song "Streams." I loved it. A lot. I would ask for recommendations, but I see they only have one album currently...so I'll listen to that and report back with my opinion. :tupWhat took you so long?
I haven't heard the demo yet... where can I get my hands on it.Hi Nel,
edit: nvm I can stream it on their website.. lol
I haven't heard the demo yet... where can I get my hands on it.Hi Nel,
edit: nvm I can stream it on their website.. lol
If you send me a postal address I'll burn you a copy of the demo and stick it in the mail.
I'm a friend of the band and they have put my email in the info section of their facebook page for anyone who wants a demo.
ptr1932@aol.com
Cheers, PJH.
www.hakenmusic.com
hakenmusic@hotmail.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvPWy28gBYU
Decided to give these guys a try, and my initial impression is-hey, wow, a progressive metal band that has heard of Kansas! Really got a big time Kansas vibe off the start of "Streams." I kind of see what people are saying about the zany keyboard parts, but they do have a certain kind of charm. Thus far-and this is kind of weird for me, given my love of technical death metal-the only thing I don't really like are the death metal vocals. They just seem to wander in totally randomly, and don't add a lot to the song. Otherwise, liking these guys a lot, and maybe the death metal vocals will grow on me.That's interesting. Their "Death metal" vocals are one of the things I really like about Haken. For example in Streams at about 5:00 when the song turns really dark with the organ , I think the death metal vocals work very nicely. The first time i heard that, I almost thought I was listening to mikael akerfeldt.
(edit): Ohh, that instrumental break in "Aquarium": GODLIKE. :metal
I really wouldn't mind the death metal vocal parts if they weren't, well, fairly poor death metal vocals.Yeah, they're really not very good. And I agree with the previous poster that they seem to just wander in and out pretty randomly. Still the best progressive metal album in some time, though.
I really wouldn't mind the death metal vocal parts if they weren't, well, fairly poor death metal vocals.Yeah, they're really not very good. And I agree with the previous poster that they seem to just wander in and out pretty randomly. Still the best progressive metal album in some time, though.
There are no death vocals on the new album, for the record!:sadpanda:
There are no death vocals on the new album, for the record!Yes! :tup
There are no death vocals on the new album, for the record!
There are no death vocals on the new album, for the record!
:metal
There are no death vocals on the new album, for the record!
:metal
There are no death vocals on the new album, for the record!
:metal
I like the death vocals, particularly in Streams where that section is so doomy and atmospheric, and would have sounded wrong with clean vocals. But Hen says there are none on the new album because there was nothing that required them.I like that as the reasoning, I was worried they had decided to stop doing them cos some people didn't like them
I like the death vocals, particularly in Streams where that section is so doomy and atmospheric, and would have sounded wrong with clean vocals. But Hen says there are none on the new album because there was nothing that required them.I like that as the reasoning, I was worried they had decided to stop doing them cos some people didn't like them
Could someone tell me why I listened to Aquarius like FOUR TIMES yesterday? I haven't gotten into a prog metal CD like that since Power of Omen's Rooms Of Anguish back in 2003. These guys are really good.
Sweet. There's a forum too.
My copy of the new album has been procured for me at ProgPower. :D
My copy of the new album has been procured for me at ProgPower. :D
They were selling it early to ProgPower attendees, and I have a friend who bought it for me. Only thing that sucks is I have to wait till she's back in Jersey for her to then get it in the mail to me.
They were selling it early to ProgPower attendees, and I have a friend who bought it for me. Only thing that sucks is I have to wait till she's back in Jersey for her to then get it in the mail to me.I am going to kill you.
They were selling it early to ProgPower attendees, and I have a friend who bought it for me. Only thing that sucks is I have to wait till she's back in Jersey for her to then get it in the mail to me.I am going to kill you.
This album.Did you hear it yet or what?
Fuck yes.
Anyone who doesn't suck will like Visions.
Do you suck?
I just got Aquarius last night, better be good!
Did Visions leak or something? I know Rich is friends with them, but how is everyone else getting it early? Haken noob here.
After one listen, it's better than Aquarius, though I didnt hear a song that beat Celestial Elixir.They don't form an epic as such, but tracks 4-6 form a suite. The tracks even segue directly into each other.
Out of interest, which are the songs that form together as a big epic?
OH shit the album turned Nick psychotic. Kill him! Kill him with fire!
The new Haken is suffering largely because it's up against so many other excellent albums this year, where as last year's release fell into a timeframe where there was little else competeing for my ear. Not complaining about the album per se, it was just much easier for Aquarius to dominate my listening time.
My copy didn't arrive. Thanks Amazon.
Album of the year for sure.
The new Haken is suffering largely because it's up against so many other excellent albums this year, where as last year's release fell into a timeframe where there was little else competeing for my ear. Not complaining about the album per se, it was just much easier for Aquarius to dominate my listening time.
Album of the year for sure.
What do people think of Haken vs. Dream Theater?Haken's material blows current Dream Theater out of the water.
I prefer Aquarius to Visions. Visions is a little more consistent, perhaps, but the highs are just not as impressive.After three listens, this is my opinion. I don't see it changing all that much.
Visions blew me away, from first listen on. While Aquarius was a VERY impressive album and AOTY for 2010 for me, I think the band outdid themselves with Visions. The lyrics are better, the songwriting has matured a lot, the album flows better and the music is, imho, absolutely fantastic.Completely agreed with this, I really love Visions.
After all these glowing reviews I decided to buy the album from Amazon.
Hmm, can't say I'm with you guys on this. I find the band still has the same issues they had with Aquarius (which I had heard a long time ago), that is, prog by numbers. They got the key solos, the 7-string guitar, the choir patches, the lyrics about alternate realities, conspiracies etc., but in all that I find there's very little song. To say it somewhat acrimoniously, to me it's the music they play in venues before the band comes on.
Oh well. They got my money, so I hope they'll put out another album after this one. Maybe I'll appreciate that one more. I'll probably also give it another whirl or two on the plane to Australia.
rumborak
Well, I've heard 11 DT albums and only 2 by Haken. If they can keep it up they could easily be a greater band than DT. I want to see what they can come up with after these two masterpieces they have created.Yeah I think it is a bit hard to compare the two at this point. I'm not "worshiping" Haken's music the way I might have DTs music when I&W and Awake were released. But Haken does give me that excitement of seeing a band earlier in their career and seeing what they'll create from here on out like DT 19 years ago. Then again music isn't the only thing I'm passionate about these days, so that is probably part of it too.
They're resolutely a progressive metal band. I don't mean to insult Haken, because they're INCREDIBLE, but I understand why people can call them prog by numbers. They sort of ARE, they just do it exceptionally well.
This album does nothing for me. Granted, it took Aquarius a year to click, and when it did, it did hard. But nothing on Visions is really all that memorable to me. I've listened to the title track about five times already, and that "I bet you don't, remember me" section is too wacky for me to take the rest of the song's beauty in.I like the album, but I agree with you on the "I bet you don't, remember me" section. I really don't care for most of the goofy, quirky stuff they do.
Come back to me in a year, I'll probably love it.
Listening to Insomnia and only just now noticing that little video-game-music section halfway through the song. :lol That was actually pretty awesome.
Visions is the best Dream Theater album since Six Degrees.
So judging by the lyrics of Visions, it's got to be a concept album. Does anyone know what the story is?As far as I'm aware it's not a concept album in the sense of having a story or narrative, but all the songs are based around the theme of dreams, and there are some links (both musical and lyrical) between songs. I really like the fact that it's a bit more subtle than the concept/lyrics of Aquarius.
*stares at Rich*
Anyone?
While we're on the subject, what's the rough outline of Aquarius as well?
As far as Aquarius goes, it's this story about a mermaid that gets trapped by some kind of circus. Then a guy tries to free her but a flood comes in and kills lots of people. The girl dies to save them all and blah.
I'd say it's about Jesus.
Just got Visions, my first introduction to the band. Kicks major ass.
oh, and the production is pretty shitty :lolWAT
So I've been loving the hell out of this album, except for two sections of the title track that people have already mentioned (the "Now I see a shadow of a man in my silhouette" part and the "I bet you don't remember me" part). Which is a huge shame, because those two parts, in particular the second, are grating enough to really hurt the title track for me.I LOVE those parts. Some of the coolest, most interesting vocals right there. Maybe they go on a little too long, but eh, it's worth it.
..I can't REALLY stay mad at the first of the two parts though. I have this huge grin on my face every time it comes on. It's just so silly. And now I'm back...TO TAKE REVENGE!
Deathless is my favorite song these guys have ever done, with Nocturnal Conspiracy just behind. I'm one of those people in the camp that thinks this album was more cohesive and enjoyable than the last, though.
^Someone else who seemingly loves Deathless as much as I do! Yes.
^Someone else who seemingly loves Deathless as much as I do! Yes.
o/^Someone else who seemingly loves Deathless as much as I do! Yes.
Deathless is truly awesome. I'll go as far to say that it was the best song released in 2012 (as far as I've heard).
Good to see more people love it! \o
From Aquarius
Streams
The Point of no Return
Aquarium
Eternal Rain
Celestial Elixir
Drowning in the Flood
Sun
My intrest for Aquarius wanes when i get to drowning in the flood:facepalm:
I can't think of a single sub-par vocal delivery on Aquarius. Which ones are you talking about?
I can't think of a single sub-par vocal delivery on Aquarius. Which ones are you talking about?
You mean other than the death metal ones? :laugh:
My intrest for Aquarius wanes when i get to drowning in the flood:facepalm:
I can't get enough of Streams.
I can't get enough of Streams.
I can't get enough of Streams.
I thought I was the only one :D
Yeah, well, I wouldn't have a problem with your face if it were actually decent instead of awful. :P....
My problem with the growling... Why is the mermaid growling like a troll, but more importantly, why is the mermaid growling?
My problem with the growling... Why is the mermaid growling like a troll, but more importantly, why is the mermaid growling?
My problem with the growling... Why is the mermaid growling like a troll, but more importantly, why is the mermaid growling?
Maybe that's how they sound in water? Or out of water? ???
All I know is that it is about someones dreams. I remember reading it on either facebook or the forum. I can't find where I read it but I'm gunna go and do some more research.Although this was kinda what I was looking (and it was a nice interview) I was hoping that there'd be a more detailed description, like a song-by-song type of thing.
EDIT - found it. https://www.metalunderground.com/interviews/details.cfm?newsid=71966
Just say Taken with a H...This. Me-sa not get-a da confusion..
I discovered Haken a month ago and I wonder why there is so little discussion about them on this forum. If they manage to keep the quality of their future albums at that level, I can easily see them becoming as big as DT in ten years time.
Aquarius has to be the most impressive debut album I ever heard. Compare it to DT's "When Dream and Day unite" - I love DT and consider them to have the most impressive discography of all bands I know about, but, pardon my french, Aquarius shits all over WDADU.
I discovered Haken a month ago and I wonder why there is so little discussion about them on this forum. If they manage to keep the quality of their future albums at that level, I can easily see them becoming as big as DT in ten years time.
Aquarius has to be the most impressive debut album I ever heard. Compare it to DT's "When Dream and Day unite" - I love DT and consider them to have the most impressive discography of all bands I know about, but, pardon my french, Aquarius shits all over WDADU.
I'd go as far to see that Aquarius my favourite album right now, above SFAM/ADTOE. O_OOh yes.
I'd go as far to see that Aquarius my favourite album right now, above SFAM/ADTOE. O_OOh yes.
It's a shame they hardly ever do concerts outside of the UK. I'd love to see them live, I'm more curious about them than DT at the moment (since I saw DT twice in the past nine months).I'd like to see them open for Dream Theater (but only if DT doesn't go back to the "an evening with" format). Aquarius is a great album but Visions blows it away.
I'd like to see them open for Dream Theater
I agree. WDADU is nothing compared to Aquarius, Visions, or any other DT album. I'd go as far to see that Aquarius my favourite album right now, above SFAM/ADTOE. O_O
I'd like to see them open for Dream Theater
Man i wish they would come to Sweden, that would be so sweeeeeeet! :metalOh. My. Yes.
I really hope DT takes them on this upcoming N.A. tour. I would love to see them live.^This. I wonder if there are really any other good prog bands to choose from that are free besides Haken.
Another band I'd like to see open for them is Touchstone.I really hope DT takes them on this upcoming N.A. tour. I would love to see them live.^This. I wonder if there are really any other good prog bands to choose from that are free besides Haken.
I think there's a problem with my Aquarius disc, Drowing in the Flood is cut off at the end!
:neverusethis:
I think there's a problem with my Aquarius disc, Drowing in the Flood is cut off at the end!
:neverusethis:
Really :omg:, this calls for further investigation. A good reason to listen to Aquarius again today ;)
I'm saying Taken, but with an H.
I'm saying Taken, but with an H.
yeah, this basically.
And so album #3 begins...
:dangerwillrobinson:
Is it "new album information of bands I really like" day or what? This is awesome....and I wondered what he could mean, I haven't seen any other band announce anything so far but he clearly said that multiple bands had announced something today. Then I saw the the Haken thread was still left to read and I got an anticipation rush like schoolgirls have on boybands, praying: "Please, God, let it be a new Haken album". :hefdaddy
i think there is something wrong with me.
I reckon the next album I don't think will be a concept album. I think concept albums are great because they really take the listener on a journey. But I don't think it's essential for a prog band to have concept albums. So we're going to explore different ways to write the music...
So far I've got about 9 songs written, they're almost their I just need to tie them all together. I thnk the songs will be a lot more individual. I think it will be a lot more important for each song to have it's own identity. I'm sure there will be hints in certain songs to other songs. Like you might hear a chorus that is similar to that of another song.
With the formula for the last 2 albums, we've ended with a big long epic so I think it's time to try something new. Having said that the songs are still going to be around the 8 minute mark. So it's still going to be prog.
I think that Portals could be placed on the next DT album and nobody would notice that is wasn't written or performed by DT. The critics and fans would just call it "DT at their best" :metal
I would love to do a Haken survivor. I will include the demo, Aquarius and Visions (maybe the demo last, since not many people will have heard it) and see how far we can get. I know there's quite a few people here who like them, so who would be interested? :)
Also, my favorite submission can't be posted here.
Yeah dude, I'm all for it!
A Haken survivor?What I ment by this was: What is it?
I have a little question.
Is anyone else having a hard time getting other people into Haken? So far it's just me and my wife, both equally enamoured by them we barely know who DT are anymore hehe :P
The biggest reaction i've had from freinds and aquaintances is 'Yeah that's pretty cool' but then they proceed to not get completely obbsessed and listen to Aquairus and Visions on repeat forever.
I mean, what's wrong with some people?
I have a little question.
Is anyone else having a hard time getting other people into Haken? So far it's just me and my wife, both equally enamoured by them we barely know who DT are anymore hehe :P
The biggest reaction i've had from freinds and aquaintances is 'Yeah that's pretty cool' but then they proceed to not get completely obbsessed and listen to Aquairus and Visions on repeat forever.
I mean, what's wrong with some people?
What's wrong is they don't like Haken.
[/dry]
Oh my.....that would be soo sweet! I hope they come to Sweden in september! :metalThat would be so awesome I might poo.
Oh my.....that would be soo sweet! I hope they come to Sweden in september! :metalThat would be so awesome I might poo.
Haken will be playing Visions in its entirety!! https://www.facebook.com/HakenOfficial/posts/340206326053030
:hefdaddy If only I could see these shows in person.
Damn, that's amazing. They're performance is really good. Definitely getting that DVD when it comes out.
EDIT: I missed the description. If that's Haken's only song on the DVD, then I might reconsider.
That was awesome. I think I saw it a few weeks back. Would love a Haken DVD, but I sadly don't think it would be financially viable.Not yet, but as they continue to get bigger and their fanbase grows, who knows.
I definitely want to see them live!
Currently having a pre show beer, support start soon then Haken! who is jealous?
I am..
I am..
I am..
...drowning in the flood.
I am..
...drowning in the flood.
*gargle*
- After they finished Visions the crowd were chanting "Haken! Haken!", to which Charlie asked "is that Haken or bacon you're shouting", and so everyone started chanting "BACON!" instead.:rollin :rollin
Wow! That sounds really cool! I'd have loved to see the stuff you described during Eternal Rain.it was a proper mindfuck moment! At first I was just curious as to why they were stood so close then I looked at their arms and realised they were doing the fretting hand on each others instruments!
I BET YOU DON'T REMEMBER MEAt one point in that section all 5 of them were singing. Charlie doesn't even have his own mic so had to sing into Ross' one. :lol
So Haken is pronounced like 'bacon'? I thought it was like "hack-en".
So Haken is pronounced like 'bacon'? I thought it was like "hack-en".
I thought that too but it turns out it's the bacon way
So Haken is pronounced like 'bacon'? I thought it was like "hack-en".
I thought that too but it turns out it's the bacon way
Perfect! :tupSo Haken is pronounced like 'bacon'? I thought it was like "hack-en".
I thought that too but it turns out it's the bacon way
I like the other way, oh well. I'll adjust eventually, even though I'm now going to think of bacon when I think of Haken now.
She may never retuuuuuuurn
Insanely wonderful riff.She may never retuuuuuuurn
Can't read that lyric without hearing the riff that goes with it. :metal
So I wound up getting a bunch of new albums a couple weeks ago, and Haken's "Visions" was one of them. I didn't expect to like it so much, as I only got it because it was a pretty hyped up album from a lot of people on the web. But I must have listened to it at least 7 or 8 times by now, which is a lot for me, and I still crave it so much, though I don't want to over-listen.
In short, I LOVE VISIONS! How is their debut album? I heard there are growls or tougher vocals, not that that is the clincher for whether I get it or now.
So Haken is pronounced like 'bacon'? I thought it was like "hack-en".
I thought that too but it turns out it's the bacon way
Same
So I wound up getting a bunch of new albums a couple weeks ago, and Haken's "Visions" was one of them. I didn't expect to like it so much, as I only got it because it was a pretty hyped up album from a lot of people on the web. But I must have listened to it at least 7 or 8 times by now, which is a lot for me, and I still crave it so much, though I don't want to over-listen.
In short, I LOVE VISIONS! How is their debut album? I heard there are growls or tougher vocals, not that that is the clincher for whether I get it or now.
So I've been trying to get into this band more recently. I listened to Visions and wasn't blown away, but just tried Aquarius and found it to be much more enjoyable.Aquarius is more unique while Visions is more standard prog metal.
I think I slightly prefer Visions, but I love both albums so much it's hard to tell :lol
Aquarius is easily the better album, in my opinion.
Aquarius is easily the better album, in my opinion.
The debut has some of their heaviest moments too.
I think I slightly prefer Visions, but I love both albums so much it's hard to tell :lol
The debut has some of their heaviest moments too.
Really? I'll have to disagree on this. Portals and Visions are arguably the two heaviest songs (sound-wise) they've done for me.
This is my Haken debut. Downloaded Aquarius about 3 weeks ago and love it! However, that's the only album available on itunes. :wtf:
This is my Haken debut. Downloaded Aquarius about 3 weeks ago and love it! However, that's the only album available on itunes. :wtf:
Visions is almost as good, and it's available on Spotify.
So, I gave it another listen the other day, and my judgment is a bit kinder now, even though the original criticisms still stand, albeit not as weighty.
PC, I can see the argument of them doing "prog by numbers" as being a plus instead of a minus, since there's in general a pretty good market for bands strictly playing by the rules of the genre. It's not what I personally look for in a prog band, but I totally can see how it could go both ways.
I still think though that they will need a bit more identity to move to the next level, something that sets them apart from the others.
rumborak
Aren't they coming out with a 3rd album this year? Anyone know any details?
Aren't they coming out with a 3rd album this year? Anyone know any details?
So, I gave it another listen the other day, and my judgment is a bit kinder now, even though the original criticisms still stand, albeit not as weighty.
PC, I can see the argument of them doing "prog by numbers" as being a plus instead of a minus, since there's in general a pretty good market for bands strictly playing by the rules of the genre. It's not what I personally look for in a prog band, but I totally can see how it could go both ways.
I still think though that they will need a bit more identity to move to the next level, something that sets them apart from the others.
rumborak
This is how I feel about them. The only thing is their vocalist is pretty cool, the rest is the usual prog metal
Saying that Haken isn't progressive is a cheap trolling attempt.
This is my Haken debut. Downloaded Aquarius about 3 weeks ago and love it! However, that's the only album available on itunes. :wtf:
Visions is almost as good, and it's available on Spotify.
Same here. I am not a big fan of prog metal in general, so a "prog metal by the numbers" band really isn't my thing, but I gave it a shot at least. I can see the appeal for those who want to lap up bands who are trying to sound like Dream Theater, but I usually prefer prog bands that are actually, ya know, progressive. :)Haken has the main Prog foundation and elements while still maintaining their own sound. On Aquarius, each song has its own sound, yet the whole album has that very cinematic and epic feeling, something that I haven't really heard in another Prog Metal band. Visions has a vastly different sound from Aquarius, more DT-ish, and is very progressive despite the songs not differentiating between each other in style as much as they did in Aquarius (but they still do). I don't see how they aren't Progressive.
I guess it comes down to whether you're an "album guy" or a "song guy". If you tend to listen to songs out of order or in a playlist with lots of other stuff, you're probably going to prefer Visions. If you, however, listen to albums as a whole, Aquarius is likely to blow your mind :metalOther way around for me.
I guess it comes down to whether you're an "album guy" or a "song guy". If you tend to listen to songs out of order or in a playlist with lots of other stuff, you're probably going to prefer Visions. If you, however, listen to albums as a whole, Aquarius is likely to blow your mind :metalOther way around for me.
I guess it comes down to whether you're an "album guy" or a "song guy". If you tend to listen to songs out of order or in a playlist with lots of other stuff, you're probably going to prefer Visions. If you, however, listen to albums as a whole, Aquarius is likely to blow your mind :metalOther way around for me.
And I'll be seeing them on Sunday. :hat
Guys! There is a bootleg out there!!
https://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=419839
I listened to the Haken demo today after receiving it today. It was cool, lots of nice stuff on there, and the production, while it's no where near as good as the albums, is just fine, and quite listenable.Yeah, I have that one too. It's pretty cool :metal
:metal
Listening to the Haken demo again, and while I know they dip into it a little here and there on their 2 official albums, I really hope they increase the jazz influence in their music for their 3rd upcoming album. The demo has a lot of jazz and fusion sections that are just friggin awesome!
Listening to the Haken demo again, and while I know they dip into it a little here and there on their 2 official albums, I really hope they increase the jazz influence in their music for their 3rd upcoming album. The demo has a lot of jazz and fusion sections that are just friggin awesome!
It would definitely be cool. They do tha jazz/fusion thing noticeably more than Dream Theater does, but those parts do sound DT-influenced, it that makes any sense. Although the album will probably have a different musical theme, ie. Aquarius had the quirky circus-y parts, and Visions had the Tim Burton parts and really heavy parts.
Listening to the Haken demo again, and while I know they dip into it a little here and there on their 2 official albums, I really hope they increase the jazz influence in their music for their 3rd upcoming album. The demo has a lot of jazz and fusion sections that are just friggin awesome!Yea the jazz/fusion influences they have in their music is one of the reasons why i like Haken and why they stand out a bit from other prog bands...so bring it on! :tup
"I don't know what's goin' on!": the #1 phrase spoken at yesterday's awesome Haken jam for album #3! We are seriously pushing it with the new material boys and girls! Can't wait to share it with you!!!
:caffeine:
:caffeine:
:frank:
Let's see if they can release another record as awesome as their first two are.
How is it possible for me to still be so obsessed with this band. I thought it was just a Haken phase I was going through but it hasn't ended!
How is it possible for me to still be so obsessed with this band. I thought it was just a Haken phase I was going through but it hasn't ended!
That's cause they're that good.
I understand you, they clicked with me immediately too. Even though I only discovered them a few months ago, they already feel like old friends.
I don't know if I'd equate them to a "DT Successor" just yet. They have a lot of potential, but they would need to release a Masterwork on the level of I&W to get that label from me. That being said, they are very solid and consistent. Patiently awaiting their 3rd album.
They aren't "DT successors" yet because they only released two albums so far and DT is the most consistent long-running band I know of
That's nice. Very smooth but still sounds a lot like themThey aren't "DT successors" yet because they only released two albums so far and DT is the most consistent long-running band I know of
I guess you haven't listened Rush yet :P
I don't think I've been this in love with a band since I first discovered Dream Theater :heart
On the wikipedia page, it says the genres are Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock, and good. XD
I get sad everytime this thread gets bumped and there isn't any more news :-[
I get sad everytime this thread gets bumped and there isn't any more news :-[
Well, they just posted on their facebook that they clocked in one new song at about 12 minutes. Not much but good enough for now?
I love how quirky and circus-y they are. Want moar of the second part of the teaser.
Haken somehow pulls it off tastefully. That's what makes them special.Eh, I have the same problems with it as I do with other bands. They're still pretty darn good, though.
At first I thought that the whole thing was a clip from a song, but then I realized that it has to be tiny snippets from several songs... Right?
So, two clues make a half truth, right? What are your educated guess on the next album?
I don't know what that phrase even means anymore, because I can't hear anything in either teaser that sounds anything like circus music.
