HAKEN
Who says sequels are never as good as the originals? The UK prog kings pick up from where 2018’s Vector left off - and serve up a modern masterpiece in the process.
Words: Philip Wilding Illustration: Mark Leary
It was mathematician ET Bell who said that time makes fools of us all, though history will surely judge Haken’s appositely titled sixth album as being so on the money it’s uncanny. Virus was written on their last tour and will no doubt be best enjoyed in lockdown. And while Prog doesn’t wish seclusion on anyone, it’s probably best you digest the latest Haken album while consumed by concentration; there’s a lot to take in.
Never backwards in coming forwards creatively, Haken have changed lanes almost at will before coming to fruition with 2013’s dizzying The Mountain. That they chose to follow that with the playful electronica on the 80s tinged Affinity album three years later says as much about their self-confidence as it does their desire not to be boxed in.