THE MOUNTAIN

Haken

Heavy Prog

4.21 | 1315 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Considered by many as the pinnacle of Haken's craftmanship, third album continues on the steeping curve of improved performance and composition - and reaching the top of the "mountain".

The first mellow track prepares the listener for more challenging music. Vocal harmonies stand out here. "Atlas stone" unveils the world of Haken in the full parade. You can hear complex vocal jazz-influenced vocals. While there is a great instrumental interplay, vocal performance overshadows them.

If you liked jazzy vocals before, now it is time to change to the "Gentle Giant" complexity and the live favourite - "Cockroach King". Noteworthy is the heavy guitar/drum section in the second half of the track, "In memoriam" is an inspirational track - even though I never listed to the lyrics, I feel it not only provides motivation but also prompts for action. Vocals are in a more traditional Haken way. A-Capella vocals are on display in a laid-back "Because it's there". "Falling back to Earth" is one of the best collective efforts on this album oscillating between very heavy metal sound, progressive rock and soft-rock styles. Mournful "As death embraces" piano and vocal driven short piece brings a wave of melancholy. Oriental influences baked in an attractive manner with chorus vocals are offered in "Pareidolia". The last two songs are reflective again and evolve around the vocal.

While this album is a collaborative effort of all musicians, the compositions and the vocals are the winner over complex instrumental parts. Ross Jennings has risen to be one of the finest young vocalists in contemporary progressive rock. Much recommended.

sgtpepper | 5/5 | 2019-3-8

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