There's some pretty wacky stuff, but then this is Haken, that's what they do. I mean, their most loved epic has a random trad jazz break in the middle!
I would reference those "circus parts" to the story and the fate of the mermaid being treated as a "circus freak".
I have no problem with Haken exploring music genres, hell that is what's prog to me! Prog music should be surprising and "weird" IMO but there's not many popular prog acts today that really experiment with their music outside "the comfort zone" and i salute Haken for that! I even see people that wanna "down-prog" bands because they think their direction is to weird or something.....come on! I would NEVER tell a musician to change his music because I have certain opinions about it....i would call that being selfish.
Visions has its share of zany moments as well, though I wouldn't call them circus-y. More like just kind of hamming it up. In a good way, of course.
"I was just a kid back then, but now I'm back, to take reveeeenge!" :P
The new Haken activity encouraged me to give Visions another try last night.
The vocals just ruin it for me. They didn't on Aquarius for some reason, but on Visions they're mixed ever-so-slightly more dry, which really highlights the fact that Ross is singing way out of his comfortable range. He sounds really good when he IS singing in his range, but that's only like 75 percent of the time.
Anyway, the new teasers sound good. The actual sound production really a lot better than what it's been on the last two albums, too. I hope Ross doesn't sing in his falsetto over all of it ;)
Not sure if I'm interested in an entire CD of Haken pulling out the quirky, circus/carnival sounds. After my initial enthusiasm for them-and I still think the debut is brilliant-I found the last one really didn't age well for me, and I hope they're not putting out music too fast. I still think the notion that they've outstripped DT in only two albums is kind of silly-they're one of the best second tier prog metal bands, but I really hope this need of theirs to put out an album practically every year doesn't bite them in the ass.Too fast?? They are not doing any world tours or long leg tours and their work schedule is in no way comparable to DTs for that matter so they have alot of time to put out music and that i believe is not a bad thing, it's not like they rush their music if that's what you mean? Visions was released in oct. 2011 and the new album i assume will be released in maybe in 3-4 months so that's 1 1/2 year between the albums.
You never know how it goes. Plenty of classic bands put out 1 or 2 albums a year back in the 60s/70s and made it work, or at least still put out mostly good songs on those records. If they can still write good music in that short of time, more power to them, though I wouldn't want anyone rushing to make as much music as possible at the expense of quality.
Apperantly they just got signed to Inside Out. Good for them :tup
Apperantly they just got signed to Inside Out. Good for them :tup
Yea they better not dare not come to my country or i will.......
Oh man, does this mean we're saying goodbye to homebrew produced Haken records? They were adorable, yet flawed, so I'm looking forward to a professional sounding Haken record next :)
Oh man, does this mean we're saying goodbye to homebrew produced Haken records? They were adorable, yet flawed, so I'm looking forward to a professional sounding Haken record next :)
This confuses me. Haken's first 2 albums sound great.
One of the things I dislike the most about Haken is the vocals. He's not a bad singer per se, but I just don't like the timbre/tone of his voice, I guess.My biggest reservation, too. It's not that Ross is necessarily a bad singer, but Haken's music requires him to be a belter, and that he most certainly is not. I think he sounds really bad on Vision's dry mix, and he sounds absolutely awful on that Lorely concert video Haken justed "goated" on their facebook page.
They're pretty killer musically speaking, tho
Ross' voice doing those long notes is one of the best things about the band.
Well, damn. Music really is that subjective, sometimes to the point I feel like my ears were created in an alternate reality.
What if everyone is experiencing a different reality?
Well, damn. Music really is that subjective, sometimes to the point I feel like my ears were created in an alternate reality.
What if everyone is experiencing a different reality? I guess in some way we are.
:hat
Well, damn. Music really is that subjective, sometimes to the point I feel like my ears were created in an alternate reality.
What if everyone is experiencing a different reality? I guess in some way we are.
:hat
"This is not reality..."
Well, damn. Music really is that subjective, sometimes to the point I feel like my ears were created in an alternate reality.
What if everyone is experiencing a different reality? I guess in some way we are.
:hat
"This is not reality..."
Yeah I really like Ross' voice as well, it has a unique quality and gives Haken a lot of what distinguishes them from other bands.
Their setlist tonight was:
1. Drowning in the Flood
2. Eternal Rain
3. Unnamed New Song
4. The Mind's Eye
5. Portals
6. Shapeshifter
2) they are having their first demo (the one before Aquarius) remastered to improve the sound and will be releasing it in some capacity.:metal
2) they are having their first demo (the one before Aquarius) remastered to improve the sound and will be releasing it in some capacity.:metal
Fuck I'm so excited for Haken 3.
Really excited about the new album!No me neither. I would love to.
Still haven't even heard the Demo since I can't find it anywhere..
Oh yeah forgot about that, he was also explaining that it's not really a concept album, but is themed around the life and struggles of being in the band. Sounds a bit more personal in nature, lyrically.Ohh, that's was not what i expected but it sounds interesting though.
Ah Rich I'm so jealous!! Someday I will see them. Someday.
Haha I may be closer than you but it's still a ways to go for a poor student!
They did indeed play the new song, and it sounded very cool. The chorus especially was really nice; the more intricate technical bits were not so easy to make out first time around because the sound in the venue wasn't amazing. It did sound quite bonkers though!
Haha I may be closer than you but it's still a ways to go for a poor student!
Are trains to England costly? By the way, two friends of mine are leaving for a holiday in Edinburgh in a few days, watch out for Italian girls :laugh:
Haha I may be closer than you but it's still a ways to go for a poor student!
Are trains to England costly? By the way, two friends of mine are leaving for a holiday in Edinburgh in a few days, watch out for Italian girls :laugh:
Oh awesome! Edinburgh is a great place for tourists, lots to see :) How come you're not going along too?? :P
Travel can be alright I guess, but everything's expensive for a student!
About the demo.Do you know if they will ship to the USA ?
Do they play any of those songs live?
And for those who don't have it and are looking to get it, I think the only way to get it is to email the band, that's what I did. They sent me a copy for free, along with a bunch of other goodies such as a poster, stickers, a pamphlet with some bio stuff and pics, and business cards. If they're going to give the demo an 'official' release remastered, I don't know if they'll do it now, you might have to wait til it gets released.
It was great! Their music isn't as crazily intricate as Haken's, so the sound quality in the venue was pretty much fine for them, and they played really well. Kie and Mikko are so charasmastic and enjoyable to watch, but Jonne is very quiet and just sort of plays in the corner. When the three of them harmonise together it's just amazing though, best live performance I've seen from a rock band in that regard!
The set was mostly songs from the latest two albums, as those are the only ones that have really had any attention in the UK. I only had Stars Aligned, but fortunately there were still plenty of songs from it. I've now bought the new one as well, because the other songs they played sounded fantastic.
Setlist:
1. Insomniac
2. Writings On The Wall
3. Flowers And Rust
4. Coming Home
5. Angel's Eyes
6. Always Been Right
7. Lost In Time
8. Separate Forevers
9. I Believe
10. Freedom Fighter
11. Gloria
12. Prospect For Escape
--------------
13. Miracle
14. Let Thy Will Be Done
About the demo.Do you know if they will ship to the USA ?
Do they play any of those songs live?
And for those who don't have it and are looking to get it, I think the only way to get it is to email the band, that's what I did. They sent me a copy for free, along with a bunch of other goodies such as a poster, stickers, a pamphlet with some bio stuff and pics, and business cards. If they're going to give the demo an 'official' release remastered, I don't know if they'll do it now, you might have to wait til it gets released.
Cool. I sent the band an e-mail just to be sure, but if they don't get back to me I'll look for that guy.About the demo.Do you know if they will ship to the USA ?
Do they play any of those songs live?
And for those who don't have it and are looking to get it, I think the only way to get it is to email the band, that's what I did. They sent me a copy for free, along with a bunch of other goodies such as a poster, stickers, a pamphlet with some bio stuff and pics, and business cards. If they're going to give the demo an 'official' release remastered, I don't know if they'll do it now, you might have to wait til it gets released.
There's a guy on the Haken forum that will mail you the demo and other little bits of Haken stuff if you send a PM requesting it. no charge, he just needs your address. Sounds very sketchy, I know, but that's how I got mine. I couldn't believe it. He's apparently an agent for Haken and he mails anyone the demo who asks for it.
Ross says he feels it's the best vocal performance of his yet. :caffeine:
Looking forward to it! I felt like he took a huge leap forward between the demo and the debut, but then took a step back with Vision.
Vocally I think so. Aquarius was mostly good vocally because Ross kinda stayed in his comfort range, so you heard the nice characteristics of his voice without any of those characteristics being stretched into defects. Visions has a lot of nice moments too, but a lot of those "soaring" moments where Ross' unique traits (and, let's admit it, pitchiness) start to work against him.Looking forward to it! I felt like he took a huge leap forward between the demo and the debut, but then took a step back with Vision.
Even though I like Aquarius more than Visions I don't think I'd describe it as "a step back" though.
Looking forward to it! I felt like he took a huge leap forward between the demo and the debut, but then took a step back with Vision.
Even though I like Aquarius more than Visions I don't think I'd describe it as "a step back" though.
Sweet stuff, patiently waiting for this to get a date.
8 Tuba tracks? :eek :rollin
Sweet stuff, patiently waiting for this to get a date.
Patiently? How? Are you dozed on Prozac or something?
Ha! Real prog fans don't have friends. :P
Ha! Real prog fans don't have friends. :P
Or even more sacrilegious to the church of prog... a girlfriend.
Ha! Real prog fans don't have friends. :P
Or even more sacrilegious to the church of prog... a girlfriend.
Naturally not. That would take time away from listening to prog music. Unless you found a prog girlfriend. I've never one, but I'm told they exist. :yeahright
My boyfriend is only into prog in small capacities, so my potential is being wasted.Ha! Real prog fans don't have friends. :P
Or even more sacrilegious to the church of prog... a girlfriend.
Naturally not. That would take time away from listening to prog music. Unless you found a prog girlfriend. I've never one, but I'm told they exist. :yeahright
I feel suddenly everyone on DTF (myself) has been recently taken into a relationship. :lol I have yet to see if she enjoys the prog though.
I feel suddenly everyone on DTF (myself) has been recently taken into a relationship. :lol I have yet to see if she enjoys the prog though.There is only one way to find out :D
My lady doesn't like anything too complex or heavy, but as many of you know my tastes are very eclectic, so I've introduced her to plenty of music that she likes or even loves, including Moon Sarafi and Anathema in the vaguely prog-related stuff.:tup
My boyfriend is only into prog in small capacities, so my potential is being wasted.Ha! Real prog fans don't have friends. :P
Or even more sacrilegious to the church of prog... a girlfriend.
Naturally not. That would take time away from listening to prog music. Unless you found a prog girlfriend. I've never one, but I'm told they exist. :yeahright
My boyfriend listens to Taylor Swift.
I really wish I was joking.
My boyfriend listens to Taylor Swift.
I really wish I was joking.
If she kicks him in the balls, they'll most likely turn....
Red.
:horatio:
Haha I will, he just puts her on to piss me off anyway
I don't know who Taylor Swift is. (and honestly up to this very moment I was stupidly convinced she was a he) :mehlin
I don't know who Taylor Swift is. (and honestly up to this very moment I was stupidly convinced she was a he) :mehlin
How is this possible?
I fucking hate Taylor Swift, and my girlfriend is a huge fan.
So.... how about that Haken band? They're pretty neat.
So.... how about that Haken band? They're pretty neat.
So.... how about that Haken band? They're pretty neat.
I heard that they may never RETUUUH-UUUUURN.
So.... how about that Haken band? They're pretty neat.
I heard that they may never RETUUUH-UUUUURN.
But I can wait forever.
So.... how about that Haken band? They're pretty neat.
I heard that they may never RETUUUH-UUUUURN.
But I can wait forever.
I was fishing for my dinner.
:metalol:That captures it perfectly!
The more I listen to it, the more I'm convinced that the similarities with King Crimson's self titled album are intentional. The start of Drowning in the Flood sounds a lot like 21st Century Schizoid Man and the end reminds me of Epitaph. Sun is similar to Moonchild and Celestial Elixir is almost a remake of The Court of the crimson King.Wait, what? I hear absolutely no similarities between the two albums. The latter especially.
Do we know when a projected release date is going to be? I need new Haken music, they're too good.
Posted on their facebook. Working titles or anagrams of the real tracklist?
The last one is for you mods ;)
"Hen Mutation
That Hep
Atonal Sets
A Choking Crock
A Minor Mime
Es Uber Aesthetic
Flacking A Betrothal
Machete Ass Beard
Oedipal Air
Obey Mods"
I wouldn't mind "Atonal Sets" to be a real title.
Posted on their facebook. Working titles or anagrams of the real tracklist?
The last one is for you mods ;)
"Hen Mutation
That Hep
Atonal Sets
A Choking Crock
A Minor Mime
Es Uber Aesthetic
Flacking A Betrothal
Machete Ass Beard
Oedipal Air
Obey Mods"
I wouldn't mind "Atonal Sets" to be a real title.
7. As Death Embraces
Oedipal Air=PareidoliaNever even heard of that word, but having looked it up, that could well be it. Seems like the sort of thing Haken would write about: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareidolia
Thats the only thing I can come up with for it not sure about the other ones.
Oedipal Air=Pareidolia
Thats the only thing I can come up with for it not sure about the other ones.
Never even heard of that word, but having looked it up, that could well be it. Seems like the sort of thing Haken would write about: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareidolia
Right, that leaves one more, as I'm not entirely convinced by Karate Falcon Blight. :P Come on gang!
I had no idea there were a word for that phenomenon, cool!Oedipal Air=Pareidolia
Thats the only thing I can come up with for it not sure about the other ones.
Pareidolia! I love that phenomenon, it's actually what makes misheard lyrics video so funny :D
I had no idea there were a word for that phenomenon, cool!Oedipal Air=Pareidolia
Thats the only thing I can come up with for it not sure about the other ones.
Pareidolia! I love that phenomenon, it's actually what makes misheard lyrics video so funny :D
From their Twitter:
"BIG album 3 announcement coming your way tomorrow!"
:caffeine:
From their Twitter:
"BIG album 3 announcement coming your way tomorrow!"
:caffeine:
Commenting on the album, Richard Henshall (guitar/keyboards) and Charlie Griffiths (guitar) had this to say: “Lyrically, we’ve done a lot of soul searching which has given the album an emotional depth that we’re sure listeners will really relate to, whatever personal mountain they are climbing.
“Musically, the new songs feel rawer and more emotional than anything we’ve created in the past. All the essential elements of our sound are still there, but have been delivered in a more gritty and focussed style”.
So you know Haken?
Do you know about the albums Aquarius and Visions?
Do you know about the album The Mountain?
The album wasn't released on iTunes until tomorrow for marketing. Are you going to buy it tomorrow?
I love the cover, and even the font. I feel like the man pushing the boulder should be a bit bolder (no pun intended...) though; it took me a long time to realize that little detail was even there.
I love the cover, and even the font. I feel like the man pushing the boulder should be a bit bolder (no pun intended...) though; it took me a long time to realize that little detail was even there.
In my opinion this is Haken's best album cover yet.
From Haken's facebook::omg:
"Would you guys mind if we shared one of the new songs with you?"
The question is when? Announcements made my DT in the past months have given a whole new meaning to the word "soon".
And, being from the UK, they also know that it's traditionally spelled "sooun."The question is when? Announcements made my DT in the past months have given a whole new meaning to the word "soon".
Haken is not DT and being from the UK where the English language originated we should assume they know the real meaning of "soon"
Any bets on when we'll see the debut of the new song? ;DMaybe...
Maybe...
SOMEDAY SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!
Since it's Haken and they're so incredibly uber-awesome, I guess I CAN WAIT FOREVAAAAAA-AAAAAAH :metal
(https://i.imgur.com/PFMHFL5.jpg)
Since this is the first new album that's been released since I've been a fan of the band, I'm curious...did something similar happen with Aquarius and Visions? If so what songs did they offer up for a preview? Someone who's more in the know about these things please help a sister out lol!They did it for Aquarius, they made Eternal Rain available a few weeks before I think.
They did it for Aquarius, they made Eternal Rain available a few weeks before I think.
For Visions, I'm fairly sure they didn't release a full track in advance of the release. They released some teasers though, that had sections of different songs. They also released this which I remember getting people very excited: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um8xAjt50iU
This video got me interested in Haken:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pAtQZHExZ4
I think it was a forum member that made it, not sure who though? It's really awesome! :tup
This video got me interested in Haken:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pAtQZHExZ4
I think it was a forum member that made it, not sure who though? It's really awesome! :tup
The guy that made it is an extremely talented French horn player and has a big French horn tribute to Dream Theater on Youtube. Awesome guy. He also played French horn on Transatlantic's The Whirlwind and is in the Symphonic Theater of Dreams symphony.
I'm equally excited for The Mountain and DT12. September is going to rock :metal
Oh man that is so difficult. There was a time when I would have said Visions simply because there were some things in Aquarius that didn't really vibe very well with me, particularly moments of Streams. However in the last six months or so I've found that those sections that I used to get all :\ over don't really bother me, and actually I am now quite fond of them. I like that they allowed themselves to get a little bit lighthearted and silly on Aquarius, and Celestial Elixir simply cannot be beat...the entrance of the vocals in that song is just :hefdaddy :heart\o
...yep. Another vote for Aquarius here :tup
So, what everybody else's favorite album?Definitely Aquarius. The melodies pull me in a lot more.
I lean toward Aquarius myself, but I think most prefer Visions.
I ordered both Aquarius and Visions... had some best buy gift card cash to spend.
It's such a close call. I think I'll go with Visions because even though my favorite songs are in Aquarius, Visions as a whole works better.Yea I think I'll agree on this, love both albums but if I had to choose, Visions would be the choice and mostly because the album feels so complete on every aspect. Their are better stand alone songs on Aquarius though.
Visions fan here, the album writing just seems so much more mature. Much more refined than Aquarius. Both are great.
It's such a close call. I think I'll go with Visions because even though my favorite songs are in Aquarius, Visions as a whole works better.This.
It's such a close call. I think I'll go with Visions because even though my favorite songs are in Aquarius, Visions as a whole works better.
It's such a close call. I think I'll go with Visions because even though my favorite songs are in Aquarius, Visions as a whole works better.Yep.
Then I think my Haken must be broken, because I never really have been able to make that leap.
Then I think my Haken must be broken, because I never really have been able to make that leap.
Your Haken is indeed defective and you should get another one.
Has anybody listened to some of The Mountain previews on Haken's Facebook page? It's completely different music while sounding like nobody else but Haken could have written it. It's an interesting feeling.
Has anybody listened to some of The Mountain previews on Haken's Facebook page? It's completely different music while sounding like nobody else but Haken could have written it. It's an interesting feeling.
I have, and it's not making me more excited about the Mountain (not less either). I believe most of those things will be completely amazing once recorded, mixed and mastered properly and we can hear the music around it. But now most of them are just random wacky prog-stuff which is not my favorite side of Haken. But like I said, hearing it in context and with proper sound will most likely be awesome :metal
I'd guess a video.Oh hells yes! I can get on board this idea :metal Though really the most ideal thing would be the announcement of a US tour :hat
I'm going to follow this thread even though I haven't heard much of them.If you are able I highly recommend you listen to Visions from start to finish (I'm assuming you haven't already since you say you haven't heard much) :tup
I'm going to follow this thread even though I haven't heard much of them.VISIONS. NOW. LIKE RIGHT NOW. GO AWAY. LISTEN. COME BACK. RESPECT.
No, Celestial Elixir is where it's at.For some reason I also just decided to assume that Celestial Elixir is what Lucien's heard already. But assuming is dangerous lol so I'm also just gonna agree with Shadow Ninja here. In fact I'm also going to recommend looking up their performance of Celestial Elixir from ProgPower XII on youtube...it's so choice :heart
https://www.facebook.com/HakenOfficial?fref=ts
Here you go!
Uh, great! I will probably do a discography relisten before The Mountain is out! It's gonna take a full couple of.... hours :biggrin:
Yes, it's Ross and they have stated that they didn't ditch the growls, they just didn't use them on Visions but still consider them part of their portfolio. They could resurface on the new album.
Yes, it's Ross and they have stated that they didn't ditch the growls, they just didn't use them on Visions but still consider them part of their portfolio. They could resurface on the new album.
I hope they don't :/
I thought the way they were used on Aquarius would have been really good, except Ross wasn't a very good growler. If he's improved, or they get someone else to growl, they could put more in and I'd still be fine with it.
I still want to hear his clean voice, though.
I thought the way they were used on Aquarius would have been really good, except Ross wasn't a very good growler. If he's improved, or they get someone else to growl, they could put more in and I'd still be fine with it.
I still want to hear his clean voice, though.
I agree. I think he is too good of a singer to be using his vocal chords to make growls or grunts.
I thought the way they were used on Aquarius would have been really good, except Ross wasn't a very good growler. If he's improved, or they get someone else to growl, they could put more in and I'd still be fine with it.
I still want to hear his clean voice, though.
I agree. I think he is too good of a singer to be using his vocal chords to make growls or grunts.
I'm not a huge fan of the growls in The Point of No Return, but I think they are awesome in Streams. That't the perfect way to use harsh vocals.Exactly the same here, I dig the Streams section quite a lot.
Of course, what the new album really needs is more tuba.
Listening to Haken on Slacker Radio while I wait for my discs to appear. Celestial Elixir is cool 4 mins in.Dude, Celestial Elixir is "cool" all the way :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Dude, Celestial Elixir is "cool" all the way :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Oh also, on Facebook Classic Rock Presents Prog posted the following:
"#nowplaying Haken - The Mountain. Scintillating new offering from the UK proggers, their first for InsideOut!"
:caffeine:
Wait, so is there a single, and I missed it? I thought they were going to be releasing one.
I really can't stand the way anything wacky gets described as "circus music". There's a trad jazz section, which I agree is a bit out of place, which is the only real reason Celestial Elixir isn't my favourite Haken song (I'd say probably 3rd or 4th).
They'd said they were going to release a song last week, but then had to postpone but promised something extra special with it. So nothing released yet, but should be soon hopefully!
I'm guessing it'll probably be Atlas Stone that they release, simply on the basis that that's the song they played at every show on their recent mini-tour supporting the Von Hertzen Brothers.
I really can't stand the way anything wacky gets described as "circus music". There's a trad jazz section, which I agree is a bit out of place, which is the only real reason Celestial Elixir isn't my favourite Haken song (I'd say probably 3rd or 4th).
I like plenty of Jazz/Funk tracks, this was definitely not what I'd classify as jazzy.
Are there no live videos of when they played Atlas Stone live? I can't find any.
I guess I should finally give Visions a tryHave you listened to Aquarius?
I guess I should finally give Visions a tryHave you listened to Aquarius?
Jazz is a hugely diverse genre, the start of the instrumental section in CE is very much trad jazz, in the vein of Dixieland bands from the 1920s, that sort of thing.I really can't stand the way anything wacky gets described as "circus music". There's a trad jazz section, which I agree is a bit out of place, which is the only real reason Celestial Elixir isn't my favourite Haken song (I'd say probably 3rd or 4th).
I like plenty of Jazz/Funk tracks, this was definitely not what I'd classify as jazzy.
Correct! They just introduced it as a new song, and I think at one of the later shows they named it.Are there no live videos of when they played Atlas Stone live? I can't find any.
Perhaps it wasn't named yet?
Are there no live videos of when they played Atlas Stone live? I can't find any.
Perhaps it wasn't named yet?
HAKEN
Right, sorry we've kept you so long. Sometimes these things happen... What's that? Sorry's not enough? Yeah, you're right! How about we put this whole thing behind us and give you TWO new tracks instead? First one's comin' at ya next week, no more excuses. Track 2 will follow 2 weeks later. Scouts Promise :)
Yeah right. Next week it'll be "We're gonna give you three songs next week, we promise!" and that's the way it will continue until we get the full album on release date :lol
talk about a bad case of blue balls.
Awesome!
talk about a bad case of blue balls.Awesome!
:|
talk about a bad case of blue balls.
It has been there for two months...:facepalm:
Keep your eyes peeled guys
New song out Wednesday!
QuoteKeep your eyes peeled guys
New song out Wednesday!
:dangerwillrobinson:
(https://cdn.meme.li/instances/300x300/39735251.jpg)
I raise you a Ned Stark:
(https://cdn.meme.li/instances/300x300/39735320.jpg)
(https://cdn.meme.li/instances/300x300/39736055.jpg)
Hey guys, we're gonna have to postpone those songs another few weeks. We promise we'll give you something extra-special! :)
It'll be like Tool all over again.
Sorry guys but we accidentally Haken so we have to postpone the album until further notice. But don't worry it will be worth the wait. See y'all in 2014!
Today's the day!
What Time Is The Internet The Most Awake?I think that's about two hours from now, right?
Answer: 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. That’s when the largest number of people in the world are likely awake (and on their computers), according to designer Bård Edlund.
This is absolutely beautiful. Love the jazzy vocal trade off/call-and-answer-section-thing around 2:30. 5:10 and on is just brilliant...sinister and wicked cool (love the little keyboard line happening behind the vocals in that part) flowing into just plain epic.Definitely my favorite part!
