Metal Delirium by Justin Angel Rating : 9/10

Prog metal this year has been absolutely amazing. Release after release has blown me away. I was really beginning to lose faith in the genre. Now, bands are taking the “progressive” aspect to heart and pushing things past the doldrums the genre was stuck in. London’s Haken further emphasize this and add yet another great release with their sophomore full-length, Visions. Visions is a rare album with the unique ability to take the listener on a pleasant faraway journey. The songs are overflowing with depth and character. Each one is like turning the page in an excellent read. Haken craft a blend of jazz, rock, pop, and metal cloaked in a melancholic and alluring atmosphere that whisks the listener away.

Visions opens with the instrumental “Premonitions.” A lot of bands lately just throw some senseless instrumental at the beginning of an album that serves no real purpose. Not so with Haken. “Premonitions” opens the door to this strange and beautiful world you’re about to explore. The music tells the story and paints the picture all on its own. Each band member exhibits exceptional skills with their respective instruments. The top-notch production ensures that every little note and detail is crystal clear. Every bass line, guitar riff, keyboard arrangement, and drum beat really stands out.

Next comes one of my favorites, “Nocturnal Conspiracy.” It’s a giant palette of jazz mixed with heavy guitar riffs. The haunting vocals of Russ Jennings add to the eerie vibe of the song. I can’t help but love the ultra jazzy “Insomnia.” The funky bass lines and grooves make this song super infectious. There’s a video game sounding keyboard arrangement that occurs right before Richard Henshall and Charlie Griffiths let loose on their guitars. The musicianship on Visions is all around impressive. Everything is tight and spot on.

There isn’t one song on Visions that isn’t fantastic. The compelling music pulls you into each one without hesitation. The aptly titled instrumental “Portals” is a journey in itself. It feels like the window into another dimension. There is so much going on it’s hard not to get pulled through it. Closing out the album is the massive title track, “Visions,” which clocks in right at the twenty-three minute mark. Some tracks of this magnitude are a test of listener’s patience. This one is a treat. Every single second is engrossing. Haken pull all the stops creating a truly epic composition. All of the amazing qualities they possess are delivered full force hammering the final nail of this album into your mind.

This gracious offering from Haken delivers eight deep, captivating tracks that refuse to be just “background noise.” There is so much to take in you’ll have your full attention on it. I can listen to this album over and over without getting even slightly bored. It may take a listen or two for it to grow on you, but once it does it’s unstoppable. Visions is exciting from start to finish, and is not an album to be missed.