Definitely my favorite part!:tup
I'm all worked up now so listening to Visions :2metal:This is definitely my plan as well :metal
Definitely my favorite part!:tupI'm all worked up now so listening to Visions :2metal:This is definitely my plan as well :metal
Yo ShadowNinja...verdict yet lol? :biggrin:
Don't listen to her, you should feel bad. It's a great song and you should like it because this forum says so.
On a different note, did anyone else notice the face in the rock?
(https://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag94/ShadowNinja38/HakenFace_zps8c1b05f1.png)
So I'm stuck in my basement for the next 3 days with nothing to do. Thinking about taking a stab at transcribing this tune. Definitely will post here if/when I finish! :metal
Guitarpro. Hope you've got a 7 string guitar! :DSo I'm stuck in my basement for the next 3 days with nothing to do. Thinking about taking a stab at transcribing this tune. Definitely will post here if/when I finish! :metal
How are you transcribing? As in, what programs do you use? I'll happily take the guitar parts from you when you have them :biggrin:
I really should like this band but they just leave me cold. The music is pretty fantastic, especially the keys and guitars, but the vocals and vocal melodies do absolutely nothing for me.
I really should like this band but they just leave me cold. The music is pretty fantastic, especially the keys and guitars, but the vocals and vocal melodies do absolutely nothing for me.
I agree. I really like Haken and think they are good musicians and make good albums, but for me they are missing som "flare".
Hmm, the song is definitely growing on me. It'll be interesting to hear it in context if the whole album.Muahaha! Yes...join us! Resistance is futile! >:D
On a different note, did anyone else notice the face in the rock?
(https://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag94/ShadowNinja38/HakenFace_zps8c1b05f1.png)
I do want to say that all of the 11/8, although cool, feels kind of unnatural and makes listening kind of difficult. It doesn't have a very nice flow. I feel the song would've been a lot smoother without it, except for maybe the intro or the instrumental section. Odd meters are cool, but only when they sound good (like the 13/8 in The Test That Stumped Them All).
The song is exhilarating and uplifting but is tinged with a sense of urgency and desperation which reflects one’s journey to the peak of the mountain.
Yeah, despite sounding negative I still really enjoyed the instrumental side of the song.
Guitarpro. Hope you've got a 7 string guitar! :DSo I'm stuck in my basement for the next 3 days with nothing to do. Thinking about taking a stab at transcribing this tune. Definitely will post here if/when I finish! :metal
How are you transcribing? As in, what programs do you use? I'll happily take the guitar parts from you when you have them :biggrin:
Ross has improved exponentially. I'm very impressed. He went from being a singer who was pretty good to really being one of the best prog rock frontmen out there right now. I've noticed a bit more grit and control in his voice. He's really unique too, it's a totally different animal than the likes of JLB, Tate, or that guy from Circus Maximus.Agreed. He seems to be finding his niche and controlling his voice a lot better. Good for him!
Hey, Nick. I just checked the Visions booklet and saw your mention, pretty cool stuff. Although, they also thanked Rick Astley. :|
After repeated listenings, I believe I like Atlas Stone better than any other song on Visions but the title track. I think :D
NO WAY RICH THE MIND'S EYE RULES
I'm gonna have to agree that TME is awesome. Better than Insomnia imo.
You may have seen that I already commented on how they're using DT's definition of the word "soon". :lol
From their FB:
"We have just received official word that new song #2 will be with you on.... DRUM ROLL PLEASE...
Monday 5th August"
Does anyone else get a very strong Spock's Beard vibe from 4:45-5:19 of Atlas Stone? I do.
Here's a text I got from my brother (the original keyboardist, for those who don't already know) last week in relation to Atlas Stone and the next one:
"Song is awesome. And the one coming out next week sounds pretty full on from the preview Ray showed me last night!"
:caffeine:
Not to be nosy Rich, but why is your brother the former keyboard player? It seems like it was an amicable split if he's getting tracks before others.Yeah it was very amicable, after they recorded the original demo and were starting to get a name for themselves, he was just finishing school (age 17, possibly 18 by then, can't remember the exact timings) and he needed to make a decision on what he wanted to do. He decided that even if they made it big, he didn't think the whole experience of touring etc. would be for him, so decided to pursue his academic career instead (which incidentally is going extremely well, and he's starting a PhD in theoretical physics in the autumn).
Hey man Deathless is a top-tier song
Two bonus tracks? Oh hells to the yes.
...maybe because I called it a "girlfriend-friendly power ballad" on the previous page.
I agree that it's a top-tier song, as are all songs on Aquarius and Visions.
3:02 sounds oddly specific. It would be awesome if they kept that. It would also be awesome if they released it before DT :lol:lol Well, that was the time they made the post on Facebook.
Sweet, will hear this and new DT when I get home.
That was much better than the first track !!! :metal :tup
Still, this is miles better than the song DT just released.
Oh my god, banjo lead line backed by djent riff. Wtf.
This day just makes me wish even more that Haken opens for DT in Sweden when I go see them. :biggrin:FTFM
My first impression was Tool.
I like it, but so far I prefer Atlas Stoned. Only listened to it once though, so I won't make any bold comments until I get to know it better.
Oh my god, banjo lead line backed by djent riff. Wtf.
New song...kind of bored me silly. About three minutes too long, just meanders way too much, and sounds so much like Tool I can't figure out why a forum that regularly rips on DT when they sounded like other bands isn't landing on this with both feet :lol
I didn't feel Atlas Stone much either, so maybe I'm losing my Haken buzz. Or maybe they'll never top Aquarius for me. :-\
Also ask him what he thinks about :ariich::lol Unfortunately I don't really know Ross that well, same with Diego and Charlie. They're all nice guys but Hen and Tom are a bit better at mingling and chatting at gigs and stuff, and Ray I've known for years.
The obvious ones for me would be:
- What he did differently on vocals this time.
- What the ideas behind the lyrics were for the album.
How much (if any) input does he have on the song writing process?I can pretty much answer this already. Hen write's the majority of the music in advance - at least in draft form anyway. The band then jam around it and make changes, everyone contributing their own ideas. Pretty sure this includes Ross, as he's an instumentalist as well (he plays guitar in another band).
Oh cool. Didn't know Ross played guitar, is the other band a local thing or do they have music out?Just a local band as far as I know, not sure if he's even still doing it right now. But yeah, him, Hen and Matt Marshall (the original other guitarist that was replaced by Charlie after they recorded the demo) used to play together when they were younger.
Here it is, hope ya'll enjoy it: https://www.wpapu.com/int012.html
Apparently the first review on the net: https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=https://www.babyblaue-seiten.de/index.php%3Fcontent%3Dreview%26albumId%3D13634&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttps://www.babyblaue-seiten.de/index.php%253Fcontent%253Dreview%2526albumId%253D13634%26biw%3D1920%26bih%3D1099:lol Hook are a great band.
Apparently the first review on the net: https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=https://www.babyblaue-seiten.de/index.php%3Fcontent%3Dreview%26albumId%3D13634&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttps://www.babyblaue-seiten.de/index.php%253Fcontent%253Dreview%2526albumId%253D13634%26biw%3D1920%26bih%3D1099:lol Hook are a great band.
As he said, Mason is going to do a full (and English!) review soon.Sounds awesome! :metal
All I will say is that this is my favorite Haken release yet. And whereas Ross mentioned how they are going new places and trying new things I personally found the greatest strength of the album was how they took the best elements from Aquarius and Visions and elevated them to new excellence on this album. I think anybody who has liked them so far is really going to dig this record.
I hope my reviews don't translate to other languages that poorly :lol
Here it is, hope ya'll enjoy it: https://www.wpapu.com/int012.html
I hope my reviews don't translate to other languages that poorly :lol
That's because translating German is ridiculously difficult. Lots of words with slightly different meanings and lots of words glued together, forming words that don't even exist in other languages.Here it is, hope ya'll enjoy it: https://www.wpapu.com/int012.html
Cool, I'll listen tonight!
Also, 'Atlas Stoned' :lol
I really have nothing negative to say about Ross's vocals. He started out great, and he's only gotten better.This.
Yeah back when they first started he was definitely the weak link, but even by the time they recorded the final demo songs (Blind, Black Seed and Sleeping Thoughts Wake) he had improved quite a bit. And by the time Aquarius was recorded I was sold on him; I love the unique quality that his voice has, and he's really strengthened it to the point where that quality is genuinely engaging.I really have nothing negative to say about Ross's vocals. He started out great, and he's only gotten better.This.
A lot of prog metal bands these days seem to really try to emulate JLB or Geoff Tate when it comes to vocals, it's nice to see someone like Ross who has his own personality. The best part is he gets lightyears better with each album. I think he's awesome.This.
It was all right. I feel kind of bad because everyone else is raving over it.... I should probably listen to it again.
An English review: https://www.ghostcultmag.com/haken-the-mountain/Well, that sounds rather positive!
Well, yeah. Just wondering about the extended title, where'd he get that from?
An English review: https://www.ghostcultmag.com/haken-the-mountain/Well, that sounds rather positive!
:burns:
2013 is turning into a fantastic year of releases.
My body is ready.
My body is ready.
Mason's review: https://www.wpapu.com/rev072.html
An English review: https://www.ghostcultmag.com/haken-the-mountain/Well, that sounds rather positive!
Wait until you see me review (after Nick and I finish editing it) then. Until that time, here is my short review of the album:
(https://www.teamteabag.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/2322810192_18164d66cf.jpg)
Must... resist... samples...I'm resisting them too. I'd rather wait for the album.
Must... resist... samples...
I know there aren't enough material in the snippets to make any solid predictions, so I'll just make one anyways. I think Somebody will be my favorite track.
Then get the special edition.
Atlas Stone >>>>>> Pareidolia
Atlas Stone ===== Pareidolia
FTFM
Pareidolia >>>>>> Atlas Stone
Pareidolia >>>>>> Atlas Stone
Absolutely this all the way.
Wait a minute.....Pareidolia >>>>>> Atlas Stone
Absolutely this all the way.
When I first heard the tracks I felt this way, but now it's simply: Pareidolia > Atlas Stone
Do the bonus tracks ruin the finale, like on Leprous' album Coal
I didn't even know there was a special edition, so I got the normal one :( (Well, for Leprous, that is)Do the bonus tracks ruin the finale, like on Leprous' album Coal
Uh, what? Bury is awesome.
Do the bonus tracks ruin the finale, like on Leprous' album Coal
Uh, what? Bury is awesome.
Do the bonus tracks ruin the finale, like on Leprous' album Coal
Uh, what? Bury is awesome.
The quality of "Bury" doesn't matter. "Contaminate me" closes the album. There can be no tracks after it. It's like Haken's "Celestial Elixir" and "Visions".
I just got done listening to the new album, and this might just be their best album yet. It's definitely the album of the year.If I may ask, how did you get hold of the album so early?
2b. With regard to "leaked" material, you are not allowed to discuss the leaking or sharing of an album by any artist, or that an album has leaked. In addition to the above, with regard to Dream Theater and side-projects by the members of Dream Theater, you may not discuss the leaked material whatsoever. For other bands, you can in most cases discuss the content of the leaked material as long as you do not reference the leak, where you obtained the material, or sharing the leaked material.
Cockroach King is so fun! :lol
Cockroach King is so fun! :lol
I don't see how the lyrics are in any way similar. I mean, I love TCOT but the lyrics are incredibly literal, which is not at all the case with CK.Cockroach King is so fun! :lol
I liken it to The Count of Tuscany. If you just accept and enjoy the lyrics it will always make you happy.
Imho,this isn't as good as the previous two. BUT,It's almost as good as Aquarius.That's how I see it at the moment, but after only 2 listens. And the second listen was a big improvement over the first.
Holy shit, then it must be good. Can't wait for the album!!!Cockroach King is so fun! :lol
I liken it to The Count of Tuscany. If you just accept and enjoy the lyrics it will always make you happy.
- Cockroach King: undoubtedly the worst Haken song ever
- Cockroach King: undoubtedly the worst Haken song ever
:|
Interesting interview with Charlie Griffiths:
https://www.ghostcultmag.com/a-towering-experience-an-interview-with-haken/
I didn't know they all work day jobs still.
Interesting interview with Charlie Griffiths:
https://www.ghostcultmag.com/a-towering-experience-an-interview-with-haken/
I didn't know they all work day jobs still.
That really shouldn't be news. Basically any band that isn't playing theaters somewhat regularly is not going to make enough money to be supported primarily by the music they write nowadays. Even Symphony X, a band that tours clubs in the US regularly and successfully has to find other income outside of the tours.
Yep, CK is awesome.- Cockroach King: undoubtedly the worst Haken song ever
:|
My reaction wavers between this and pure rage.
To me this song seemed like this is what Gentle Giant would sound like if they were a heavy metal band. I don't dislike Gentle Giant, but I don't listen to them a lot either. It will be interesting to see how much I like this song as time goes on.- Cockroach King: undoubtedly the worst Haken song ever
:|
Rich and Diego, definitely give the album more listens.
My biggest wish is that they'd just do something expected for once. Just when you think that an awesome melody is coming because of the feel of the music, they almost always throws in those weird chords or just go full "weird" and experimental.
I'm impressed that people are so quick to make judgments after so short time. I personally need a lot of time to let the music sink in and really get a grasp of it all.
I would make a terrible reviewer, handing in my review like two months after release date :lol
I have to say, I'm truly shocked at people's reaction to Cockroach King.Same here. It's quite quirky, but Haken have loads of quirky stuff in their music. I think it's a great song!
Anyone else getting a BTBAM vibe from Falling Back To Earth? Not so much in the verses and choruses, but especially the instrumental and then most of the second half of the song.
me7, I'm surprised you think it's less metal. I would say this album has far more properly heavy sections than either of their previous two albums.Maybe you're right. I must admit that after only three listens many songs are still somewhat blurry in my mind as the album is very intense and complex. It could be that the quirkiness and 70s vibe is predominant in my memory and makes me forget some heavier sections.
What I mean to say is that my initial impression of Visions was: OMG, this is sooo "Dream Theater" and so well executed. I love it.Yep, I totally get you on that, and I agree.
My first reaction to this album was: OMG, this is sooo NOT "Dream Theater" and so well executed. I love it.
Hmm, could anyone explain what exactly is meant by "Haken sounds like DT"? I mean, DT is probably my favourite band and Haken is quite possibly my second favourite band right now, so I guess they must be somewhat similar XD But I couldn't really put my finger on it and say how they sound alike, other than by being progressive metal bands.
Aquarius+Visions+TheMountain > WDaDU+Images and Words+Awake.
The Mountain is a melting pot where PoS, BTBAM, Gentle Giant, Neal Morse and Muse were blended all together!This is quite a good description. :lol
The Mountain is a melting pot where PoS, BTBAM, Gentle Giant, Neal Morse and Muse were blended all together!This is quite a good description. :lol
Like I said in my initial post about the album, I'd throw Beardfish and Karmakanic into the mix as well.Totally agree for Beardfish ! As for Karmakanic, I need to start with google :blush
It's really interesting to me that the band that made two albums I fell in love with on first listen (Aquarius, around the release and Visions at a pre-listening session) has managed to create an album that has to grow. That's actually pretty awesome and I'll be listening to it a lot.
^Sounds interesting. Is it available anywhere?I doubt it. A quick google search only reveals a post in 2006 on ultimatemetal where Hen linked to Haken's myspace, which had it up at the time. Pretty sure it won't have it now.
Can anyone reccomend a good website to buy this CD from? I normally buy from Amazon, but they list this CD as available on Sept 17th. I don't want to wait that long.
I think some of Ross' pronounciations of the letter "T" on this album makes it sound like he has the accent the singer in Sky Architect has..
I think some of Ross' pronounciations of the letter "T" on this album makes it sound like he has the accent the singer in Sky Architect has..
Sky Architect is Dutch, hence he has a distinct accent.
Anyone got their preorder on time? Mine didn't arrive.
I didn't get any shipping confirmation either :-\
It's growing heavily on me as well :biggrin:
It's growing heavily on me as well :biggrin:
I'm not sure why senecadawg2's erection is growing heavily on you, but it has me concerned.
It's growing heavily on me as well :biggrin:
I'm not sure why senecadawg2's erection is growing heavily on you, but it has me concerned.
In other news, I just got an erection listening to the Cockroach King :blushYep, it moved for me too.
First impression: needs moar listens. I can't properly judge this, hasn't sunk in really. Cockroach King was full of progasmic moments though, but also full off ??? moments... so I don't know yet.
Interesting that several people find Cockroach King difficult to get into. For me, it was my favourite track on my first listen. Pretty much sums up what I enjoy about Haken and prog in general.
Interesting that several people find Cockroach King difficult to get into. For me, it was my favourite track on my first listen. Pretty much sums up what I enjoy about Haken and prog in general.Yes, bring on the quirkiness! :metal
Interesting that several people find Cockroach King difficult to get into. For me, it was my favourite track on my first listen. Pretty much sums up what I enjoy about Haken and prog in general.
Heavy Gentle Giant?
Interesting that several people find Cockroach King difficult to get into. For me, it was my favourite track on my first listen. Pretty much sums up what I enjoy about Haken and prog in general.
Heavy Gentle Giant?
70s prog + Metal + Jazz + insane lyrics + some secret ingredient named " ??? " by jsem.
...And Cockroach King isn't nearly as odd as everyone makes it out to be... feels like classic Haken to me.
What the heck is Cockroach King ABOUT?
Well if you compare Somebody to those songs then you're pretty much guaranteed to be disappointed. I think it's awesome and a different way to close the album. It's more like Sun and Deathless, but even better.
I can't decide ifPareidoliaFalling Back to Earth orSomebodyAtlas Stone is the best track on the album.
What the heck is Cockroach King ABOUT?
I disagree, but maybe they meant for the two bonuses to be part of the album, rather than "just" bonus tracks. Anyone who has the album think so?
Oh my sweet mother of Jupiter, Falling Back To Earth.... :metal :metal :metal
"The sky is falling in on MEEEEEEEEEEE-EEEEYIIEEEEEEEE"
Somebody is a fantastic song, but for me it completely fails to function as a closer. It would've been much wiser to end the album with Falling Back to Earth in my opinion.
Oh, that's a bit disappointing. I think I'll just buy the standard edition then.I disagree, but maybe they meant for the two bonuses to be part of the album, rather than "just" bonus tracks. Anyone who has the album think so?
Not at all. "The Path unbeaten" is an alternative version of "The Path". It's just the same song without vocals, the vocal melodies are played by instruments instead. Sounds like they were unsure whether to open the album instrumentally or with vocals and tried both versions. I prefer the vocal version that ended up as the opener.
"Nobody" is merely a demo of the first section of "Somebody" played only on acoustic guitar with vocals. Not closing material at all.
Out of all the songs in the regular edition of the album I would probably say Somebody is the best closer, though it lacks the epic-ness of tracks like Celestial Elixir or Visions. Still, I prefer to leave The Path Unbeaten as the final track: I think it offers a fitting, somewhat cyclical conclusion to the album. After all, once you climb a mountain you eventually have to go down, and then you often end up in a place remarkably similar to the one where you started.
Falling Back To Earth has taken over as my favourite on the album, at the moment.
Well, if you want to interpret it that way, think about the song title. 'The Path Unbeaten' may then very well symbolise the path that one has yet to take. It actually even makes sense. considering it's practically the same song as 'The Path', but without vocals.
And yeah I also completely agree with Elliot that Falling Back to Earth's placement on the album is perfect. In fact, the pacing of the album is completely bang on. I'm glad they didn't have the typical epic closer like the first two albums - as good as those songs were, it would have been getting too samey to do it again.
Well, they'd have to actually make an Aquarius 2.0 first, which I would have absolutely no problem with..
It's more thematic then a coherent story, but it's still a concept album.
The whole album is based around the story of a young boy who sees his own death in his dreams and believes it’s going to happen and spends the rest of his life trying to avoid it.
Also, does anyone have a meter breakdown for the instrumental break in Cockroach King with the silly little organ?I was counting it out while saying goodbye to family (I multi-task well!), so I could be WAY off (I think I am) but I believe the instrumental section's beginning switches from 6/4 and 5/4, the section starting at 5:00 goes from 3/4 to 4/4, with the quadruplets at the end being in 2/4 (?). And then that last weird part (at like 5:38) after the guitar solo is in 7/8? Stopped around there lol. Hoping I get corrected because I'm really curious too now but don't have time atm
Agree hard with the sentiment that Falling Back to Earth is in the perfect spot for the album. I am starting to absolutely love that song in every regard.Completely agree with all this. FBtE was probably my least favourite on the first listen, not because I didn't like it, but it just seemed quite intense and there seemed to be a lot to take in, none of which blew me away. It just keeps growing and growing though, and now it's one of my favourites.
I also cannot stop listening to Because It's There! I have no idea how they'll do that live. The vocals are just so fantastic on this album.
Well, they'd have to actually make an Aquarius 2.0 first, which I would have absolutely no problem with..
A lot of the criticism Visions got was that it sounded a lot like Aquarius and does, in fact, have a completely similar structure as Aquarius does. Both end with an epic that reprises stuff from earlier tracks, both have a ballad right before the epic, both consist solely of 'long' stracks (especially if you consider the run from The Mind's Eye - Portals - Shapeshifter as one), both are concept albums and on both the tracks generally flow seamlessly into each other. Combine that with the fact or perception that it sounds similar (similarly mixed/mastered etc.) and that idea isn't too far-fetched. The Mountain is pretty much different from both in every way.
BlahBlah2
Hm, never occured to me actually, but yes I guess the structure of the albums are quite similar. But I still feel like Visions has a completely different sound and style than Aquarius. So personally I wouldn't dub it 'Aquarius 2.0'.
I suspect for me that Haken will forever be trying to top Aquarius.
I suspect for me that Haken will forever be trying to top Aquarius.
I think they may top Aquarius sometime in the future. They haven't with Visions and not with The Mountain either, but I do believe it will happen eventually.
Oh, and we'll have discussions with people who only started listening to Haken once they signed to Roadrunner somewhere around album 8 about how much better they used to be...
This could be my favorite as well, but I've only known it for a few days, don't want to speak too soon. It flows better than the other albums though, I think.
Also I just noticed, each album has one more song than the last. Aquarius with 7, Visions with 8, and The Mountain with 9 (not counting bonus tracks). Nuggetz? :justjen
Mine didn't come yesterday, I'm hoping it will come today. I mean, it was released yesterday - a preorder should arrive the same day.
Mine didn't come yesterday, I'm hoping it will come today. I mean, it was released yesterday - a preorder should arrive the same day.
I got mine late as well. Did you order directly from InsideOut like I did?
I also ordered from ginza and I got my copy today so expect it today or tomorrow. :)Mine didn't come yesterday, I'm hoping it will come today. I mean, it was released yesterday - a preorder should arrive the same day.
I got mine late as well. Did you order directly from InsideOut like I did?
No I ordered it from the Swedish site Ginza, I do almost all my ordering there.
And no, it didn't come today either.
Edit: Just checked their site, and it seems they don't have it in stock and they're waiting for it to arrive. That's what I get for ordering the deluxe edition (they have the regular one).
I bought the Limited Edition Digipak, don't know if that counts as the regular one though? Becuase it's actually is the cheapest of 3.That
It's also rather pleasing to see myself in the list of thanks again. :)
As much as I love this new album, I do want to say that Haken is getting a bit predictable. I love just about every song on the album (I don't dislike any song Haken has made as as I can tell), but at points I'd be like "here comes the instrumental break with the shifting fast meters", or "now they're going to do a little circus bit," or "time for a nice atmospheric part with strings." They are a fantastic band, but I feel like what they said about exploring new territory on The Mountain is mostly not true at all.
As much as I love this new album, I do want to say that Haken is getting a bit predictable. I love just about every song on the album (I don't dislike any song Haken has made as as I can tell), but at points I'd be like "here comes the instrumental break with the shifting fast meters", or "now they're going to do a little circus bit," or "time for a nice atmospheric part with strings." They are a fantastic band, but I feel like what they said about exploring new territory on The Mountain is mostly not true at all.
Rich, what was the setlist last night?
Interesting that they played As Death Embraces as well, that song is entirely written by Diego. Was it just him and Ross on that one?
I could do without The Mind's Eye
That's awesome. I've come to like it quite a lot, it's fairly modern harmonically, especially in the earlier stages, so isn't so immediately accessible as a lot of ballads like that. But it's interesting and very pretty.
I'm really quite in love with Because It's There. It just sounds so beautiful and so unlike anything I've ever heard before... At the moment I might say it's my favorite song on the album, though that title changes hands more often than a dollar bill...
also, reviewed this over at Sputnik, lemme know what you think: https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/58750/Haken-The-Mountain/
me7, I love your avatar! :lol
If you read his comment at the bottom, his own personal rating is 5 stars, but he gave it 4.5 because that's what he thinks the average score of other listeners deserves to be.also, reviewed this over at Sputnik, lemme know what you think: https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/58750/Haken-The-Mountain/
Well written review.
I see you gave it 4,5/5. Do you have something to criticise that prevents you from giving it a full 5, or is it out of the principle that everything can be improved?
It comes to my mind because you don't have a single negative word about the album to say but still deduce 0,5 points from the score.
also, reviewed this over at Sputnik, lemme know what you think: https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/58750/Haken-The-Mountain/
Well written review.
I see you gave it 4,5/5. Do you have something to criticise that prevents you from giving it a full 5, or is it out of the principle that everything can be improved?
It comes to my mind because you don't have a single negative word about the album to say but still deduce 0,5 points from the score.
Personally I would say it is better than every one of those albums. The only one that is very nearly as good is ITCOTCK.(https://www.bisaidso.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/facepalm_picard2.jpg)
What was that for? Because my opinion is different to yours? ???Personally I would say it is better than every one of those albums. The only one that is very nearly as good is ITCOTCK.(https://www.bisaidso.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/facepalm_picard2.jpg)
Because older albums must be better.
It could be that we are confusing "good" with "influential" and "inventive".
...I think I'm addicted to this album though, guys. I wake up with its melodies playing in my head in the morning.
Pareidolia was prog metal by the numbers? I mean, you're certainly entitled to your opinion, but that just never came to my mind.I'm with you on that. I mean, it's an 11 minute song with no solo, with long brooding sections, and with a bouzouki-led isntrumental. I don't see what's so by-the-numbers about it.
Or, possibly I just listen to so much generic prog, that anything slightly outside of that seems extremely creative. :P
I think I'm addicted to this album though, guys. I wake up with its melodies playing in my head in the morning.Yep same here, me and my brother were saying last night how we've both been listening to it obsessively. Heard it maybe 15-20 times already, which is just ridiculous. I haven't been this obsessed with a new album in literally years.
Saying that Haken has made ANY album-even Aquarius, which I love-that is better than the murderer's row of albums that were mentioned in this thread from other prog bands might be the single biggest bit of hyperbole I've read since the Terrrorizer review that said an album by death metal band Mithras was the greatest album produced in the history of music from the UK. :lol Seriously, guys, lighten up a bit. Even Haken would find that notion silly.Why is it ridiculous? It's an opinion. Personally I find it completely absurd to say about any albums that they are clearly the all-time classics and that nobody should be able to rank something else above them.
Don't wanna be that guy but if you see a track by that length and you value not being spoiled then don't listen to it and wait for the album. It dosen't matter what song they will release someone will always find something to nag about.
Saying that Haken has made ANY album-even Aquarius, which I love-that is better than the murderer's row of albums that were mentioned in this thread from other prog bands might be the single biggest bit of hyperbole I've read since the Terrrorizer review that said an album by death metal band Mithras was the greatest album produced in the history of music from the UK. :lol Seriously, guys, lighten up a bit. Even Haken would find that notion silly.
In Memoriam is a great song; my idea to pre-release it alone is because of its length (4 min track). I should have mentioned that I disagree with the early releases of BOTH Atlas Stone and Pareidolia because of their lengths (i.e. total 18.22 min which is approx. 30% of the album length !!) I believe you will agree that listening to 30% of an album prior to its release will surely affect its listening experience as a whole.
Wait, what? :lolDon't wanna be that guy but if you see a track by that length and you value not being spoiled then don't listen to it and wait for the album. It dosen't matter what song they will release someone will always find something to nag about.
I guess you failed "not being that guy" by your post above.
You fascinated me by your way to debate and argue the "singles release" issue: "don't listen to it and wait for the album" :tup
I couldn't be happier with the release of Pareidolia as a single.
I will always remember that day... Dream Theater released the first single of their upcoming album and I ended up not-caring all that much for it because Haken stole the show with that masterpiece.
...and dat Sirtaki section :metal
EDIT: I know, I know... it's not really Sirtaki but I think we should call it "Sirtaki section" nonetheless because the name sounds awesome.
'tis, sir, 'tis.
also sweet stuff: my album review was featured on Sputnik! yay for Haken exposure.
Just waiting for the lyrics to show up online so I can sing along properly and not just sing 80% of the words and the rest in pure jibberish.
Just waiting for the lyrics to show up online so I can sing along properly and not just sing 80% of the words and the rest in pure jibberish.
Or you could buy the album and read with the album booklet. The artwork is really nice as well :)
I agree that Haken would probably find the notion silly, but that's just because those are probably their influences and it would feel weird for an artist to look at his own creation and say: Yeah, that's better than all those things that inspired me, I'm a freaking genius.
But I don't think this means that we, the people who have listened to The Mountain and those other albums, need to share those opinions. I am willing to say that those classics were, when they were released, a much bigger deal than The Mountain is now. But I think people often confuse historical importance with how good the actual listening experience is. So I would say those albums are more historically important (revolutionary, even) and pretty good in their own right, but, for me, The Mountain is better than them.
lol dude, I guess that's cool and all that you enjoy older music more but you cannot say it was "done better in the past"... that's just ridiculous and triteIn fairness, he does make it clear in that post that it's all just his opinion.
lol dude, I guess that's cool and all that you enjoy older music more but you cannot say it was "done better in the past"... that's just ridiculous and trite
lol dude, I guess that's cool and all that you enjoy older music more but you cannot say it was "done better in the past"... that's just ridiculous and trite
Apparently music is like the opposite of sports. Athletes get better and better over the years with improved techniques that continue to push world records, but musicians just rehash and copy and dwindle as time goes on, or something like that.
And i can't blame the musicians... You are born into a world where people already have done so many great works in art, music, cinema, television... It's very hard to not copy a formula that already exists.
Also, I can't believe no one has pointed out how similar the first part of Somebody sounds to Porcupine Tree's Heartattack In a Laybay. It's like almost exactly the same. Still a great song though.
Apparently music is like the opposite of sports. Athletes get better and better over the years with improved techniques that continue to push world records, but musicians just rehash and copy and dwindle as time goes on, or something like that.
Also, I can't believe no one has pointed out how similar the first part of Somebody sounds to Porcupine Tree's Heartattack In a Laybay. It's like almost exactly the same. Still a great song though.I don't find them very similar actually. I love HIaL though, one of PTs most emotional songs. However I do find the vocals and melody very similar to Daniel in Pain Of Salvation. :lol
I on the other hand feel like this is easily the best Haken album. The most mature, for sure.
Also, lyrics seems to be available online now for those interested.
Holy snapple, In Memoriam just clicked hard for me :metalYes! :metal
TEARING DOWN THE WALLS OF ETERNITY
That's their first song with named sections, right?
You didn't buy the album, did you? :zydar:I haven't been able to find at a reasonable price yet here in Sweden so I listen via spotify. I did buy The Mountain though. :angel:
After reading the lyrics and singing along I have to say how great this album's lyrics are. It has definitely further increased my liking of The Mountain. :fancy:
That's their first song with named sections, right?
Nope. Streams is divided into three parts titled 'Streams', 'Veins' and 'Digression'.
The Mountain will be released in the US on 17th September. But don't worry if you're not interested because GTA V comes out on the same day!!!!!! Best day ever? Probably.:)
I'm on it.
Edit: It's added now.
Already preordered mine, along with Aquarius to save on shipping. Can't wait! :metalQuote from: From Haken FBThe Mountain will be released in the US on 17th September. But don't worry if you're not interested because GTA V comes out on the same day!!!!!! Best day ever? Probably.:)
After reading the lyrics and singing along I have to say how great this album's lyrics are. It has definetely further increased my liking of The Mountain. :fancy:
We've been working hard on a top secret music video for one of the tracks from The Mountain. We KNOW you're gonna love it and if you don't, Diego will eat his sombrero!
QuoteWe've been working hard on a top secret music video for one of the tracks from The Mountain. We KNOW you're gonna love it and if you don't, Diego will eat his sombrero!
Any guesses concerning what song they mean? I'm hoping it's not Atlas Stone.
QuoteWe've been working hard on a top secret music video for one of the tracks from The Mountain. We KNOW you're gonna love it and if you don't, Diego will eat his sombrero!
Any guesses concerning what song they mean? I'm hoping it's not Atlas Stone.
Yeah they've already done videos for Atlas Stone and Pareidolia. I'm guessing Falling Back To Earth?
Totally agree with that review. I just can't get enough of this album.
if he's talking about most of their music post-SDOIT then for the most part, yes, unfortunately
if he's talking about their entire discography... NOPE
I'm actually quite convinced that I will like the new Haken more than the new DT based on what I've heard from DT thus far.
Favourite moment on the album? Right now it is when the guitar solo comes in Atlas Stone. Holy moly.Yep that gets me all the time too. Love that solo!
I think you made a mistake by not-listening to it yet. With the US street date being so close to DT12, this album will ruin your initial experience with DT12.
Because It's There from start to finish is amazing, and it's the song that made me stop, listen to it, and begin to absorb what Haken was doing this time. It's amazing.
I think this DT album could touch The Mountain. Shoot me.It could, but it'll be close. I think all 3 Haken albums beat every DT album since Train Of Thought, at least.
I think this DT album could touch The Mountain. Shoot me.I think it will be better. The Mountain is my least fav out of the three released.
:lol :hefdaddy
This was awesome. Strange coincidence that TesseracT did something similar as a joke just the other week. But this one was a hundred times better and funnier. So many great moments that actually made me laugh.It's also amazing how much they've captured the look of each member. Ray in particular is just instantly recognisable!
This was awesome. Strange coincidence that TesseracT did something similar as a joke just the other week. But this one was a hundred times better and funnier. So many great moments that actually made me laugh.I thought the TesseracT one was just fanmade?
The single version is better.
vladadragovic 8 hours ago:lol
144p for best experience! :D
This was awesome. Strange coincidence that TesseracT did something similar as a joke just the other week. But this one was a hundred times better and funnier. So many great moments that actually made me laugh.It's also amazing how much they've captured the look of each member. Ray in particular is just instantly recognisable!
Anybody in the uk going to the Haken and Maschine gig in Nov?Yep, already bought my ticket! Would be great to get a mini DTF meetup.
Anybody in the uk going to the Haken and Maschine gig in Nov?Yep, already bought my ticket! Would be great to get a mini DTF meetup.
Same. I could always just wish that they tour in the US...
I think this DT album could touch The Mountain. Shoot me.
How about I join you?I think this DT album could touch The Mountain. Shoot me.
DT12 > The Mountain.
Come at me.
I think this DT album could touch The Mountain. Shoot me.
DT12 > The Mountain.
Come at me.
Yeah, it's funny, I think DT12 is their most radular album yet, only (for now) behind Images & Words.
Haken just don't do it for me really.
The Mountain > DT12
Funny, I don't feel the need in comparing The Mountain with DT like many of you do. Though I can say now with confidence that The Mountain sounds like Haken and DT sounds like DT and i'm very happy with that. Both bands surprised me in a good way.Exactly. Personally though, I do prefer The Mountain, but just because it's more suited to my tastes. Both are great!
DO IT. COME TO LONDON.Anybody in the uk going to the Haken and Maschine gig in Nov?Yep, already bought my ticket! Would be great to get a mini DTF meetup.
I WANT IN TOO. But I need to get to the UK first.
DO IT. COME TO LONDON.Anybody in the uk going to the Haken and Maschine gig in Nov?Yep, already bought my ticket! Would be great to get a mini DTF meetup.
I WANT IN TOO. But I need to get to the UK first.
Yep, at the Borderline.
Plus, DTs ballads are more touching.
Plus, DTs ballads are more touching.
For me it's the other way around. DT's ballads are often boringly predictable and lately very cheesy.
Got my copy today (USA). Came with 2 bonus tracks, huzah.
Got my copy today (USA). Came with 2 bonus tracks, huzah.
where did you order from?
This album might make me JIMP.
Got my copy today (USA). Came with 2 bonus tracks, huzah.
where did you order from?
Amazon
Got my copy today (USA). Came with 2 bonus tracks, huzah.
where did you order from?
Amazon
and you ordered the version they've been preselling? Just making sure because I am thinking about ordering through amazon as well.
Get Prime and they ship orders separately in those cases. They even overnight stuff to get stuff that is delayed some times.I don't really use Amazon enough to justify getting prime.
Not sure why everyone automatically want to compare the new Haken album with the new DT album. Because DT was a big influence on early Haken? People don't compare DT with Rush, for the same reason, because that's just silly. Or DT with Iron Maiden.This. Even the early Haken stuff barely sounds like DT. Two very different animals.
Not sure why everyone automatically want to compare the new Haken album with the new DT album.
For the swedes in this thread, me and my dad always refers to Thomas as "Björn Gustafsson" because of the blond hair he's rockin'. It always makes me smile or laugh when I see him when I think of that.Can't be unseen :lol
I am quite certain all swedes will get that referense.
Heh yeah they are pretty similar. With the exception that I actually don't mind Thomas :P
Can't be unseen :lolBoth of these, so much.
Funny, I don't feel the need in comparing The Mountain with DT like many of you do. Though I can say now with confidence that The Mountain sounds like Haken and DT sounds like DT and i'm very happy with that. Both bands surprised me in a good way.Exactly. Personally though, I do prefer The Mountain, but just because it's more suited to my tastes. Both are great!
DO IT. COME TO LONDON.Anybody in the uk going to the Haken and Maschine gig in Nov?Yep, already bought my ticket! Would be great to get a mini DTF meetup.
I WANT IN TOO. But I need to get to the UK first.
Seriously, it's in London? That's actually pretty doable.. :lol
Second listen. I'm definitely sure it's just as good as the first 2 albums at this point. Going back and forth between this album and DT12, there is some magical stuff going on. Lots of beautiful moments on TM, Somebody might be my favorite so far, especially that epic ending OMG!!!The ending of Somebody is so epic. It's a really good song, one of my least favourites on the album, but that's just a reflection of how completely in love with the album I am!
TEARING DOWN THE WALLS OF ETEEEEERNIIIIITYYYYYY!!!!!!!Completely, that chorus was entirely stuck in my head within a couple of days of me hearing the album. My favourite part of the whole album!
(this is the new she may never return)
*QOUTEPYRAMID*
Lets make it happen
*QOUTEPYRAMID*
Lets make it happen
Yes, but how?
TEARING DOWN THE WALLS OF ETEEEEERNIIIIITYYYYYY!!!!!!!
(this is the new she may never return)
Someone is in denial.
What Circus/Carnival are you people going to that plays anything like the so called "circus parts" in Haken's songs?This.
Someone is in denial.
Someone is in denial.
yeah he's in denial of something that doesn't even hold water ok
Go listen to Aquarius. Less than 30 seconds into The Point of No Return, there is a section that, if you can't hear why someone would say "hey, that sounds like a carnival", I can't help you. It's not being critical, it's just how people hear the music. Why are people being so defensive about this, it's not like people are saying HAKEN SUX LOL CIRCUS MUSIC or something like that.
Why are people being so defensive about this, it's not like people are saying HAKEN SUX LOL CIRCUS MUSIC or something like that.Indeed, I'm not defending anything because nobody is attacking anything here. I'm just expressing my frustration at the way people use that term innacurately and sometimes in a derogatory way. And when it's used that way then yeah it can be pretty annoying.
The same can be said for the term, "cheesy".Indeed, and I find that term overly used as well. Also "pretentious".
Just had to chime in and say that I've only just discovered Haken. I've never heard Aquarius though.Just discovered? What took you so long. They've been one of the most talked about bands in GMD since Aquarius really.
I just listened to PonR...and 30 seconds in I was like...."This is circus music"
But I'm still enjoying it.
Just discovered? What took you so long. They've been one of the most talked about bands in GMD since Aquarius really.
Really, nobody get Steven Wilson vibe from 7:00 onwards in FBTE?? That part could have been straight from Raven That Refused to Sing sessions... Nothing wrong there, just cool thing.Hmm, not really - I get much more of a BTBAM vibe from that whole section.
The same can be said for the term, "cheesy".Indeed, and I find that term overly used as well. Also "pretentious".
My comment was about Haken in general. He just discovered the band despite having been around GMD for a long long time.Just discovered? What took you so long. They've been one of the most talked about bands in GMD since Aquarius really.
BTW, I remember you expressing mixed feelings about the album a few pages back. Has your opinion changed after several listens?
I'm generally interested if there are fans who dislike the new album and why.
My comment was about Haken in general. He just discovered the band despite having been around GMD for a long long time.Just discovered? What took you so long. They've been one of the most talked about bands in GMD since Aquarius really.
BTW, I remember you expressing mixed feelings about the album a few pages back. Has your opinion changed after several listens?
I'm generally interested if there are fans who dislike the new album and why.
And about the album, I think it's the weakest of the three studio releases so far. It's not a bad album though, just not as mindblowing as Aquarius and Visions were.
Rumbo - from what I know of your tastes, I imagine you'll dig The Mountain more than the first two, but I might be wrong.
Indeed, but then I find it hard to imagine many people liking this album as much as I do!Rumbo - from what I know of your tastes, I imagine you'll dig The Mountain more than the first two, but I might be wrong.
I agree. But I also think he won't end up loving this album the way many of us do.
Indeed, but then I find it hard to imagine many people liking this album as much as I do!Rumbo - from what I know of your tastes, I imagine you'll dig The Mountain more than the first two, but I might be wrong.
I agree. But I also think he won't end up loving this album the way many of us do.
Really, nobody get Steven Wilson vibe from 7:00 onwards in FBTE?? That part could have been straight from Raven That Refused to Sing sessions... Nothing wrong there, just cool thing.Hmm, not really - I get much more of a BTBAM vibe from that whole section.
What Circus/Carnival are you people going to that plays anything like the so called "circus parts" in Haken's songs?
What Circus/Carnival are you people going to that plays anything like the so called "circus parts" in Haken's songs?
Yeah, I hate when I visit the local circus and all they fucking play is Haken.
Yeah, I hate when I visit the local circus and all they fucking play is Haken.
In a statement, the band say:
It is with deep regret that we have to announce Tom’s departure from Haken. As well as being a gifted musician, Tom is a great friend and it has been a pleasure and an honour to call him a band mate for the past six years. We’ve shared so many amazing experiences together and will never forget those times! We are immensely grateful for his wisdom and dedication, without which Haken would not be where it is today. We of course remain close friends and want everyone to know that there is no animosity between us whatsoever. Tom can explain the situation better than us:
“Ladies and gentlemen,
There is no simple way to rationalise why I have made the decision to leave Haken. I enjoy the creative process and the music we’ve written, I love playing and performing with the band, and I love my bandmates. I had really hoped to be around for a little while longer and I am somewhat surprised to be sitting here right now typing out this statement, so soon after The Mountain was released. And yet for some time I’ve been aware that things haven’t felt quite right. That, try as I might to be happy and content with my lot, this isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing with my life, and that there are other things I need to turn my focus to in order to achieve that nebulous and quasi-mythical state of ‘fulfilment’.
This has resulted in me becoming a cog that is struggling to turn with the rest of the machine. Put simply, when asked if I was prepared to commit wholeheartedly to a busy touring schedule for 2014, my immediate gut reaction was “No, I don’t want to do this anymore. Time to get off”. Again, there is no simple reason why I feel this way, but I can only acknowledge the fact that my heart is not 100% in it, and it’s time to accept that I need to drop things in order to follow my heart, wherever that will lead me.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Charlie, Diego, Ray, Rich and Ross for their endless support and encouragement, through good times and bad. It’s been an honour and a pleasure to work with them over the past 6 years. Finally, a big thank you to all the fans who have expressed their appreciation of my work. I tried my best. I will miss you all.
Now it’s time for some new adventures. Till we meet again!
Love and respect,
Tom”
After our recent signing to InsideOut and with the release of our third album, it feels like we are embarking on the next stage of our journey, which we are extremely excited about. We are so proud of The Mountain and we can’t wait to get on stage and share it with our dedicated fans. Thankfully we will have the pleasure of Tom’s company and musicianship during our upcoming October stint finishing up at Prog Stage Festival in Israel. After that, we will continue with a ‘special guest bassist’ (TBA) until we find a permanent member. Information regarding the audition process will follow at a later date. Finally we would like to say a huge mountain-sized thank you to our awesome fans for the continued support.
Haken
No, not Björn Gustafsson :(I guess his other career got in the way! :P
Wow, I did not see that coming. All the best to him and the band.It's not a huge surprise to me, but I guess I know the band better than most. He's had similar thoughts in the past, and with the band's stature clearly accelerating following the release of the Mountain, it doesn't surprise me that he wants to get out now if his heart isn't into the whole culture of touring and living on the road, etc. In simple terms that's basically the same reason that both Matt and Pete (original guitarist and keyboardist who were replaced by Charlie and Diego before they made Aquarius) left when they did - they could see the commitment that would be required and had other things they wanted to do with their lives.
me7, ALL your favorite bands be losing bassists these days!
Does anyone else find the drums in "Because it's There" really annoying? That's the only thing I don't like on the entire album and it kills the song for me.Er, no. I think the electronic drum effects work perfectly in that song, and it's one of my favourite Haken songs.
Does anyone else find the drums in "Because it's There" really annoying? That's the only thing I don't like on the entire album and it kills the song for me.
Is that deluxe version limited? Will I be waiting forever?
Does anyone else find the drums in "Because it's There" really annoying?
I got a $50 Amazon gift card from my Mother In Law (I love her so much), and this album was the first thing I wanted to buy.... But they are out of stock on the deluxe version with the two bonus tracks. :censored
Is that deluxe version limited? Will I be waiting forever?
NOOO!!! The bassist was the most 'interesting' aspect of Haken's sound, considering most metal bands (prog or otherwise) do not utilize their bassists like Haken does. He slaps, pops, has a very jazzy side, as well as keeping the low end heavy for the guitar, and you can hear him!!! I'm very disappointed right now. :'(
However, I can't blame him if his heart is not up for touring, especially if they're going to tour a lot in 2014. I hope they find a bassist who can match the intensity he brought.
me7, ALL your favorite bands be losing bassists these days!
First Leprous, now Haken. Makes me wonder who is next...
TIM! Great to hear you're digging the album. :)Yeah not to worry, nobody else wanted them either :p shame, as the show was sold out so I know someone probably missed out on account of my not being able to go :( To make it worse, the car broke on the way to the band rehearsal, which meant I didn't see the winery dogs, didn't do the all important last rehearsal before the debut gig, but did sit by a field for over an hour watching the sunset!
Sorry I never got back to you about those Winery Dogs tickets by the way, but I couldn't make it anyway!
I just hope they don't crank up the wack any further on the next record.
I just hope they don't crank up the wack any further on the next record.Hey, we all know that drugs have helped to create some fine albums in the past. ;)
I just hope they don't crank up the wack any further on the next record.My prog heart got a bit hurt by that sentence. :'(
...I also wouldn't mind the death growls to return...
</flame shield up>
The wackiness has reduced with each album so far, but I suppose it could come back stronger again in the future. Only time will tell.
...I also wouldn't mind the death growls to return...
</flame shield up>
Pareidolia played live says hi :)
...I also wouldn't mind the death growls to return...
</flame shield up>
Pareidolia played live says hi :)
Say wut now?
...I also wouldn't mind the death growls to return...
</flame shield up>
Pareidolia played live says hi :)
Say wut now?
You can almost hear the growls in the studio version; live Ross just amplifies that a bit. It's the 'Breathe in the air...' section.
What's your favorite album so far in 2013? Any new bands you've come across that are of a highlight for you?
I love The Mountain by Haken. Those young lads are doing some incredible stuff!
following MP's plugging of them.
On two different occasions he's tweeted about how amazing the album is.following MP's plugging of them.
What did MP say?
On two different occasions he's tweeted about how amazing the album is.
The expression of the cat is priceless. Licking her mouth in anticipation of this tasty masterpiece.
Look what Jordan got from the band:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BVRYnuECMAANIhA.jpg)
Quote from: Jordan RudessThose young lads are doing some incredible stuff!
Listening to this album for the second time, and it is really blowing me away.
Love the vocal stuff in Cockroach King!
The songs really grow on multiple listens. There is so much variety and some beautiful vocals. I also love the other 2 cd's. Especially fond of Drowning in the flood and Eternal Rain from the first cd. I like the point of no return, but the circus music ruins the song for me. ;D
:facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:The songs really grow on multiple listens. There is so much variety and some beautiful vocals. I also love the other 2 cd's. Especially fond of Drowning in the flood and Eternal Rain from the first cd. I like the point of no return, but the circus music ruins the song for me. ;D
:facepalm: for disliking the quirky music
:facepalm: :facepalm: for calling it circus (the word is appropriate for "Aquarium" though)
:facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: for misspelling the song's name
EDIT: wait a minute, did you edit your typo or did I imagine you misspelling the title as "Point of know Return" :huh:
I've got my ticket to see them in London on the 24th, really can't wait. They were so awesome last time I saw them!YAY! See you there. :hat
The songs really grow on multiple listens. There is so much variety and some beautiful vocals. I also love the other 2 cd's. Especially fond of Drowning in the flood and Eternal Rain from the first cd. I like the point of no return, but the circus music ruins the song for me. ;D
:facepalm: for disliking the quirky music
:facepalm: :facepalm: for calling it circus (the word is appropriate for "Aquarium" though)
:facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: for misspelling the song's name
EDIT: wait a minute, did you edit your typo or did I imagine you misspelling the title as "Point of know Return" :huh:
What is it about them you don't like? There are a number of folks on DT that don't like Haken that I find a little surprising.
I find it funny that people that dislike Haken often have the reason that it's to wacky or weird. To me those parts are refreshing in a time where prog should sound like a streamlined copy of just about everything else. If you find a section too wacky for you, I would argue that being a good thing because that was most likely their intention.I get your point, even agree with it, but you generally don't really want too much of a good thing, either. I sprinkle salt on my food, I don't pour it on. The wackyness in Haken's music, like salt, can be too much for some people or just enough for others. And let's face it, Haken's wackyness is some pretty strong salt. Even I wasn't a fan of this band at all before The Mountain, mostly for this reason.
Well I don't see their wacky parts as "salt" or "topping", to me those parts are a part of their music and what makes them interesting to me. So they can have as much "wackiness" as they want imo.I find it funny that people that dislike Haken often have the reason that it's to wacky or weird. To me those parts are refreshing in a time where prog should sound like a streamlined copy of just about everything else. If you find a section too wacky for you, I would argue that being a good thing because that was most likely their intention.I get your point, even agree with it, but you generally don't really want too much of a good thing, either. I sprinkle salt on my food, I don't pour it on. The wackyness in Haken's music, like salt, can be too much for some people or just enough for others. And let's face it, Haken's wackyness is some pretty strong salt. Even I wasn't a fan of this band at all before The Mountain, mostly for this reason.
There is a 0.00% chance Haken will even be nominated for a Grammy. I love them, but they have zero mainstream exposure.
I get your point, even agree with it, but you generally don't really want too much of a good thing, either. I sprinkle salt on my food, I don't pour it on. The wackyness in Haken's music, like salt, can be too much for some people or just enough for others. And let's face it, Haken's wackyness is some pretty strong salt. Even I wasn't a fan of this band at all before The Mountain, mostly for this reason.
I get your point, even agree with it, but you generally don't really want too much of a good thing, either. I sprinkle salt on my food, I don't pour it on. The wackyness in Haken's music, like salt, can be too much for some people or just enough for others. And let's face it, Haken's wackyness is some pretty strong salt. Even I wasn't a fan of this band at all before The Mountain, mostly for this reason.
I have to say that at first the wacky parts did not go down too well with me, but after listening to it quite a lot it no longer sounds weird...
My suggestion for those who don't like Haken is to give them a few more tries. Today, or a month, or a year from now. When I first listened to Aquarius I was thoroughly unimpressed. When I listened to it the second time a year later I started liking it and with the third listen I became a bit obsessed. Surprisingly, pretty much the same happened with Visions: first listen, meh. After several listens: AMAZING! I have to admit this almost did not happen to me on The Mountain (though Falling Back to Earth and In Memoriam did take some listens to really click)
But hey, not everybody has to like them, though it sure would be nice if they did...
Anyway, yesterday I got to see them live for the first time in Das Rind, Rüsselsheim! I'm probably heavily biased, but it was seriously awesome. The band has a lot of chemistry and they all really look like they're having fun. Ross does all kind of crazy things while not singing and I was completely impressed by how great his singing was! It sounded just the same as in the albums with just a few cool variations added in for flavor! Raymond is absolutely insane on the drums, I seriously thought he was going to have a heart attack or something... It was also really cool that almost all of them helped with the vocal harmonies at one point or another (Oh, and unless I got it wrong it looked as if Diego was singing even when he was not on the microphone XD). It was also quite impressive to see Richard, Charlie and Tom playing: I knew their songs were complex, but I'm not enough of a musician to really know how hard it is until I see someone playing it live... There quite a few jokes (with puppets!) and a few "Goodbye, Tom" moments as well. After the show the band left the stage and mingled with the crowd, signing albums, LPs, taking picture, and generally being friendly and nice.
For those interested, here's the set-list as I remember it:
1. The Path Unbeaten (it was their coming-onto-the-stage song)
2. Atlas Stone
3. Eternal Rain
4. Shapeshifter
5. In Memoriam
6. Cockroach King
7. Drowning in the Flood
8. Diego's Keyboard Solo
9. As Death Embraces
10. Tom's Bass Solo
11. Pareidolia
12. Somebody
Encore: Visions (!!!)
I was a bit disappointed they didn't play Because It's There, but then again to really satisfy me they would have had to play all of their three albums...
LOL at thinking the vocal melodies on this album aren't interesting. They are absolutely amazing. The chorus of Cockroach King, TEARING DOWN THE WALLS OF ETERNITYYY, Because It's There in its entirety... everything vocal-wise is above par. I have no idea how anyone could think the vocal melodies aren't good. Yeah, sure, the music might not be your type, but criticizing the vocal melodies on this album just aggravates me.
The wackiness only bugs me if it's interrupting something beautiful or awesome. Cockroach King is awesome because the whole song is pretty out there; it lets you know what you're getting into the second it starts. Besides, The Mountain doesn't really have any of that song-interrupting weirdness, or at least, nothing that sticks out as much as it did on the other two.
The funny thing with Haken for me is I listen to their albums, I feel like I am enjoying them when I listen to them, but despite having purchased all three of their CDs I don't think I could name a single track from memory and I can't say that I actually recall much of anything from any of their albums. The Cockroach King chorus melody is in my head right now because I'm posting in this thread, but the minute I hit that "post" button and move on, it will be gone and I'll pretty much forget it until the next time I listen.
I think they're a really great band. Talented group. But something about their music lacks....something. catchy-ness maybe.
The funny thing with Haken for me is I listen to their albums, I feel like I am enjoying them when I listen to them, but despite having purchased all three of their CDs I don't think I could name a single track from memory and I can't say that I actually recall much of anything from any of their albums. The Cockroach King chorus melody is in my head right now because I'm posting in this thread, but the minute I hit that "post" button and move on, it will be gone and I'll pretty much forget it until the next time I listen.
I think they're a really great band. Talented group. But something about their music lacks....something. catchy-ness maybe.
Agreed, I wish more people posted their negative views in such a manner! :tupLOL at thinking the vocal melodies on this album aren't interesting. They are absolutely amazing. The chorus of Cockroach King, TEARING DOWN THE WALLS OF ETERNITYYY, Because It's There in its entirety... everything vocal-wise is above par. I have no idea how anyone could think the vocal melodies aren't good. Yeah, sure, the music might not be your type, but criticizing the vocal melodies on this album just aggravates me.
LOL at you getting worked up over my opinion. Seriously, :chill. I'm not in here bashing the band, I just gave my reasons for not liking them in a constructive manner. You probably don't like the new Dream Theater, I think it's great. Tastes, shmastes.
It may be worth mentioning the story of Aquarius. Found this interesting story line here (https://hakenmusic.forumactif.com/t24-the-whole-story-of-aquarius)
1. The Point of No Return
Plot: The child is born with flippers. The family decide the best thing to do with this "circus freak" is to set it free into a stream. The end of the song sees the family living with the guilt.
2. Streams
Plot: This track sees a happy young mermaid in her childhood stream before being caught by something unseen, and the fate of the mermaid is passed into the hands of whatever it was that caught her.
3. Aquarium
Plot: Our mermaid is now being held in an aquarium and put on display for the paying public, which seems to be effecting her health and she is desperate for her freedom once more.
4. Eternal Rain
Plot: The catcher realises he has done wrong, and fears what fate has in store for him.
5. Drowning in the Flood
Plot: On his way to return the mermaid to the sea, the ship is wrecked. The mermaid manages to save her catcher, but at the cost of her own life.
6. Sun
Plot: The scene of the cover, with the mermaid vaporising in the wake of this tragedy.
7. Celestial Elixir
Plot: The mermaid is in the afterlife, leaving all those who encountered her to deal with their guilt and grief.
Yeah... Cockroach King just won't grow on me. Sorry guys. :-\
For someone that has the limited edition cd of The Mountain, are the liner notes(written lyrics) included? I went to my local best buy and they do not have the cd in stock. I am thinking about buying the bundle LE cd and Tshirt on Haken's website for 25 pounds which will be about 37.5 in US dollars. I can buy the cd for 10.00 on ITunes, but my wife likes to have the lyrics and pictures.
That's an interesting perspective on Aquarius' story. I myself have tried to figure out what's going on in the album based on the lyrics, but the results have been somewhat messier... I agree with this interpretation of The Point of No Return, but afterwards my interpretation differs on some things quite considerably:
- For example, I think that at the end of Streams the mermaid comes across some kind of oil spill in the ocean ("It suddenly hits me and crushes my world", "It suddenly bites me and poisons my veins"). Then the fisherman finds her (Aquarium) and makes money out of showing her to people.
- In Eternal Rain a second Great Flood begins ("The sky forgives no one / And the worst is yet to come", "Soaking right down to the bone / In your eternal rain") and then in Drowning in the Flood the mermaid is given up to scientists to figure out how to make humans breath underwater ("Please, teach me how the hell do I breathe down there", "I give in to temptation / She was never meant to be saved" (From Eternal Rain), " Only she can save our sorry souls / Priceless freedom coming at a heavy cost", "She knows her purpose is to die", "We were drowning, she was free / Now she's gone forever"). There seems to be some overlap between the story told by each song, but in Sun the mermaid dies as a result of the experiments ("I killed you / To save us all")
- In Celestial Elixir people drink the results of the experiments (a.k.a. the celestial elixir) and become mer-people ("Scales grow all over our skin"). The fisherman continues yearning to meet her again.
I know, it sounds crazy... It's just an interpretation...
LOL at thinking the vocal melodies on this album aren't interesting. They are absolutely amazing. The chorus of Cockroach King, TEARING DOWN THE WALLS OF ETERNITYYY, Because It's There in its entirety... everything vocal-wise is above par. I have no idea how anyone could think the vocal melodies aren't good. Yeah, sure, the music might not be your type, but criticizing the vocal melodies on this album just aggravates me.
LOL at you getting worked up over my opinion. Seriously, :chill. I'm not in here bashing the band, I just gave my reasons for not liking them in a constructive manner. You probably don't like the new Dream Theater, I think it's great. Tastes, shmastes.
in other news, we're almost finished composing the (entirely) a capella version of Because It's There. it's gonna be sickThat sounds awesome! You going to be recording it for us all to hear?
Its quite funny seeing your own review edited down, posted on a different forum, then that post linked to on the original forum!It may be worth mentioning the story of Aquarius. Found this interesting story line here (https://hakenmusic.forumactif.com/t24-the-whole-story-of-aquarius)
1. The Point of No Return
Plot: The child is born with flippers. The family decide the best thing to do with this "circus freak" is to set it free into a stream. The end of the song sees the family living with the guilt.
2. Streams
Plot: This track sees a happy young mermaid in her childhood stream before being caught by something unseen, and the fate of the mermaid is passed into the hands of whatever it was that caught her.
3. Aquarium
Plot: Our mermaid is now being held in an aquarium and put on display for the paying public, which seems to be effecting her health and she is desperate for her freedom once more.
4. Eternal Rain
Plot: The catcher realises he has done wrong, and fears what fate has in store for him.
5. Drowning in the Flood
Plot: On his way to return the mermaid to the sea, the ship is wrecked. The mermaid manages to save her catcher, but at the cost of her own life.
6. Sun
Plot: The scene of the cover, with the mermaid vaporising in the wake of this tragedy.
7. Celestial Elixir
Plot: The mermaid is in the afterlife, leaving all those who encountered her to deal with their guilt and grief.
That's an interesting perspective on Aquarius' story. I myself have tried to figure out what's going on in the album based on the lyrics, but the results have been somewhat messier... I agree with this interpretation of The Point of No Return, but afterwards my interpretation differs on some things quite considerably:
- For example, I think that at the end of Streams the mermaid comes across some kind of oil spill in the ocean ("It suddenly hits me and crushes my world", "It suddenly bites me and poisons my veins"). Then the fisherman finds her (Aquarium) and makes money out of showing her to people.
- In Eternal Rain a second Great Flood begins ("The sky forgives no one / And the worst is yet to come", "Soaking right down to the bone / In your eternal rain") and then in Drowning in the Flood the mermaid is given up to scientists to figure out how to make humans breath underwater ("Please, teach me how the hell do I breathe down there", "I give in to temptation / She was never meant to be saved" (From Eternal Rain), " Only she can save our sorry souls / Priceless freedom coming at a heavy cost", "She knows her purpose is to die", "We were drowning, she was free / Now she's gone forever"). There seems to be some overlap between the story told by each song, but in Sun the mermaid dies as a result of the experiments ("I killed you / To save us all")
- In Celestial Elixir people drink the results of the experiments (a.k.a. the celestial elixir) and become mer-people ("Scales grow all over our skin"). The fisherman continues yearning to meet her again.
I know, it sounds crazy... It's just an interpretation...
LOL at thinking the vocal melodies on this album aren't interesting. They are absolutely amazing. The chorus of Cockroach King, TEARING DOWN THE WALLS OF ETERNITYYY, Because It's There in its entirety... everything vocal-wise is above par. I have no idea how anyone could think the vocal melodies aren't good. Yeah, sure, the music might not be your type, but criticizing the vocal melodies on this album just aggravates me.
LOL at you getting worked up over my opinion. Seriously, :chill. I'm not in here bashing the band, I just gave my reasons for not liking them in a constructive manner. You probably don't like the new Dream Theater, I think it's great. Tastes, shmastes.
sure, yeah, but the way you posted it sounded as if you were trying to pass it off as the truth. being a vocalist myself, I really enjoy and appreciate the vocals on this album and feel like they're done in a way that is above and beyond what the band has done before, so saying "the melodies just aren't there" or "Prog album of the year it is not, Mr. Portnoy" doesn't sound constructive at all, dude. the other stuff being constructive, sure-- but those added little quips are just sort of annoying, at least to me.
but it's all good. if you don't like the band, that's chill.
:blush Did not know you were a member here. I just googled "story of haken aquarius" and your post poped up. :lolIts quite funny seeing your own review edited down, posted on a different forum, then that post linked to on the original forum!It may be worth mentioning the story of Aquarius. Found this interesting story line here (https://hakenmusic.forumactif.com/t24-the-whole-story-of-aquarius)
1. The Point of No Return
Plot: The child is born with flippers. The family decide the best thing to do with this "circus freak" is to set it free into a stream. The end of the song sees the family living with the guilt.
2. Streams
Plot: This track sees a happy young mermaid in her childhood stream before being caught by something unseen, and the fate of the mermaid is passed into the hands of whatever it was that caught her.
3. Aquarium
Plot: Our mermaid is now being held in an aquarium and put on display for the paying public, which seems to be effecting her health and she is desperate for her freedom once more.
4. Eternal Rain
Plot: The catcher realises he has done wrong, and fears what fate has in store for him.
5. Drowning in the Flood
Plot: On his way to return the mermaid to the sea, the ship is wrecked. The mermaid manages to save her catcher, but at the cost of her own life.
6. Sun
Plot: The scene of the cover, with the mermaid vaporising in the wake of this tragedy.
7. Celestial Elixir
Plot: The mermaid is in the afterlife, leaving all those who encountered her to deal with their guilt and grief.
That's an interesting perspective on Aquarius' story. I myself have tried to figure out what's going on in the album based on the lyrics, but the results have been somewhat messier... I agree with this interpretation of The Point of No Return, but afterwards my interpretation differs on some things quite considerably:
- For example, I think that at the end of Streams the mermaid comes across some kind of oil spill in the ocean ("It suddenly hits me and crushes my world", "It suddenly bites me and poisons my veins"). Then the fisherman finds her (Aquarium) and makes money out of showing her to people.
- In Eternal Rain a second Great Flood begins ("The sky forgives no one / And the worst is yet to come", "Soaking right down to the bone / In your eternal rain") and then in Drowning in the Flood the mermaid is given up to scientists to figure out how to make humans breath underwater ("Please, teach me how the hell do I breathe down there", "I give in to temptation / She was never meant to be saved" (From Eternal Rain), " Only she can save our sorry souls / Priceless freedom coming at a heavy cost", "She knows her purpose is to die", "We were drowning, she was free / Now she's gone forever"). There seems to be some overlap between the story told by each song, but in Sun the mermaid dies as a result of the experiments ("I killed you / To save us all")
- In Celestial Elixir people drink the results of the experiments (a.k.a. the celestial elixir) and become mer-people ("Scales grow all over our skin"). The fisherman continues yearning to meet her again.
I know, it sounds crazy... It's just an interpretation...
I did that quite quick summary of what I thought was going on in the album pretty soon after the album came out.
Okay, here are some pics and vids from the Haken gig last week: https://picasaweb.google.com/112126017224679832760/Haken31013Ruesselsheim?authkey=Gv1sRgCO3UnoCU1a-YXQ
Included are the videos of the presenter, most of Cockroach King and the full Visions (including a gift for Tom at the end).
:hat
I was just thinking; I've seen this band seven times now and spoke with them after every single show, yet I don't have a single picture of me with any one of the band members. It occurred to me this weekend at ProgPower Europe, where people were taking pictures of themselves with all kinds of bands. I guess I'm not a photograph-person or something.Pfft, I've seen them 11 times and spoken to most of them pretty much every time and don't have a photo either. :P
the shorter songs haven't really yet stuck with me much yet
the shorter songs haven't really yet stuck with me much yet
(https://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww224/GasparXR/progfans_zps1069cf49.jpg)
the shorter songs haven't really yet stuck with me much yet
*snip*
:rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
:rollinthe shorter songs haven't really yet stuck with me much yet
(https://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww224/GasparXR/progfans_zps1069cf49.jpg)
Right now I'm feeling
The Mountain
Aquarius
Visions
Right now I'm feeling
The Mountain
Aquarius
Visions
^ Same rankings here.
This remains my #1 album for the year.Same here. :tup
This remains my #1 album for the year.Same here. :tup
This remains my #1 album for the year.It's in my Top 30 but not even close to Top 10. Still,good album.
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK... IT DOES SOUND LIKE CHOCOLATE RAIN. :lol :lol
Nah it's okay. I don't care for that song anyways. Skip everytime.FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK... IT DOES SOUND LIKE CHOCOLATE RAIN. :lol :lol
:lol :lol :lol :lol
I'm happy that I'm not the only one that hears it. Sorry to ruin anyone else's listening experience...
Has it been mentioned that the vocal melody at the beginning of Cockroach King sounds just like Chocolate Rain ?Yep that was actually the first thing that came to my mind when listening to CRK for the first time. I was to ashamed to mention it to anyone. :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwTZ2xpQwpA
Can't unhear now. :mehlin
This remains my #1 album for the year.
Has it been mentioned that the vocal melody at the beginning of Cockroach King sounds just like Chocolate Rain ?Yep that was actually the first thing that came to my mind when listening to CRK for the first time. I was to ashamed to mention it to anyone. :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwTZ2xpQwpA
Has it been mentioned that the vocal melody at the beginning of Cockroach King sounds just like Chocolate Rain ?Yep that was actually the first thing that came to my mind when listening to CRK for the first time. I was to ashamed to mention it to anyone. :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwTZ2xpQwpA
I thought it seemed somewhat familiar :rollin
CAN'T UNHEAR IT. :rollin
I thought it seemed somewhat familiar :rollin
COCKROACH KINGGGGGGGGGGGG.
:lol
"Because It's There" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard,don't know why but I always want to cry when I listen to that amazing song.
Tell me more. Why should I be interested, because this intrigues me as well.
"Because It's There" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard,don't know why but I always want to cry when I listen to that amazing song.
I'd like to use this occasion to recommend the band "Moon Safari" to you.
Now back to the topic...
Because they're amazing. They have these godlike vocal harmonies among other things. Check out Blomljud, it's a double CD but it's worth it!Tell me more. Why should I be interested, because this intrigues me as well.
"Because It's There" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard,don't know why but I always want to cry when I listen to that amazing song.
I'd like to use this occasion to recommend the band "Moon Safari" to you.
Now back to the topic...
Tell me more. Why should I be interested, because this intrigues me as well.
"Because It's There" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard,don't know why but I always want to cry when I listen to that amazing song.
I'd like to use this occasion to recommend the band "Moon Safari" to you.
Now back to the topic...
Not really, other than the use of rich vocal harmonies.Tell me more. Why should I be interested, because this intrigues me as well.
"Because It's There" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard,don't know why but I always want to cry when I listen to that amazing song.
I'd like to use this occasion to recommend the band "Moon Safari" to you.
Now back to the topic...
Because their music sounds a lot like this song. Simple as that ;)
Bottom line: more people should check out Moon Safari :tupThat part I agree on at least. :D
Moon Safari? The album from Air?
I know who they are, but i always think of Moon Safari by AIR because it's one of the classics of electronic music :tup:tup
in no particular order
The Mountain
Visions
Aquarius
:lolin no particular order
The Mountain
Visions
Aquarius
I'm guessing these three are in a particular order? Otherwise, what's the point?;)
When are they coming to Scotland? :P
:lolin no particular order
The Mountain
Visions
Aquarius
I'm guessing these three are in a particular order? Otherwise, what's the point?;)
Tonight's London gig was brilliant, as always. Ross sounded slightly weak, think he must have a bit of a cold, but he still did a good job and in general the band sounded fantastic. And the crowd was amazing, best I've seen at a Haken show. The venue was sold out, and the crowd were really into every song. There was more singing along than I've ever seen/heard at a Haken show before!
Setlist was great, mostly new songs, plus two of my favourites from the older albums.
The Path Unbeaten (intro tape)
Atlas Stone
In Memoriam
Drowning in the Flood
Cockroach King
Falling Back to Earth
Diego piano solo/
As Death Embraces
Pareidolia
Somebody
-----------
Visions
I'm doing it for DT in February, but they're the exception ;DWhen are they coming to Scotland? :P
I want a Scottish show too! Ain't nobody got time to travel down to England.
Hadn't they played a show the previous night too? He did sound a little strained on the high stuff, and a couple of errors here and there from the other band members but nothing too major.:lolin no particular order
The Mountain
Visions
Aquarius
I'm guessing these three are in a particular order? Otherwise, what's the point?;)
Tonight's London gig was brilliant, as always. Ross sounded slightly weak, think he must have a bit of a cold, but he still did a good job and in general the band sounded fantastic. And the crowd was amazing, best I've seen at a Haken show. The venue was sold out, and the crowd were really into every song. There was more singing along than I've ever seen/heard at a Haken show before!
Setlist was great, mostly new songs, plus two of my favourites from the older albums.
The Path Unbeaten (intro tape)
Atlas Stone
In Memoriam
Drowning in the Flood
Cockroach King
Falling Back to Earth
Diego piano solo/
As Death Embraces
Pareidolia
Somebody
-----------
Visions
I wonder if I am alone in this:I completely agree, but then again, I feel the same way regarding most prog metal. I'll find an album that I love, like Aquarius and Visions, and fall in love with it but never really listen to it again after 4-5 spins. I do think The Mountain will hold up better though, as it's more of my taste. I probably won't listen to it as much as I listen to my favorite albums, but I think I'll still play it every now and then in the future.
I enjoy all of the Haken albums. They're interesting, intricate, sometimes complex, sometimes silly, other times (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/55966936/pics/eddie.gif)
I've bought all of their CDs and for the first couple of weeks that I owned them, I spun them a lot. Then...I lost interest. :(
And now, I don't really feel compelled to go back and listen again. To ANY of their music. It's not that I don't like it. When I listen to it, I usually enjoy it a lot. But it doesn't seem to have the replay power the way some other CDs have hit me.
Anyone else experience this?
tldr: I like Haken's CDs, but rarely spin them, replay factor: low You?
I wonder if I am alone in this:
I enjoy all of the Haken albums. They're interesting, intricate, sometimes complex, sometimes silly, other times (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/55966936/pics/eddie.gif)
I've bought all of their CDs and for the first couple of weeks that I owned them, I spun them a lot. Then...I lost interest. :(
And now, I don't really feel compelled to go back and listen again. To ANY of their music. It's not that I don't like it. When I listen to it, I usually enjoy it a lot. But it doesn't seem to have the replay power the way some other CDs have hit me.
Anyone else experience this?
tldr: I like Haken's CDs, but rarely spin them, replay factor: low You?
I wonder if I am alone in this:
-post-
Visions is a solid album, but in my book it just is easily overshadows that is the awesomeness of the two albums that surround it.Thats the way I find it. I find Aquarius a bit more fun and energetic than Visions, so its album number 3 of a very good 3!
Visions is Haken's Octavarium. Most of the tracks are at least decent, but really the album is carried by the title track, which might be my favorite Haken song.
I wonder if I am alone in this:
I enjoy all of the Haken albums. They're interesting, intricate, sometimes complex, sometimes silly, other times (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/55966936/pics/eddie.gif)
I've bought all of their CDs and for the first couple of weeks that I owned them, I spun them a lot. Then...I lost interest. :(
And now, I don't really feel compelled to go back and listen again. To ANY of their music. It's not that I don't like it. When I listen to it, I usually enjoy it a lot. But it doesn't seem to have the replay power the way some other CDs have hit me.
Anyone else experience this?
tldr: I like Haken's CDs, but rarely spin them, replay factor: low You?
I think the problem is the vocals and vocal melodies do almost nothing for me, so they are in essence for me are one of those bands that plays music really well, but can't write a good or catchy vocal melody to save their lives.
Well, I have yet to hear The Mountain,...
If you think Haken don't have interesting vocal melodies you really need to listen to The Mountain because every single song there just have fantastic vocals the whole way through. Yeah a lot of Visions is dull in that regard, I won't disagree there. Aquarius has a lot of good vocal melodies too, but.Although I agree that Visions have the worst vocal melodies,I absolutely love the "all this you can read... in my suicide notes" part in Deathless :P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9EP40mAJCc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9EP40mAJCc) JR and Eren Basburg enjoying some Haken :lol :coolio
Indeed, but then I find it hard to imagine many people liking this album as much as I do!Rumbo - from what I know of your tastes, I imagine you'll dig The Mountain more than the first two, but I might be wrong.
I agree. But I also think he won't end up loving this album the way many of us do.
WHY IS IN MEMORIAM SO CATCHY
WHY IS COCKROACH KING SO CATCHY
Like seriously, if I ranked these based on catchiness, I would rank FBTE, IM, and CK at the top for this album, with AS close behind. This album is so good, I NEED TO BUY IT.
That's what's special about Haken in a nutshell: very proggy AND very catchy. CK is a prime example of a song that is easy to enjoy casually but also has a lot to offer if you want to dissect it.
Most bands specialize in one of the two. Some prog musicians (*cough* Steven Wilson *cough*) even seem to think that progressive music must not be catchy...
I second this.That's what's special about Haken in a nutshell: very proggy AND very catchy. CK is a prime example of a song that is easy to enjoy casually but also has a lot to offer if you want to dissect it.
Most bands specialize in one of the two. Some prog musicians (*cough* Steven Wilson *cough*) even seem to think that progressive music must not be catchy...
Why do you say that about Steven Wilson? I find pretty much everything I've listened to of Porcupine Tree to be highly catchy/memorable. Especially Blackest Eyes, The Sound of Muzak, and Piano Lessons.
WHY IS IN MEMORIAM SO CATCHY
WHY IS COCKROACH KING SO CATCHY
Like seriously, if I ranked these based on catchiness, I would rank FBTE, IM, and CK at the top for this album, with AS close behind. This album is so good, I NEED TO BUY IT.
I never got that, it sounds absolutely nothing like Chocolate Rain apart from the first 3 notes going high-low-high.The interval between the notes is the same as well isn't it?
Possibly the first two notes, but defnitely not the third.I never got that, it sounds absolutely nothing like Chocolate Rain apart from the first 3 notes going high-low-high.The interval between the notes is the same as well isn't it?
Possibly the first two notes, but defnitely not the third.I never got that, it sounds absolutely nothing like Chocolate Rain apart from the first 3 notes going high-low-high.The interval between the notes is the same as well isn't it?
Possibly the first two notes, but defnitely not the third.I never got that, it sounds absolutely nothing like Chocolate Rain apart from the first 3 notes going high-low-high.The interval between the notes is the same as well isn't it?
Yes. In Chocolate Rain, the third note is the same as the first, but that's not the case in Cockroach King -- it's two notes lower than the first. I can't confirm this on the spot, but it might be a different key as well.
Possibly the first two notes, but defnitely not the third.I never got that, it sounds absolutely nothing like Chocolate Rain apart from the first 3 notes going high-low-high.The interval between the notes is the same as well isn't it?
Yes. In Chocolate Rain, the third note is the same as the first, but that's not the case in Cockroach King -- it's two notes lower than the first. I can't confirm this on the spot, but it might be a different key as well.
Jealous of your ability to know that.
only on odd-numbered times that he says it, on even numbered times its high-low-inbetween, with similar intervalsPossibly the first two notes, but defnitely not the third.I never got that, it sounds absolutely nothing like Chocolate Rain apart from the first 3 notes going high-low-high.The interval between the notes is the same as well isn't it?
Yes. In Chocolate Rain, the third note is the same as the first, but that's not the case in Cockroach King -- it's two notes lower than the first. I can't confirm this on the spot, but it might be a different key as well.
C'mon guys don't bring that back :rollin
F#, B, and D are those notes being discussed
If I ever need to introduce someone to the world of prog-metal, The Mountain will be their introduction.
Hey folks, just finished putting together some guitar tabs for Atlas Stone. Since apparently UG has to review tabs before posting, I'll put a mediafire link here for you guys. There were some parts I couldn't quite figure out, but for the most part it should be correct. Feel free to fix anything that might not be right! :)
https://www.mediafire.com/download/999i70p2pk6hf2u/Atlas+Stone.gp5
Well, those Gentle Giant-like multi-part harmonies are often not to my liking. Even when Neal Morse does them (when he did with Spock's or on his own as a solo artist), they are very hit or miss for me. They tend to sound too corny and not really all that musical to me, so once this song started off with them, I was like, "Oh great, this crap again." :facepalm: :lol But even the "normal"-type vocals in the song weren't to my liking, so it wasn't just that.
Well, those Gentle Giant-like multi-part harmonies are often not to my liking. Even when Neal Morse does them (when he did with Spock's or on his own as a solo artist), they are very hit or miss for me. They tend to sound too corny and not really all that musical to me, so once this song started off with them, I was like, "Oh great, this crap again." :facepalm: :lol But even the "normal"-type vocals in the song weren't to my liking, so it wasn't just that.
STOP MAKING SENSEWell, those Gentle Giant-like multi-part harmonies are often not to my liking. Even when Neal Morse does them (when he did with Spock's or on his own as a solo artist), they are very hit or miss for me. They tend to sound too corny and not really all that musical to me, so once this song started off with them, I was like, "Oh great, this crap again." :facepalm: :lol But even the "normal"-type vocals in the song weren't to my liking, so it wasn't just that.
Sooo listen to a different song on the album instead of arguably the most quirky song they've recorded? Falling Back to Earth or Pareidolia might be more up your alley.
Just saw Haken's christmas greeting and holy shit what a singer Ross is.
Just saw Haken's christmas greeting and holy shit what a singer Ross is.
Yeah, this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlJpeTbCprc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlJpeTbCprc)
I love that they're continuing with the puppets from the Cockroach King video ;D
Yeah I really like it, such a nice performance from Ross.Just saw Haken's christmas greeting and holy shit what a singer Ross is.
Yeah, this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlJpeTbCprc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlJpeTbCprc)
I love that they're continuing with the puppets from the Cockroach King video ;D
You'd think *somebody* would have one.
That limited edition is *REALLY* hard to get ahold of.
I can't even find any on Ebay....or the used re-sellers on Amazon....or the official website.
You'd think *someone* would have one.
That limited edition is *REALLY* hard to get ahold of.
I can't even find any on Ebay....or the used re-sellers on Amazon....or the official website.
You'd think *someone* would have one.
I just got the regular edition from Amazon and it had the bonus tracks. Not sure if that's what you wanted.
That's the only version I could find. Is there another, extra special edition?
No there's no bonus CD, the digital version just had the bonus tracks as well. There definitely is a jewel case version without them, as that's what my dad has.That's the only version I could find. Is there another, extra special edition?
Digipack with a bonus CD.
Not sure if it's just a CD with the bonus tracks or more.
I consider the vinyl to be pretty special :)No there's no bonus CD, the digital version just had the bonus tracks as well. There definitely is a jewel case version without them, as that's what my dad has.That's the only version I could find. Is there another, extra special edition?
Digipack with a bonus CD.
Not sure if it's just a CD with the bonus tracks or more.
Lol. That's bizarre. The Mountain isn't as enjoyable as either of the two previous albums to me.
I obviously didn't mean it literally. I don't think the other albums are bad, by any means, just that the mountain is so good it makes them seem worse than they are.
I agree with everything you just said.I obviously didn't mean it literally. I don't think the other albums are bad, by any means, just that the mountain is so good it makes them seem worse than they are.
I sort of agree. Although Haken has been a fantastic band since the beginning, and the first two albums are brilliant and still fun to listen to, The Mountain for me marks such a maturation and evolution in Haken compositionally and lyrically that it makes the other albums seem less perfect by comparison. But all of Haken's albums are still amazing, and I think they'll stand the test of time.
I agree with everything you just said.I obviously didn't mean it literally. I don't think the other albums are bad, by any means, just that the mountain is so good it makes them seem worse than they are.
I sort of agree. Although Haken has been a fantastic band since the beginning, and the first two albums are brilliant and still fun to listen to, The Mountain for me marks such a maturation and evolution in Haken compositionally and lyrically that it makes the other albums seem less perfect by comparison. But all of Haken's albums are still amazing, and I think they'll stand the test of time.
I obviously didn't mean it literally. I don't think the other albums are bad, by any means, just that the mountain is so good it makes them seem worse than they are.I absolutely feel the same way. I remember when those two albums came out and I thought both were masterpieces. The Mountain just takes it to another level though, like, masterpiece + 1. I still love the first two, but now when I need a Haken fix it's almost always The Mountain without question.
I wasn't a Haken fan before this album, and, when this album first came out, I didn't like the samples that I listened to and I shrugged it off. However, thanks to DTF (and especially this thread), I went back and purchased the album and, after a dozen listens, it's really clicked with me.
However, I still can't force myself to enjoy the "wacky" instrumental sections (FBTE, Cockroach King, Atlas Stone) and they really drag down their respective songs for me. For those of you that really enjoy those songs (I'm looking at you, me7), do you genuinely enjoy those portions, and did you always? Or do you just learn to appreciate it as part of a song that you like?
I wasn't a Haken fan before this album, and, when this album first came out, I didn't like the samples that I listened to and I shrugged it off. However, thanks to DTF (and especially this thread), I went back and purchased the album and, after a dozen listens, it's really clicked with me.
However, I still can't force myself to enjoy the "wacky" instrumental sections (FBTE, Cockroach King, Atlas Stone) and they really drag down their respective songs for me. For those of you that really enjoy those songs (I'm looking at you, me7), do you genuinely enjoy those portions, and did you always? Or do you just learn to appreciate it as part of a song that you like?
I have a similar issue. I've been able to accept the one in Atlas Stone because they tone the wacky down in that one but the others still bother me, even the In Memoriam one, the song would be so much better without all that.
I genuinely enjoy those sections, and they're really not that wacky.
I always enjoyed them. If it weren't for those wacky parts, Haken would sound like any of a dozen other Dream Theater clones.
THAT I'm not so sure about. I feel like there's a lot more going on with Haken that distinguishes them from the masses (and especially DT) that they don't NEED their instrumental portions to accomplish that. I mean, their entire tone is much more subdued, and they implement their "heavy" quite sparingly.
Well, there's no obligation to have to like that stuff. If you're quite picky about what you do and don't like, then your field is narrowed, but to be honest there is just SO MUCH music out there that there's bound to still be plenty that you love.I genuinely enjoy those sections, and they're really not that wacky.
I mean, yeah they could be wackier, but in their context, they're wacky enough to sound out of place to the average listener. I really wish I could like them too, though. Maybe one day they'll click.
You mean without the instrumental parts they sound like a Prog rock group? I'm fairly certain this is also a very cluttered marketplace, with dozens of bands. They have to do something to stand out of the crowd. Especially when you consider there just aren't that many listeners to this kind of music. You've got something like 50+ bands competing for a market of something like 100,000 listeners. You either stand out or you end up one of those bands that has all of 2 reviews on Amazon and has sold 1000 albums.
Well, there's no obligation to have to like that stuff. If you're quite picky about what you do and don't like, then your field is narrowed, but to be honest there is just SO MUCH music out there that there's bound to still be plenty that you love.
That said, I think a large part of it is what you're used to. For example, when I was a teenager I just didn't like harsh vocals. Then I heard a couple of bands where I loved the underlying music, so learned to overlook/tolerate the harsh vocals. Over time it became another perfectly legitimate approach, and doesn't bother me at all now. It's the same with anything, and I think the stuff I listen to is so broad and eclectic now that very little puts me off stylistically.
Similarly, I listen to lots of quirky music, and some music that is much wackier than Haken. So I thoroughly enjoy that stuff and don't find it off-putting at all.
I think his point here is that the songs are actually quite awesome but out of nowhere come these parts that seem to be out of place which don't ruin the experience of listening to the song but it hurts and that is a little bothersome.
I hate the wacky parts in earlier songs because a lot of them come up out of nowhere and completely kill the mood of the song for several seconds, but it doesn't bother me in Cockroach King because the wackiness isn't interrupting anything; it makes up the whole song.
I think his point here is that the songs are actually quite awesome but out of nowhere come these parts that seem to be out of place which don't ruin the experience of listening to the song but it hurts and that is a little bothersome.Again it depends on what you listen to. Not everything has to have slow, steady build-ups, but if that's what you prefer then fair enough.
I always enjoyed them. If it weren't for those wacky parts, Haken would sound like any of a dozen other Dream Theater clones.
The only Haken song (from a studio album) that feels a bit disjointed for me is "Eternal Rain". I still think it's a good song, but I can see how one could criticize it for being wacky without a deeper sense. For all other songs, I consider the wacky sections as elemental parts of the music. I fully understand the artistic decisions behind them. I even understand the death growls on Streams right after the Little-Mermaid-inspired intro section and hope that the band brings them back.
I'm in the "Haken isn't that wacky anyway" boat. I have a lot of wackier stuff in my collection (Devin Townsend, Protest the Hero, Between the Buried and me) and consider Haken to be mild in that regard. The issue could be that Haken are just so good, that even people who usually dislike wacky stuff can't taker their eyes (or ears) off them easily :metal
Do you consider PTH less disjointed and crazy and weird than Haken?
For me, Haken was the first wacky band I enjoyed. I started listening to PTH and BTBAM after I got into Haken and I tend to consider Haken mild when compared to them.
I hate the wacky parts in earlier songs because a lot of them come up out of nowhere and completely kill the mood of the song for several seconds, but it doesn't bother me in Cockroach King because the wackiness isn't interrupting anything; it makes up the whole song.
You certainly aren't wrong, but while wacky, CK definitely still has an underlying menace to it that kind of gives the song an edge, even during the bouncy vocal melodies, rather than making it purely silly. In that context, I still the instrumental break wanders into some "mood-killing level of wacky" territory. I definitely agree that it is not near as distracting as some other examples, though.
Okay, after seeing all of the rave for Cockroach King, I checked it out on youtube, and my reaction was similar to their other songs: good musically, vocally meh. In fact, not only does the singer's voice still do nada for me, but the vocal melodies themselves annoyed the hell out of me. I get that they were going for that quirky thing, ala Gentle Giant or Spock's Beard, but I didn't like it. Oh well, I gave this band my best shot, so no one can say I didn't try.Agreed. I don't think Ross is a good vocalist, but he's OK when he doesn't try and do too much. But all those harmonies on Cockroach King really "bug" me ;)
I liked the beginning and end of Cockroach King, but it lost me somewhere in the middle.
I've only heard the album once, though.
he doesn't have an especially powerful voiceNot sure what this means, his voice is damn powerful at times. Sometimes they write a vocal melody that goes a little high and he has to slip into falsetto which makes it a bit thin, but that's more a problem with the writing. It's also something they're getting better and better at with each album!
he doesn't have an especially powerful voiceNot sure what this means, his voice is damn powerful at times. Sometimes they write a vocal melody that goes a little high and he has to slip into falsetto which makes it a bit thin, but that's more a problem with the writing. It's also something they're getting better and better at with each album!
In this month's Classic Rock Presents Prog they had the readers' awards, and Ross was voted #2 vocalist of 2013!
They also had Hen as #9 guitarist, Diego as #10 keyboardist, The Mountain as #2 album and the band themselves as #1 band of the year. I'm so happy with how far they've come! :D
he doesn't have an especially powerful voiceNot sure what this means, his voice is damn powerful at times. Sometimes they write a vocal melody that goes a little high and he has to slip into falsetto which makes it a bit thin, but that's more a problem with the writing. It's also something they're getting better and better at with each album!
In this month's Classic Rock Presents Prog they had the readers' awards, and Ross was voted #2 vocalist of 2013!
They also had Hen as #9 guitarist, Diego as #10 keyboardist, The Mountain as #2 album and the band themselves as #1 band of the year. I'm so happy with how far they've come! :D
What else would it be? :lolhe doesn't have an especially powerful voiceNot sure what this means, his voice is damn powerful at times. Sometimes they write a vocal melody that goes a little high and he has to slip into falsetto which makes it a bit thin, but that's more a problem with the writing. It's also something they're getting better and better at with each album!
In this month's Classic Rock Presents Prog they had the readers' awards, and Ross was voted #2 vocalist of 2013!
They also had Hen as #9 guitarist, Diego as #10 keyboardist, The Mountain as #2 album and the band themselves as #1 band of the year. I'm so happy with how far they've come! :D
Yeah, that blew my mind to be honest. Prog's never been a genre known for great singers, I guess, but still, there are so many better voices out there. But I wasn't surprised to see that it was a reader poll, not an editorial list. I mean, when you have Ross Jennings and Steven Wilson in the top 5 of vocals category, you know it's a popularity contest.
I like Ross.
I can see why people might not like him, he doesn't have an especially powerful voice, but I really appreciate that he's not just another stock-standard prog metal vocalist. He has his own style and it works. I think he very rarely sounds out-of-place on any songs. Haken have done a good job making music that works with his voice.
I don't know a lot about singing, but I've heard great singers sing, and while Ross has definitely improved since the Haken demo, he's still very limited with what he can do.Limited how? ??? Trust me, he's definitely got talent, in a technical sense. Whether it sounds good to you is another matter.
There's a lot, actually. I love prog metal, but the "operatic" vocalist is pretty much the biggest cliche there is.Yeah, defintely. There are a handful of singers who pull it off still, but yeah there are a LOT of singers like that within the genre.
Ha, really?I don't know a lot about singing, but I've heard great singers sing, and while Ross has definitely improved since the Haken demo, he's still very limited with what he can do.Limited how? ??? Trust me, he's definitely got talent, in a technical sense. Whether it sounds good to you is another matter.
But it's not LaBrie or Dickinson or Hansi Kursch powerful and if that's what you prefer or what you expect, you will be disappointed because Ross is not that kind of singer. That's all I was getting at.he doesn't have an especially powerful voiceNot sure what this means, his voice is damn powerful at times.
The vocalists for Circus Maximus, Sonata Arctica, Angra, Communic, Symphony X (less so now actually), Shadow Gallery, Eumeria.I like Ross.
I can see why people might not like him, he doesn't have an especially powerful voice, but I really appreciate that he's not just another stock-standard prog metal vocalist. He has his own style and it works. I think he very rarely sounds out-of-place on any songs. Haken have done a good job making music that works with his voice.
"Standard" and "prog metal" are two terms that do not go together well. Name a stock-standard prog metal vocalist.
I'm genuinely curious as to what you mean, so care to elaborate a bit? I'm not saying he has flawless technique, as you know I described him as good but not great technically, but I genuinely don't know what issues you're referring to that cause you to disagree with the word "good".Ha, really?I don't know a lot about singing, but I've heard great singers sing, and while Ross has definitely improved since the Haken demo, he's still very limited with what he can do.Limited how? ??? Trust me, he's definitely got talent, in a technical sense. Whether it sounds good to you is another matter.
Listen, I know the guys read this, so I'm not gonna be as harsh as I would have. But let me just say that there's a lot I could point to which shows issues beyond the scope of my subjective tasted. And, in Ross ' defense, he has improved, at least in the studio.
Well, as you say they sing in a different style, much more operatic.But it's not LaBrie or Dickinson or Hansi Kursch powerful and if that's what you prefer or what you expect, you will be disappointed because Ross is not that kind of singer. That's all I was getting at.he doesn't have an especially powerful voiceNot sure what this means, his voice is damn powerful at times.
Rich, you're the biggest Haken fanboy :lolI've never denied that. :lol But that doesn't harm my objectivity. In the early days I was one of Ross' biggest critics.
Rich, you're the biggest Haken fanboy :lolI've never denied that. :lol But that doesn't harm my objectivity.
I'm genuinely curious as to what you mean, so care to elaborate a bit? I'm not saying he has flawless technique, as you know I described him as good but not great technically, but I genuinely don't know what issues you're referring to that cause you to disagree with the word "good".OK, but let me preface it by saying this - I really like his voice. He's unique, he has a good sense of melody, and he does great as the primary lyricist of the band (I think he is?). He has the potential to be good, if not great. Overall, I'd compare him to Jon Anderson of Yes, with one caveat being that Anderson has MUCH better control over his voice, as well as better judgment regarding what works for him and the music, and what sounds good. I'm not gonna go on a witch hunt, but in general, Ross spends too much time straining his voice in his thin upper registry, and his annunciation sometimes sounds odd to the point of distraction. Also, I've seen several live videos, mostly touring on Aquarius, where he's downright flat for the entire show. I'm relatively sure that these things are related to technical limitations which he has just not overcome. Ultimately, I think Ross has the *potential* to be like Jon Anderson, but he spends too much time trying to sing like soaring Allen or LaBrie, and often, the end result is more akin the shrill, tinny Budokan LaBrie.
Ross spends too much time straining his voice in his thin upper registry,That's a writing issue, rather than a singing one, which is a full-band effort. The issue is more prominent on the older material though. I think they're getting better at writing for his voice and range, though there are still moments that end up sounding thin, like the very end of Atlas Stone. He has power in his upper register, but sometimes they push him too high.
and his annunciation sometimes sounds odd to the point of distraction.Yeah, his annunciation isn't great, but I would say that's a stylistic issue much more than a technical one. For me, it's tied in with his tone and style, which I love.
Also, I've seen several live videos, mostly touring on Aquarius, where he's downright flat for the entire show.I don't think anyone would suggest that he's entirely consistent live, but he's never terrible and sometimes is absolutely killer. He's also become much stronger and more consistent since the Aquarius days. I'd also point to fan-filmed youtube videos as hardly being a good source of precise tuning, the tiny microphones in small cameras and phones distort, so this happens with almost all singers. The only professional vid they've had recorded (Celestial Elixir at PPUSA) he sounds great in.
Looks like we pretty much agree, Rich.In ways, yeah definitely. I think the difference is in what we consider to be technical proficiency and what we put down to writing/style. And maybe also how we would define words like "good". :lol
However, doesn't Ross write the lyrics and vocal melodies for Haken?He wrote all the lyrics on the first two albums, but The Mountain has been a full-band effort lyrically. In terms of the vocal melodies, that comes out of the music so all the band have input on that as well. That's why I say the fact that he sometimes sings out of his comfortable range is an issue for the whole band, not just him. I do think they're getting much better at it though, but I do also think that as he matures he'll pay more attention to that. He should definitely have the confidence to be able to say "that's too high, it's not quite working for me".
Looks like we pretty much agree, Rich.In ways, yeah definitely. I think the difference is in what we consider to be technical proficiency and what we put down to writing/style. And maybe also how we would define words like "good". :lol
+1 on the last statement. I don't just accept Ross' vocals, I actually love them. He helped set Haken apart from other new bands I discovered at that time by being non-operatic.
I consider him a major reason for why many people feel reminded of 70's prog when they listen to Haken rather than modern prog metal.
IMO, Haken is not that wacky, and also that was one of the first things that clicked on me from Haken. I also think that The Mountain is better than Aquarius and Visions (and I really enjoyed these two) and Cockroach King and Falling Back to Earth are my favourite tracks (although I like ALL of them), so it seems like I cannot agree with most of you :laugh:Not "most", far from it. Just a few people!
IMO, Haken is not that wacky, and also that was one of the first things that clicked on me from Haken. I also think that The Mountain is better than Aquarius and Visions (and I really enjoyed these two) and Cockroach King and Falling Back to Earth are my favourite tracks (although I like ALL of them), so it seems like I cannot agree with most of you :laugh:
IMO, Haken is not that wacky, and also that was one of the first things that clicked on me from Haken. I also think that The Mountain is better than Aquarius and Visions (and I really enjoyed these two) and Cockroach King and Falling Back to Earth are my favourite tracks (although I like ALL of them), so it seems like I cannot agree with most of you :laugh:
They are not too wacky, at least by prog standards. By mainstream standards, maybe even compared to DT, they are a bit wacky. What I love about them is their ability to make all of their elements memorable and catchy, including their wackiest parts.
How cool would this album be in 5.1??
After only a couple of spins, I'm really wishing there was a surround mix.
How cool would this album be in 5.1??
After only a couple of spins, I'm really wishing there was a surround mix.
Fuck me sideways. I would kill for a 5.1 mix.
I wonder if the band would consider a Kickstarter to get it done. I would put in $50 so fast it would make your head swim.
I posted the idea to their forum...but it seems a bit dead over there. Heck, I would get the project off the ground myself if 1) I thought the band actually wanted it and 2) if I had some help. I honestly think that with the buzz this album is creating, it could seriously get done.
EDIT: Btw...what are their earlier albums like? Are they just as "quirky"? Or a bit more straightforward prog rock?
Visions is imo a modern classic.
Think I'll have to give this a listen...Buy it! This is a band that easily deserve your cash!
Think I'll have to give this a listen...Buy it! This is a band that easily deserve your cash!
You have my seal of approval!Think I'll have to give this a listen...Buy it! This is a band that easily deserve your cash!
done! I really like this one. And I love the little jazzy & quirky bits. Excellent!
You have my seal of approval!Think I'll have to give this a listen...Buy it! This is a band that easily deserve your cash!
done! I really like this one. And I love the little jazzy & quirky bits. Excellent!
"Somebody" is amazing. :'( :hefdaddy
The ending to Somebody is fantastic, but the song takes waaaay too long to get there.Agreed. Somebody is easily my least favourite on the record. It's way too long.
Somebody is awesome, doesn't feel like 9 minutes to me.
Somebody is awesome, doesn't feel like 9 minutes to me.
Yeah The Mountain has definitely brought a lot of new fans on board. It's so much more distinctive and unique than the previous albums, so I think a lot of people who were put off by the slightly more straightforward prog-metal are now a lot more interested.
I know The Mountain has only just come out, but I'm already wondering what they'll do next. I loved Visions, but it was a fairly natural progression from Aquarius really - more coherent and more guitar-driven, but very similar in overall approach. TM is such a different beast, I don't think I'll have any expectations next time around.
Haken has taken (hey...that rhymes!) positive prog into a new direction...and it really needed it.
I don't think you have to be pissed off to enjoy that kind of music. I mean, I'm not always miserable when I listen to SW....
I don't think you have to be pissed off to enjoy that kind of music. I mean, I'm not always miserable when I listen to SW....
On the point of positivity...I think you are, yes. The counter-melodies in the final chorus reference every other song on the album, not just CK.
My favorite song on the album currently is "Because It's There"... Just noticed something confusing about the lyrics though. The whole song seems to focus around the main theme of the album...that is, overcoming obstacles and finding our way to a happy life by overcoming adversity. But the counterpoint lyrics at the end (an echo of Cockroach King theme) seem to give the opposite idea....that the paths that we forge are ultimately built on greed and guile.
Am I mis-interpreting this?
Haken has taken (hey...that rhymes!)I still can't get my head around pronouncing it that way, even though I know it's correct. Whenever I read it I always just process the word in my mind as the other way of saying it :lol :facepalm:
Shit. It's not pronounced "Hah-Ken"?
Good thing I never talk about this band with others, :lol
On the point of positivity...I think you are, yes. The counter-melodies in the final chorus reference every other song on the album, not just CK.
My favorite song on the album currently is "Because It's There"... Just noticed something confusing about the lyrics though. The whole song seems to focus around the main theme of the album...that is, overcoming obstacles and finding our way to a happy life by overcoming adversity. But the counterpoint lyrics at the end (an echo of Cockroach King theme) seem to give the opposite idea....that the paths that we forge are ultimately built on greed and guile.
Am I mis-interpreting this?
On the point of positivity...I think you are, yes. The counter-melodies in the final chorus reference every other song on the album, not just CK.
My favorite song on the album currently is "Because It's There"... Just noticed something confusing about the lyrics though. The whole song seems to focus around the main theme of the album...that is, overcoming obstacles and finding our way to a happy life by overcoming adversity. But the counterpoint lyrics at the end (an echo of Cockroach King theme) seem to give the opposite idea....that the paths that we forge are ultimately built on greed and guile.
Am I mis-interpreting this?
On the point of positivity...I think you are, yes. The counter-melodies in the final chorus reference every other song on the album, not just CK.
My favorite song on the album currently is "Because It's There"... Just noticed something confusing about the lyrics though. The whole song seems to focus around the main theme of the album...that is, overcoming obstacles and finding our way to a happy life by overcoming adversity. But the counterpoint lyrics at the end (an echo of Cockroach King theme) seem to give the opposite idea....that the paths that we forge are ultimately built on greed and guile.
Am I mis-interpreting this?
Yeah, I can see where one would be confused when the final lyrics are "challenge met but all the while, a mountain built a greed and guile," seeing as the other lyrics are harder to discern, but that section literally references the lyrics to every single song on the album, which I think is fantastic. Here's the lyrics:
"I wish I could be someone (referencing Somebody)
Be the moon and be the sun (Pareidolia)
Ambition burned my wings ablaze (Falling Back to Earth)
Shed a tear in these dark days (As Death Embraces)
Tearing down the walls of love (In Memorium)
Soaring through the skies above (Falling Back to Earth)
Pride exists to be reclaimed (Somebody)
Roll the dice don't lose the game (In Memorium)
Carry the weight of the world (Atlas Stone)
The summit says you'll prove my worth (Falling Back to Earth)
Let me claim what's rightfully
Yours to take and mine to keep (Somebody)
Stars begin to swarm around (Pareidolia)
The path of fate this tired ground (As Death Embraces)
Challenge met but all the while (Atlas Stone)
A mountain built on greed and guile (Cockroach King)"
This band is fornicating ridiculousYes
Atlas Stone might be one of the best songs ever made.No
Just listened through TM for the first time. This band is fornicating ridiculous, and Atlas Stone might be one of the best songs ever made.
Looks like the Headspace bassist is still playing with them at the moment. I know they really liked playing with him - I wonder if they managed to convince him to audition.
It'd be great if they could convince Jordan to play with them at least once, I'm pretty sure he'd be up for itYeah, he'd probably be cool with that.
I don't know if the universe could handle such levels of awesome.Let's find out!
Yeah Tom left earlier this year. Pete Rinaldi from Headspace has been playing with them (fantastically, by the way) while they started looking for a new bassist, and they held the auditions only last week.
Is The Mountain a concept album? Or is it just conceptually themed?
Is The Mountain a concept album? Or is it just conceptually themed?
Conceptually themed, like The Dark Side of the Moon, but I don't see why that doesn't make it a concept album. Concept doesn't necessarily = story. For this reason, I also think of Octavarium as a concept album, even if the theme is almost entirely musical and not lyrical.
Diego Tejeida on Mexican televisionAnyone want to translate?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKn4sgX4sNU
Nope, no narrative.Is The Mountain a concept album? Or is it just conceptually themed?
Conceptually themed, like The Dark Side of the Moon, but I don't see why that doesn't make it a concept album. Concept doesn't necessarily = story. For this reason, I also think of Octavarium as a concept album, even if the theme is almost entirely musical and not lyrical.
I agree with what you're saying...I guess my question really was if there was a narrative story going on.
Diego Tejeida on Mexican televisionAnyone want to translate?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKn4sgX4sNU
All I managed to get was
sjfhkdsfjh Diego Trejeida sfkjshfkdjshf sfhsdfdfjhsdkjfh Haken aldsfskjdhf
jshfjkdhsfjdf dsjhfkshfksjdhf sjdhfjkshf piano skjfhbsdfhksjdf
alkjfsdfjskdhfksdjfhd sjhdfkjdhf jhfskjdfhksdjfho shflskdhf album The Mountain sldfksjdhfkjsdhf
Anyone want to translate?
All I managed to get was
sjfhkdsfjh Diego Trejeida sfkjshfkdjshf sfhsdfdfjhsdkjfh Haken aldsfskjdhf
jshfjkdhsfjdf dsjhfkshfksjdhf sjdhfjkshf piano skjfhbsdfhksjdf
alkjfsdfjskdhfksdjfhd sjhdfkjdhf jhfskjdfhksdjfho shflskdhf album The Mountain sldfksjdhfkjsdhf
Just saw your review on Haken's FB page! :P :tup Great stuff and I agree 100%!
I have to say that the material is *really* strong...but the sound quality isn't.
I have to say that the material is *really* strong...but the sound quality isn't.
This. I would absolutely love a re-recording of the Demo. I asume they have heard this idea many times, so I hope they have time for that some day.
I have to say that the material is *really* strong...but the sound quality isn't.
This. I would absolutely love a re-recording of the Demo. I asume they have heard this idea many times, so I hope they have time for that some day.
Whether or not it's the official title I often refer to it as Enter the 5th Dimension. Mainly because it just sounds a bit cooler than "the demo".Really? Because I think it sounds like the geekiest prog-metal title ever. :lol
Really? Because I think it sounds like the geekiest prog-metal title ever. :lol
If their fourth album is at least the quality of any of the previous three, watch out Dream Theater because they'll be my new favorite band.
I don't expect them to match the level of The Mountain on the follow up, but I'd love to be proven wrong.
...and I'd like to hear some growls again.
I don't expect them to match the level of The Mountain on the follow up, but I'd love to be proven wrong.
...and I'd like to hear some growls again.
I don't expect them to match the level of The Mountain on the follow up, but I'd love to be proven wrong.
...and I'd like to hear some growls again.
I wouldn't mind growls, because I'm certain they will be used appropriately like they were on Aquarius. I don't remember if it's like this on the album, but Ross does them on Pareidolia live during one of the final sections with the lyrics: "Breathe in the pain, you won't break these chains" etc,
If their fourth album is at least the quality of any of the previous three, watch out Dream Theater because they'll be my new favorite band.
Haken is already tied as my favourite band with DT. :)
Haken's 1st 3 albums are much better than DT's last 3 albums.
Okay, but none of Haken's first three albums even come close to the awesomeness of I&W or Awake, so DT still wins. Comparing a band's first three albums to a band's 10th, 11th and 12th albums, considering most bands' primes are early on, is kind of pointless.
Nooooooooooooooooope.Okay, but none of Haken's first three albums even come close to the awesomeness of I&W or Awake, so DT still wins. Comparing a band's first three albums to a band's 10th, 11th and 12th albums, considering most bands' primes are early on, is kind of pointless.
All three of Haken's albums top Awake.
While I'm not that big of a fan of Haken, when they break off into going crazy, it doesn't always feel like it actually feels relevant to the song. I usually have to go to something else because it just gets tedious.
Okay, but none of Haken's first three albums even come close to the awesomeness of I&W or Awake, so DT still wins. Comparing a band's first three albums to a band's 10th, 11th and 12th albums, considering most bands' primes are early on, is kind of pointless.
Rush's last album is better than DT's last 3 combined.
Rush's last album is better than DT's last 3 combined.
WHOA NOW!! That's just CRAZY talk! It's certainly better than BCSL by a long shot, and edges out ADTOE by a bit. But DT 12 is pretty strong. I would put CA pretty close to DT12.
I beg to differ. Haken is right there neck n neck with DT's earlier material if not beyond it in some cases. It shouldn't really matter where a band is in their career. They're either producing good music or they're not.
The Mountain is great, but it doesn't come anywhere close to Scenes.
Rush's last album is better than DT's last 3 combined.
WHOA NOW!! That's just CRAZY talk! It's certainly better than BCSL by a long shot, and edges out ADTOE by a bit. But DT 12 is pretty strong. I would put CA pretty close to DT12.
Rush's last album is better than DT's last 3 combined.
WHOA NOW!! That's just CRAZY talk! It's certainly better than BCSL by a long shot, and edges out ADTOE by a bit. But DT 12 is pretty strong. I would put CA pretty close to DT12.
Nah, not crazy at all. CA is a masterpiece and DT hasn't done anything like that since SDOIT. I don't see any strength in DT12 whatsoever. It has a few good moments but overall it's mediocre and doesn't measure up to the DT standards that fans expect. It's much weaker than ADTOE and that's not really saying much. Quite frankly, I'm disappointed in the RR era of DT. Good thing Haken came along. I have something to believe in again.
Nah, not crazy at all. CA is a masterpiece and DT hasn't done anything like that since SDOIT. I don't see any strength in DT12 whatsoever. It has a few good moments but overall it's mediocre and doesn't measure up to the DT standards that fans expect. It's much weaker than ADTOE and that's not really saying much. Quite frankly, I'm disappointed in the RR era of DT. Good thing Haken came along. I have something to believe in again.Rush's last album is better than DT's last 3 combined.
WHOA NOW!! That's just CRAZY talk! It's certainly better than BCSL by a long shot, and edges out ADTOE by a bit. But DT 12 is pretty strong. I would put CA pretty close to DT12.
Well I believe your opinion of DT12 to be in the minority...but more power to ya. (I'm of the opinion that T4E blows Counterparts out of the water, and I get looked at cross-eyed all the time)
Rush's last album is better than DT's last 3 combined.
WHOA NOW!! That's just CRAZY talk! It's certainly better than BCSL by a long shot, and edges out ADTOE by a bit. But DT 12 is pretty strong. I would put CA pretty close to DT12.
Nah, not crazy at all. CA is a masterpiece and DT hasn't done anything like that since SDOIT. I don't see any strength in DT12 whatsoever. It has a few good moments but overall it's mediocre and doesn't measure up to the DT standards that fans expect. It's much weaker than ADTOE and that's not really saying much. Quite frankly, I'm disappointed in the RR era of DT. Good thing Haken came along. I have something to believe in again.
I have barely even spun DT12, because I was left unimpressed by the first listen or so. Any of Haken's albums easily beats DT12.
Even though The Mountain may be my least favourite Haken album, it's still very very good and I like it more than DT12.Couldn't agree more.
Haken's "worst" (excluding the demo) easily and with no doubt tops DT's best.
To me both bands sound really, really different. I do not like the Haken sound. It is by no means bad (I can hear it is some quality songwriting and they definately have their own sound), but it is really not my cup of tea after several spins of the mountain, especially the vocals.
To me both bands sound really, really different. I do not like the Haken sound. It is by no means bad (I can hear it is some quality songwriting and they definately have their own sound), but it is really not my cup of tea after several spins of the mountain, especially the vocals.
As a side note, after several months of listening I regard DT12 as one of the bands better efforts as a whole and think it is a stellar album. Way better than the four albums before it imo.
Are we in the middle of our customary, every three pages "All Haken is better than DT" portion of the show?So, the fact that someone has different musical opinions and a different taste than you makes you chuckle. Ok.
We are?
Carry on :rollin
(Seriously, I like these guys, and the Mountain has grown on me, but that still makes me chuckle.)
I'm not sure the vocals are really comparable as both are a completely different style. I really like the vocals in both bands, but would say in relative terms, the singers are the weak link compared with the rest of the band.
Are we in the middle of our customary, every three pages "All Haken is better than DT" portion of the show?So, the fact that someone has different musical opinions and a different taste than you makes you chuckle. Ok.
We are?
Carry on :rollin
(Seriously, I like these guys, and the Mountain has grown on me, but that still makes me chuckle.)
Analyzing and comparing are ways to enjoy art. Adding context and explanations to what we enjoy is what creates new art. Honestly, I'd say it's more difficult to listen anything and NOT compare it to anything else.
Yes, DT and Haken are very different, but they both fit under the progressive metal umbrella. It's fun to explore questions like this: What do they do similarly? How are they different? Which do I enjoy more and why?
Analyzing and comparing are ways to enjoy art. Adding context and explanations to what we enjoy is what creates new art. Honestly, I'd say it's more difficult to listen anything and NOT compare it to anything else.
Yes, DT and Haken are very different, but they both fit under the progressive metal umbrella. It's fun to explore questions like this: What do they do similarly? How are they different? Which do I enjoy more and why?
There are sections of Falling Back to Earth that to my ears are practically copy and pasted from a host of really incredible Dream Theater classics...Really? Some of Haken's stuff (particularly on the first two albums) are a bit DT-esque, but I don't get even the slightest DT vibe from Falling Back To Earth. I get a very strong Between the Buried and Me vibe, but not DT.
There are sections of Falling Back to Earth that to my ears are practically copy and pasted from a host of really incredible Dream Theater classics...Really? Some of Haken's stuff (particularly on the first two albums) are a bit DT-esque, but I don't get even the slightest DT vibe from Falling Back To Earth. I get a very strong Between the Buried and Me vibe, but not DT.
Are we in the middle of our customary, every three pages "All Haken is better than DT" portion of the show?So, the fact that someone has different musical opinions and a different taste than you makes you chuckle. Ok.
We are?
Carry on :rollin
(Seriously, I like these guys, and the Mountain has grown on me, but that still makes me chuckle.)
I think it's the fact that some Haken fans seemingly have to jump on this "They're better than DT" train on a regular basis, instead of just enjoying the music and talking it up without having to downgrade DT in the process.
And also, this is a Dream Theater forum. DT is pretty much a safe common referense point when talking about bands here. I'm sure the opposite would happen on a Haken forum.This.
Every time I listen to the end of Celestial Elixir, where the drums are kinda "washing" away, I always get the image of someone using mouthwash.
Haken's "worst" (excluding the demo) easily and with no doubt tops DT's best.
I'm still undecided on Aquarius. I've listened to it twice now, and still nothing.
Yeah, that does not seem an accurate calculation at all. Also, a movement in the first positions of the list counts the same as in the last positions, which does not make any sense to me. I mean, I could rank more or less clearly which my favorite songs are, but I would not say that the accuracy is the same for positions #123 and #124, for example.
What? Isn't Conner already playing with them? :oOh yeah, totally forgot about that. :lol
Yeah, that does not seem an accurate calculation at all. Also, a movement in the first positions of the list counts the same as in the last positions, which does not make any sense to me. I mean, I could rank more or less clearly which my favorite songs are, but I would not say that the accuracy is the same for positions #123 and #124, for example.
I don't really understand the problem, could you explain?
So today marks the beginning of their 2014 tour. Wonder how the setlist will be shaped.Only 1 UK date on this tour? :'( :sadpanda:
Will be seeing them at the "Baja Prog" festival, really excited :biggrin: .
Of course. Imagine that, in Aquarius, your highest and lowest songs are #4 and #124. Now, imagine that these two songs change their rank to #3 and #125. In the end, the points will be the same, but I don't think that a change is the last positions (i.e. #124 to #125) has the same relevance as in the first ones (#4 to #3). Not only because of the meaning of the song (a highly ranked song should have, IMO, more relevance than a low one) but also because IMO, you won't mind a switch in positions #124 and #125 as much as you would in #3 and #4. Sorry about the explanation, hope I've been understandable now :D
Of course. Imagine that, in Aquarius, your highest and lowest songs are #4 and #124. Now, imagine that these two songs change their rank to #3 and #125. In the end, the points will be the same, but I don't think that a change is the last positions (i.e. #124 to #125) has the same relevance as in the first ones (#4 to #3). Not only because of the meaning of the song (a highly ranked song should have, IMO, more relevance than a low one) but also because IMO, you won't mind a switch in positions #124 and #125 as much as you would in #3 and #4. Sorry about the explanation, hope I've been understandable now :D
Absolutely, I understand your point now, although I semi-disagree with it. The top ones are of course more important than the lower ones, but that's sort of what I try to undo with my list. I want to give every song an equal chance, and I try to rank the 124th song as carefully as I would the 4th one. So yes, a move down with #124 and a move up with #5 would even each other out, which I find perfectly acceptable since I don't only want to judge the albums based on how good they are, but also how "bad" they are, so to speak..
Wow, that setlist seems pretty short, barely 90 minutes... :|
After months of trying to keep this quiet, we're extremely pleased to announce an extensive UK tour with none other than Leprous and Maschine later this year!!!!!!!!! Read more here:
Official press release:
Haken, Leprous & Maschine join forces for UK tour
InsideOutMusic is extremely pleased to announce that three of its youngest and brightest bands will join forces for a UK & Irish tour later this year. Haken, Leprous & Maschine will all head out on the road together in October & November 2014 for what will be the biggest run of UK dates that any band has yet embarked on, showcasing some of the younger progressive talent that InsideOut have to offer.
The dates are as follows:
Haken, Leprous & Maschine:
Presented by Prog Magazine
23rd October, 2014 – London, The Garage
24th October, 2014 – Leamington Spa, Assembly
26th October, 2014 – Bristol, The Fleece
27th October, 2014 – Wolverhampton, Robin 2
29th October, 2014 – Dublin, The Village
30th October, 2014 – Liverpool, O2 Academy 2
31st October, 2014 – Manchester, Club Academy
1st November, 2014 – Edinburgh, The Liquid Room
2nd November, 2014 – York, The Duchess
London-based progressive metallers Haken have been going from strength to strength following the release of latest album ‘The Mountain’, with Prog Magazine calling it ‘an absolute triumph, a celebration of all the prog world holds dear.’ The band had this to say about the upcoming dates: “We can't wait to get back on the road this October for our first UK tour! We'll be sharing the stage with incredible Leprous and Maschine - it's gonna be a blast. We'll be playing songs from our back catalogue with the possibility of showcasing some new material. We're looking forward to seeing you there.”
Norwegian heavy proggers Leprous last year released their latest album ‘Coal’ with Metal Hammer calling it ‘further proof that forward-thinking, technical metal is in a rude state of health.’ This tour will see the band play in many cities they have never visited before, and they comment:
"So finally we get the chance to do a more extensive tour in the UK! It's a territory we've wanted to explore for a while and when we got the chance to the tour it with our very talented label mates Haken, the choice was easy. It will be our first shows ever in Ireland and Scotland, we will explore several new English cities and also be able to return to London again. Ever since I lived in England myself for a year (from 2009 - 2010), I've wanted to come back here for a proper tour! The nice thing about the UK, is that you have all these great cities in very close distance to each other! Which means less driving and more playing! We promise a very intense show, and hope to see as many as possible of our UK fans at the shows."
Brighton-based young progressive rockers Maschine released their impressive debut album ‘Rubidium’ last August, and this run of dates will mark the band’s first major tour. Classic Rock picked up on them, calling them ‘very promising indeed’, and the band have been voted Prog Magazine’s best new band. The bands leader Luke Machin says this:
“Maschine are massively pleased to be a part of this tour as each band are certain to bring something special for every one of these live shows. We will be performing tracks from our debut album ‘Rubidium’ and will also be looking forward to road testing some new material.”
As for the title track, it must surely be in the reckoning as one of the great prog epics of the 2010s, by the time this decade comes to a close...
Hold your judgement until you get Aquarius and listen to "Celestial Elixir" ;)
I think that The Path, Atlas Stone, Cockroach King, In Memoriam, Because It's There, Falling Back to Earth and Pareidolia are 10 out of 10 songs. As Death Embraces and Somebody are 9 out of 10 songs. The closest to perfection album I've ever heard.
I think the run from The Path to Falling Back to Earth is fantastic and really consistent, but there's a noticeable drop-off after that. The last 3 songs are still good, Pareidolia in particular, but they don't match the quality of the other songs on the album. Somebody I see as just an ok track. When it comes to getting close to perfection and consistency, there's a ton that come to mind before this one would.
I would say my least favourites are As Death Embraces and Somebody, but they're both (a) still really nice songs, and (b) kind of crucial in keeping the album so perfectly balanced.I totally agree.
Even though I only really like those three songs I mentioned the other day, most of the rest of the album is still listenable. Well, except Cockroach King. That song still has embarrassingly bad vocal melodies (which ruin the fact that it is musically pretty good).
Those melodies are actually pretty cool. Yeah, they're quirky as hell, but that's what makes them so great. If anything, they're memorable too.Agreed, the vocal lines are my favourite thing about the song, although it's not one of my favourites on the album.
Those are all great choruses; however, I would also mention Pareidolia in that category, perhaps even as my favorite chorus of the album.
I love all choruses on the CD, but if I had to choose, I'd go with Falling Back to Earth.
Here is the strings rendition I've made for The Mountain, covering some parts of each song. Of course, it's an amateur work, and it's not done with a real orchestra, just for fun! I'll upload a YouTube video version soon. Here is the SoundCloud file:
https://soundcloud.com/powe-toor/haken-the-mountain-strings-rendition
Edit: video version on the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRFi1Ugcrgk
Here is the strings rendition I've made for The Mountain, covering some parts of each song. Of course, it's an amateur work, and it's not done with a real orchestra, just for fun! I'll upload a YouTube video version soon. Here is the SoundCloud file:
https://soundcloud.com/powe-toor/haken-the-mountain-strings-rendition
Edit: video version on the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRFi1Ugcrgk
That's well done! Nice work! :tup
Just ordered Aquarius :caffeine:
Listened to the whole thing. Really nice job with the chorus of Falling Down to Earth and the end of Somebody.
Even though I only really like those three songs I mentioned the other day, most of the rest of the album is still listenable. Well, except Cockroach King. That song still has embarrassingly bad vocal melodies (which ruin the fact that it is musically pretty good).I'm going to go out on a limb and say you aren't a Gentle Giant fan. :)
I don't believe it will be topped.
I just picked up Visions, and I absolutely adore it. But there's something particularly profound about The Mountain. I don't believe it will be topped. It honestly could be dethroning Hemispheres if this keeps up...and I do not speak of such things lightly. It's an extremely personal album for me.
I don't believe it will be topped.
That's what a lot of us said about Aquarius when it released. And Visions when it came out. ;D They keep getting better and better.
It will be interesting to see if The Mountain is truly their "peak." (nyuk nyuk waka waka)
Heh heh heh. :coolio
EDIT: Speaking of Haken puns, I onced asked a friend of mine, "Is the Cockroach King the master of rolling joints that look like dicks?" :millahhhh The lyric "roach of irony" makes it better, and is ironic in itself. The song literally defines itself guys :omg:
I just picked up Visions, and I absolutely adore it. But there's something particularly profound about The Mountain. I don't believe it will be topped. It honestly could be dethroning Hemispheres if this keeps up...and I do not speak of such things lightly. It's an extremely personal album for me.
I'm about a dozen spins into Visions. While I have to say that Visions has solidified my opinion that Haken is the most exciting new band I've heard in 20 years...NOTHING TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN.
Every day, that album gets one step closer to overtaking Hemispheres, Images and Words and Remedy Lane. It may have already done it.
I'm about a dozen spins into Visions. While I have to say that Visions has solidified my opinion that Haken is the most exciting new band I've heard in 20 years...
So, I found something out about the new EP (hooray for connections) that surprised me, but really shouldn't have.
That's all I'm going to say for now. :-X :hat
haken is now a death metal bandGod, don't be this.
So, I found something out about the new EP (hooray for connections) that surprised me, but really shouldn't have.
That's all I'm going to say for now. :-X :hat
I saw vague hints on the Facebook page saying things like "I prefer the original mix of the songs". Are they actually rerecording the demo CD? O.O
I would say that's a good sign. :lolThis, for sure.
I thought it was interesting that they opened with Nocturnal Conspiracy without Premonition before it.I believe they premiered a recording of the orchestral version of Premonition as an intro tape (by Symphonic Theater of Dreams).
I never listened to these guys. Which of the three albums is the best place to start?
I never listened to these guys. Which of the three albums is the best place to start?
The Mountain is probably the best them.
I never listened to these guys. Which of the three albums is the best place to start?Personally, I'd suggest starting with Aquarius, then moving on to Visions and then to The Mountain. I got into Haken just after Aquarius had been released, and it's a really good order to see the band grow. Every single album is excellent!
Agree. Just listen to them in order.I never listened to these guys. Which of the three albums is the best place to start?Personally, I'd suggest starting with Aquarius, then moving on to Visions and then to The Mountain. I got into Haken just after Aquarius had been released, and it's a really good order to see the band grow. Every single album is excellent!
Seeing Haken in November! I is excite.
Well, I am super excite.
The Rosfest.com website just got redesigned, and upon launch the Saturday lineup was revealed and Haken is headlining. It's an excellent festival in an amazing city at a great venue, and I have sent out a message to them to see about sponsoring Haken if possible. Don't know if I will be able to, but at least want to try. This will be amazing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvlZrS7HhZkIs the full version still not available? I'm sure they indicated that it would be by now!
The (probably) subtext seems like the OP wasn't sure.
That being said, I did just get a copy of the demo, and it is AWESOME. :metal
Haken have confirmed the release of a 3-track EP featuring reworked materials from their 2008 demo, featuring guests Pete Rinaldi and Mike Portnoy.
Entitled Restoration, it’s set for launch on October 27 via InsideOut, midway through the band’s Prog-sponsored UK tour with Leprous and Machine.
Vocalist Ross Jennings says: “Redoing a few of our favourite tracks from the demo is something we've talked about doing for ages and the fans have been asking for it constantly. We were also excited about working creatively with our new bassist Conner Green, so this seemed like the perfect way to welcome him aboard.”
Guitarist Charlie Griffiths adds: “The band's sound has evolved considerably in the last few years, so we used the demos as a starting point, and gave ourselves free reign to reimagine them and make them relevant to who we are today. These are now the definitive versions.”
Rinaldi and Portnoy appear on the EP’s final track, Crystallised – a “no holds barred epic” clocking in at 19 minutes.
Tracklist
Darkest Light
Earthlings
Crystallised
I saw vague hints on the Facebook page saying things like "I prefer the original mix of the songs". Are they actually rerecording the demo CD? O.O
Yeah, I could see that, though it would be my guess if they were going to revisit those songs they would re-arrange and add things to them to bring them up to speed and make them fresh.
I imagine the songs will be fairly heavily reworked, if they've renamed them all and Snow is now extended to nearly 20 minutes.
I assume others who know the demo can guess what the other two songs are?
Yeah I am certain that Darkest Light is Blind, which I'm very happy about as it's my favourite on the demo. I also think Earthlings is Black Seed (based on what I heard from inside sources and from the lyrics), but you're right, it could in theory be Manifolds. Only thing is, I'm not convinced Manifolds really needs reworking as it sounds pretty decent as it is. So I am inclined to assume it's Black Seed.I imagine the songs will be fairly heavily reworked, if they've renamed them all and Snow is now extended to nearly 20 minutes.
I assume others who know the demo can guess what the other two songs are?
Darkest Light is definitely Blind, it's from the lyrics. I feel like Earthlings could be Black Seed, but it might be Manifolds if they indeed played it recently.
Yeah I am certain that Darkest Light is Blind, which I'm very happy about as it's my favourite on the demo. I also think Earthlings is Black Seed (based on what I heard from inside sources and from the lyrics), but you're right, it could in theory be Manifolds. Only thing is, I'm not convinced Manifolds really needs reworking as it sounds pretty decent as it is. So I am inclined to assume it's Black Seed.I imagine the songs will be fairly heavily reworked, if they've renamed them all and Snow is now extended to nearly 20 minutes.
I assume others who know the demo can guess what the other two songs are?
Darkest Light is definitely Blind, it's from the lyrics. I feel like Earthlings could be Black Seed, but it might be Manifolds if they indeed played it recently.
Anyway I posted on their FB announcement asking them to confirm that MP was on drums and not vocals, and they said it's neither!
Mike and Pete's guest spots are best described as 'cameo' appearances rather than 'featuring' as this article states. It'd ruin the fun if we told you where they are ; ) see if you can guess when you hear it.
I love Blind, it's my favourite from the demo.
Very cool that they're playing Manifolds (if it's true, the poster didn't seem sure), wouldn't have expected that!
Saw a couple of shows in Aschaffenburg and Berlin two weeks ago and heard a very heavy and powerful Blind...Did you notice many changes?
Can someone explain to me what's so great about this band? Just curious. I have tried but I don't get it.
Can someone explain to me what's so great about this band? Just curious. I have tried but I don't get it.
You either feel music and respond to it with your whole being or you don't. You can't have it explained to you. You can't intellectualise a person's love for a particular band - it's not an exam question. You don't respond personally to HAKEN - so that's it - not a problem - let's all move on. :)
Can someone explain to me what's so great about this band? Just curious. I have tried but I don't get it.
Can someone explain to me what's so great about this band? Just curious. I have tried but I don't get it.
For me personally, it just comes down to hearing a new eclectic pattern of influences in the music that I have personally never heard anywhere else.
I have always stated that there is nothing new anymore that could possibly be done. However, it is the individual kaleidoscope of influences that you personally create that can make the piece of art that you're creating completely original and new and fresh. I believe Haken has done that in a way that resonates with me personally, and I'm still floored every time I hear them.
Can someone explain to me what's so great about this band? Just curious. I have tried but I don't get it.
For me personally, it just comes down to hearing a new eclectic pattern of influences in the music that I have personally never heard anywhere else.
I have always stated that there is nothing new anymore that could possibly be done. However, it is the individual kaleidoscope of influences that you personally create that can make the piece of art that you're creating completely original and new and fresh. I believe Haken has done that in a way that resonates with me personally, and I'm still floored every time I hear them.
also, circus music
Ya...I hate it when you go to a circus and all they play is Haken.... ;)
Yes, I mean the two 3/4 waltz sections. This and the dual guitar lead section in the middle of Aquarium are the only things in Haken's discography that remind me of circus.They toned it down a lot on Visions and The Mountain.
I agree that the comparison between Haken and circus is often blown out of proportion. I don't hear any Circus moments in Visions and The Mountain.
This again? I thought we settled this.
I'm not sure they'll release a single, they may just wait to release the EP.This again? I thought we settled this.
We need to talk about something to pass the time until they release a single.
We Could talk about Portnoy and why he left DTI'm not sure they'll release a single, they may just wait to release the EP.This again? I thought we settled this.
We need to talk about something to pass the time until they release a single.
How can Crystallised be centerpiece of the EP if it's not the track exactly at the middle?
How can Crystallised be centerpiece of the EP if it's not the track exactly at the middle?
How can Crystallised be centerpiece of the EP if it's not the track exactly at the middle?olol
I hope you're right. Releasing an album on vinyl only in 2014 would be like releasing a film only on VHS.
I wasn't aware that it was digital only, but that's a bit disappointing if so. I don't know why any bands do that. The Dear Hunter tried it with The Color Spectrum and there was such an uproar that they ended up releasing a CD boxset later on.
EDIT: Yeah seems it is as you say Jammin. Eh, Haken is one of the bands I make the effort to get physical copies of, but I have no use for vinyl. :sadpanda:
I must be one of the few who don't get all excited over physical copies of albums anymore. I do 95% of my listening at my computer anyway, which has the best sound system for me. Whenever I do get physical copies I rip them to FLAC and put them in the CD shelf to collect dust. I don't have a need to flip through the booklets and such either.With some of my favourite bands, I like to collect the physical copies. For the rest, digital is ok (there's only so much space to store physical copies after all). Haken are definitely one of those bands, so it's a shame really. I'm not sure what the rationale is in this case, as it's not to save on the cost of designing/pressing/etc the CDs as they're including them with the vinyl.
Guys, I just found out there are bootlegs of the shows from 28.08. and 30.08. floating around, two shows when they played Darkest Light.Thanks for letting us know! I'm grabbing them now.
The audio quality is bad, but it's informative nonetheless.
I don't know why any bands do that.
Guys, I just found out there are bootlegs of the shows from 28.08. and 30.08. floating around, two shows when they played Darkest Light.
The audio quality is bad, but it's informative nonetheless.
Audience recordings of live performances? Discuss away.Guys, I just found out there are bootlegs of the shows from 28.08. and 30.08. floating around, two shows when they played Darkest Light.
The audio quality is bad, but it's informative nonetheless.
What's the forum policy for openly discussing this sort of thing when it involves bands other than DT?
As I said though, it's not saving them anything on cost, but it is limiting their audience. So it doesn't make sense to be financial reasons.I don't know why any bands do that.
I can think of $everal rea$on$ ;)
As I said though, it's not saving them anything on cost, but it is limiting their audience. So it doesn't make sense to be financial reasons.
Just at a guess - I would imagine their fanbase at large is more likely to buy vinyl than to buy CDs. I wouldn't be surprised to see more bands do this, especially bands on this "level" of financial success.
Vinyl sales have grown by noticeable percentages while CD sales continue to decline.Just at a guess - I would imagine their fanbase at large is more likely to buy vinyl than to buy CDs. I wouldn't be surprised to see more bands do this, especially bands on this "level" of financial success.
Can this really be the case? I guess I've just never seen vinyl as being anything more than niche, even in a fanbase for a band that's sort of niche themselves.
This.Vinyl sales have grown by noticeable percentages while CD sales continue to decline.Just at a guess - I would imagine their fanbase at large is more likely to buy vinyl than to buy CDs. I wouldn't be surprised to see more bands do this, especially bands on this "level" of financial success.
Can this really be the case? I guess I've just never seen vinyl as being anything more than niche, even in a fanbase for a band that's sort of niche themselves.
Vinyl sales rose 32% in 2013 after an 18% increase in 2012. The numbers still differ of course, CDs still sell more in numbers, but Vinyl is more than just a niche.
PRE ORDER IS UP!!! Mine's already paid for!!!
:xbones
https://www.burningshed.com/store/InsideOutMusic/product/523/6122/
Ummmm, vinyl only? I don't think that's an option. It's this, or MP3's, my friend.
I believe they said that this release would be a digital download only unless you bought the vinyl package which is only an import.
Re-read the last page or two, it's all been discussed and debated.
PRE ORDER IS UP!!! Mine's already paid for!!!
:xbones
https://www.burningshed.com/store/InsideOutMusic/product/523/6122/
I hope the lyrics are closer to The Mountain than the two before... Honestly not excited to hear that the next album after Restoration is another concept... I think it only tends to detract from the music.
I hope the lyrics are closer to The Mountain than the two before... Honestly not excited to hear that the next album after Restoration is another concept... I think it only tends to detract from the music.
Also missing the point that the new songs are reworked versions of songs from the demo, so lyrics are likely to be similar to those.I hope the lyrics are closer to The Mountain than the two before... Honestly not excited to hear that the next album after Restoration is another concept... I think it only tends to detract from the music.
You do know The Mountain is also a concept album right? The only difference is that it does not followed a literal story, it follows a lyrical theme.
Also missing the point that the new songs are reworked versions of songs from the demo, so lyrics are likely to be similar to those.
Also missing the point that the new songs are reworked versions of songs from the demo, so lyrics are likely to be similar to those.
It's about a facebook post from the band. They wrote that they are discussing concepts for album 4.
I think Leprous would be a great choice for an opener.God I would blow a load of crushed diamonds if that happened here in the states.
I'm not impressed by the new song. I hate that Haken seems to be going to a musical style where they seem to care more about showcasing their technical skills rather than trying to build songs that have a good flow and are consistent.This is a reworking of a song from their original demo.
It's not exactly a new song though, it's a rework of a song from the pre-Aquarius demo. Thus, it's probably more in the Aquarius-Visions direction than a The Mountain direction. Haven't heard it yet though. I didn't think The Mountain was about technical prowess.I would say tonally this rework is more like The Mountain actually. I love it.
I would say tonally this rework is more like The Mountain actually. I love it.
Listening to the new video. Very kick ass. I'm curious why Haken would decide to do an EP as opposed to a full studio album. The band just had a breakthrough album in The Mountain, so if I were them I'd want to get back in the studio and follow up that effort with another strong studio album to cement that growing fanbase. As a fan, I've rarely bought EPs. I think DT's A Change of Seasons is one of the few I have. But I might have to reconsider in this case.It's reworked songs from their original demo. As me7 said, they have started writing album 4, this was just a small project because they've wanted to redo some of the demo for a while, and fans have been asking them to do it for ages.
For those who know/like Blind, how do you think this rework compares?
Haken started sucking after the demo.
tru haken 4ever
I don't get the decision to only put a CD version with the vinyl. I could see vinyl with no CD version, but if you are going to include a CD copy with vinyl, why not just sell a CD version as well?Yeah that's what I was saying a few days ago. They've got the expense of making the CDs anyway, why not sell them alone? :lol
ALL HAILFor those who know/like Blind, how do you think this rework compares?
To be completely honest, it's been so long since I've given the demo much of a listen it's tough for me to compare. That said, this version kicks all sort of ass!
ALL HAIL HAKEN
And all the nay-sayers are still talking like they don't know that this is re-worked demo tracks from '07-'08. How many announcements does there have to be??? This doesn't sound like The Mountain BECAUSE THEY ARE RE-RECORDED SEVEN YEAR OLD DEMOS!!! (there...hopefully that clears things up. ;D :angel: )Yeah, I've said it twice in the last page or so, and so I can't be bothered to say it again. People need to learn to read the thread. :lol
And all the nay-sayers are still talking like they don't know that this is re-worked demo tracks from '07-'08. How many announcements does there have to be??? This doesn't sound like The Mountain BECAUSE THEY ARE RE-RECORDED SEVEN YEAR OLD DEMOS!!! (there...hopefully that clears things up. ;D :angel: )Yeah, I've said it twice in the last page or so, and so I can't be bothered to say it again. People need to learn to read the thread. :lol
EDIT: It looks like the US InsideOutStore will also have the vinyl/CD. I'm assuming it's going to be cheaper, so I will probably cancel my import order if that's the case. Also, the Haken store will have crystal clear vinyls! :o (It's on the blog on the website)
For those who know/like Blind, how do you think this rework compares?
In terms of sound and flow, I think they've done an amazing job. I love the djent feel of the riffing now, and the song definitely feels a bit more mature.
On the first couple of listens, I really did miss the dark waltz sections and the lovely jazzy instrumental from the original. But we still have Blind to listen to, and I think the changes help this standalone as basically a separate song. More like a sequel than a re-recording.
It would be amazing if Haken stayed with this sound for their next full-length studio album. I'd love some heavy shit from them, their "Train of Thought" so to speak.
Need to listen to some Leprous too and see what they're like.
Agreed. Amazing album, great band.Need to listen to some Leprous too and see what they're like.
You're in for a treat. Start with their second album (Bilateral).
Somewhere down the road I would really like a 'Restoration Part II', with the other three demo songs. I think they made excellent choices with the tracks on Restoration, but the other ones are still good enough for me to think that it would be a shame if they never got their return to the spotlight as well. Could be 10 years from now, I'd just be happy if it happened at all.That would be interesting to see as well! But for now I just can't wait for this to come out... The iTunes samples are so delicious.
Somewhere down the road I would really like a 'Restoration Part II', with the other three demo songs. I think they made excellent choices with the tracks on Restoration, but the other ones are still good enough for me to think that it would be a shame if they never got their return to the spotlight as well. Could be 10 years from now, I'd just be happy if it happened at all.That would be interesting to see as well! But for now I just can't wait for this to come out... The iTunes samples are so delicious.
Fun idea for a contest! I don't have the slightest clue where or what MP's cameo is though. All I know is that the band said on Facebook that it was neither vocals nor drums. Hmm...
Is it the china gong at the very end? :PThe same thought crossed my mind as well, but it has to be more.
Love the track. Although some of the stuff I really enjoyed about the demo-version is missing, but still absolutely fantastic.Same as with Darkest Light. I love everything they have added or reworked, but I miss the stuff that was removed.
Yep, but as I said earlier in the thread, makes the songs more like sequels than re-recordings. Means there is a place for both versions. :)Is it the china gong at the very end? :PThe same thought crossed my mind as well, but it has to be more.
Love the track. Although some of the stuff I really enjoyed about the demo-version is missing, but still absolutely fantastic.Same as with Darkest Light. I love everything they have added or reworked, but I miss the stuff that was removed.
It could be the song of the year, fantastic work! It's strange that they have cut two of the three slightly different choruses of Snow and save only the "someone's calling me" oneHave to say, although I'm really digging Crystallised (of course) and despite all the reviews basically praising it as the greatest thing ever, I would say it's my least favourite.
Agree. Crystallised is nowhere near the level of Celestial Elixir and Visions (the song).I've only listened to it twice, but I don't think I'll like it as much as Visions or Celestial Elixir either. If they play it on the upcoming tour - which seems likely - I hope it doesn't mean they'll have to refrain from playing playing either of the other 2 epics. :'(
I guess they did the EP in a hurry as a side project and didn't take enough writing time to realise the material's full potential. Some sections seem a bit stacked together without the natural flow I'm used to from Haken and it lacks the dramaturgy prog epics often have, which makes it sound like an oversized simple song rather than en epic.
It's still an awesome song, just not as good as Haken's previous epics.
It's a 20 minute epic so it needs many many spins for me before I can judge it :PFor sure!
Geez, after one listen, I think this might be my favorite Haken song :metal
I don't get all the hype for Falling Back To Earth though. It feels very repetitive.
I was the same with Cockroach King.I don't get all the hype for Falling Back To Earth though. It feels very repetitive.
For me, that's a track that takes a lot of time to get used to (just like the entire Mountain album). I felt a but like you when I first heard it, but now later and after many listens I love it. But it took me quite a while to get there.
I don't get all the hype for Falling Back To Earth though. It feels very repetitive.
For me, that's a track that takes a lot of time to get used to (just like the entire Mountain album). I felt a bit like you when I first heard it, but now later and after many listens I love it. But it took me quite a while to get there.
Earthlings was fantastic. Though I will have to take some time to get used to the new chorus. I liked it, but it threw me off a bit when I first heard that it didn't 'climb down' the way the Black Seed chorus does. But a few days with this and it should all be good.Yeah that takes some getting used to. But on the plus side, the chorus is no longer a King Crimson rip-off. :P
Amazing EP.
Setlist from last night (https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/haken/2014/the-garage-london-england-73ccca29.html), I tried to put it in the post and make the font small for those who don't want spoilers, but wasn't sure how to get it tiny, the smallest option still seemed quite readable to me :huh:
Was anyone there last night? When did the gig finish? It seems like there was about 3 hours of music in all, so I'm guessing it was pretty close to 11pm when you got out if the doors opened at 7pm? I'm just trying to figure out what transport to use to get back home after I see them in Edinburgh next weekend.
Setlist from last night (https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/haken/2014/the-garage-london-england-73ccca29.html), I tried to put it in the post and make the font small for those who don't want spoilers, but wasn't sure how to get it tiny, the smallest option still seemed quite readable to me :huh:
Was anyone there last night? When did the gig finish? It seems like there was about 3 hours of music in all, so I'm guessing it was pretty close to 11pm when you got out if the doors opened at 7pm? I'm just trying to figure out what transport to use to get back home after I see them in Edinburgh next weekend.
Yeah I was about to say... Looks like a Rather short gig, I've never heard of the 2 bands playing before them though so hopefully they'll be worth the time taken away from Haken.
The studio versions of the songs on that list only total up to about 80 minutes...but that seems fairly typical for the Haken setlists I've seen so far.
Leprous seemed to have a similar amount of time on stage judging by their setlist. Pity, I would have much preferred to see a bit more Haken :metalSetlist from last night (https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/haken/2014/the-garage-london-england-73ccca29.html), I tried to put it in the post and make the font small for those who don't want spoilers, but wasn't sure how to get it tiny, the smallest option still seemed quite readable to me :huh:
Was anyone there last night? When did the gig finish? It seems like there was about 3 hours of music in all, so I'm guessing it was pretty close to 11pm when you got out if the doors opened at 7pm? I'm just trying to figure out what transport to use to get back home after I see them in Edinburgh next weekend.
The studio versions of the songs on that list only total up to about 80 minutes...but that seems fairly typical for the Haken setlists I've seen so far.
FUUUUUUUCK.Do you mean the clear ones? It sounds like they're selling them at shows and then if they have any left over after the tour they'll sell them from their own website.
My restoration vinyl shipped from Burning Shed. Now if Haken posts those limited ones I either will have two copies or decide to forego it.
FUUUUUUUCK.
My restoration vinyl shipped from Burning Shed. Now if Haken posts those limited ones I either will have two copies or decide to forego it.
My LP/CD copy shipped today from Inside Out :metal
FUUUUUUUCK.Do you mean the clear ones? It sounds like they're selling them at shows and then if they have any left over after the tour they'll sell them from their own website.
My restoration vinyl shipped from Burning Shed. Now if Haken posts those limited ones I either will have two copies or decide to forego it.
ariich I usually agree with you on like everything but NO WAY is Crystallised the weaker song of the three, it's easily the best :DNO, I KILL YOU.
Yes, but you are not a famous drummer and I'm guessing that you don't have a gong either.
I guessed it right :D
I can't believe that's a special guest contribution... I could have done that myself! :-\ :facepalm: :lolWell, Haken have been very clear right from the start that it was just a very small "cameo" appearance from both MP and Pete Rinaldi. This is about the level that I was expecting.
I actually meant I guessed Portnoy's cameo right :lol
Crap, I thought the cameo was that slapping bass around 14 minutes or so :lol
Even though I'd probably rank Crystallised as the best one (gotta love the epics), I'm more into Earthlings at the moment. Breathtaking stuff. The updated 'chant' section or whatever it is gives me chills with all the new layers of harmonies and the new way the rhythms are presented in.Me too!
:lol
Haha, he DID play the gong! I guessed it right :tup
How come I cant download this damn EP anywhere?!?It's on Spotify now.
Weird, it's available for download on Amazon UK (and for only £2.49!).
The real crime is that there is no lossless digital option. If I want a high quality recording, I have to shell out money for both vinyl and a cd. Would it be immoral to purchase from itunes, delete those, then find somewhere to download a cd rip? Just hypothetically. It seems silly to do that to me personally.
The worst part of the song is the gong at the end. I just did not feel it. I do not think he hit it correctly.
I found out that USA release isnt until Nov.11 via reddit. meh. I can listen on spotify and youtube at least, but in this digital age this doesnt make sense.
The worst part of the song is the gong at the end. I just did not feel it. I do not think he hit it correctly.
It is rather quiet, but it's also mixed fading from one side to the other. If you were listening with only one earbud, you only heard half of it.
I was trying to joke about the part MP had on the cd.:blush
I can't wait to use the chorus of Crystalised as my ringtone.
I can't wait to use the chorus of Crystalised as my ringtone.
:lol
I can't wait to use the chorus of Crystalised as my ringtone.
I can't wait to use the chorus of Crystalised as my ringtone.
You sir, have won everything.
In terms of his vocal style, that's very much a matter of personal preference. Personally, I love the quality of his voice, and I think it's a huge part of Haken's unique sound.This. As far as I recall, I've enjoyed his vocals from the first time I heard them. I'll get to see how he does live when I go to see them tomorrow night :omg: :coolio :metal
It's a shame that they hardly ever play outside of the UK, and when they do it's usually in a handful of German cities that they seem to visit over and over again.I don't know where you are in the world, but I saw this on their FB page earlier:
I don't know where you are in the world, but I saw this on their FB page earlier:
(https://i.imgur.com/wht3HRJ.jpg)
Have fun! They're a cool live band :)Pfft, noob. :P
And I can know that, because I've seen them 7 times already :lol
Well, I'm sure they still won't come anywhere near me.
Ok folks, help me out here. Will the EP be released on iTunes or do I have to order the CD?Apparently it will, but not until Nov. 11th.
Gettysburg, and I will say, if you've never been, it's a FANTASTIC place to visit, especially if you have any interest in history.I have a large interest in history.
Have fun! They're a cool live band :)Pfft, noob. :P
And I can know that, because I've seen them 7 times already :lol
Have fun! They're a cool live band :)Pfft, noob. :P
And I can know that, because I've seen them 7 times already :lol
I can, indeed, assure this is true.Have fun! They're a cool live band :)Pfft, noob. :P
And I can know that, because I've seen them 7 times already :lol
Pfft. I'M IN THE BAND.