Haken v. new single Nightingale (April 26)

[me7]

Yes, more talk about the album please.

How does it compare to previous Haken albums stylistically? Song or album focused, songs that are comparable to previous material, repeated themes, possible Leprous influence...

[Heretic]

I'm pretty surprised at the reactions to the lack of those a capella sections. I mean, they've only done two in their entire history. It's not remotely, in any way, a core part of Haken's sound.

Furthermore, there's a whole bunch of new styles and ideas on this album. In the same way that they introduced things like the a capella and others on the Mountain (and broadly stuck with that style on Restoration), they're continuing to introduce more new things as well.

They've done a capella more than twice I believe (Because It's There, Cockroach King, Crystallised) but even if there aren't those parts as long as there are parts with multiple layers of singing and harmonies I'll be fine, haha. I'm very excited.

[erwinrafael]

OK, you sold me.

Just to reiterate my disclaimer that I've no idea whether you'll dig these or not. Only that, assuming you don't dislike all harsh vocals in general, those in The Architect are very different to those on Aquarius and so opinions of the former may well be very different to opinions of the latter.

Yeah, I am ok with harsh vocals as long as they make sense in the structure of the song. 

[countoftuscany42]

does anyone know if there will be a US preorder for the album? I'm willing to pay for the vinyl to be imported, just want to know before I order if there will be a cheaper option.

[erwinrafael]

Haken still not doing HD Tracks?

[Nick]

FWIW, I got the promo today, and here are some notes:

US formats:
2CD digipak (incl. bonus disc – instrumental version of Affinity)
CD jewel case
digital download
deluxe digital download
180-gram double vinyl (gatefold sleeve, ltd. 500, exclusive orange wax for North America)

[m0hawk]

Hey guys, help me like Crystallised more.

It is the one song I simply can't get into no matter how much I try. The song has a FANTASTIC intro, fun verses, and a soaring chorus. Then, from 4:26 - 15:53 I lose all interest. I despise the vocal melody in that "Passages of time" verse (what the hell were they thinking there??) and the instrumental section does not hold me at all. I do appreciate those happy little acoustic guitar riffs sprinkled in there, though. Sometimes I feel Haken should just stop with those wacky instrumental sections completely and stick to melodic, beautiful instrumentals (e.g. those moments in Celestial Elixir, Drowning In The Flood, Falling Back To Earth, and the coda in Visions). Coming back to Crystallised, the ending is pretty good, and a nice way to finish off the song. It's just those 11 minutes in between the first and last sections that put me to sleep.

But ehh. One failed experiment in 3.5 albums worth of magic I can forgive 

[Dr. DTVT]

But ehh. One failed experiment in 4.5 albums worth of magic I can forgive 

I fixed that for you if that's how you feel about Crystallized.

I just finished my third spin of the new album.  It's really good, and I'm understating that.  Review coming in a week or so probably.

[Zydar]

It is the one song I simply can't get into no matter how much I try.

This is me with the song Visions. It still hasn't "clicked" for me.

[ariich]

My review of Affinity for LadyObscure is pubished!

https://ladyobscure.com/albums/haken-affinity/

For those who were asking for more of my detailed thoughts, here they are! Happy to answer any other questions though.

The review is pretty detailed (the most in-depth review I've written) as it includes a track-by-track for the second half. Anyone who wants to avoid spoilers (of the musical kind, I haven't really talked about the lyrics) is best off not reading that part!

[Train of Naught]

Awesome review  I'm a sucker for detailed thoughts cause I can't wait much longer, you delivered.

[home]

My review of Affinity for LadyObscure is pubished!

https://ladyobscure.com/albums/haken-affinity/

For those who were asking for more of my detailed thoughts, here they are! Happy to answer any other questions though.

The review is pretty detailed (the most in-depth review I've written) as it includes a track-by-track for the second half. Anyone who wants to avoid spoilers (of the musical kind, I haven't really talked about the lyrics) is best off not reading that part!

Thats a very nice review thanks! Really hyped now

[me7]

Great review. Sounds like 1985 will be the Cockroach King of this album.

[ariich]

Great review. Sounds like 1985 will be the Cockroach King of this album.

It's not nearly as quirky as CK, but it's definitely got the biggest sense of fun on the album.

[Zydar]

Great review! Can't wait for this album.

[Nekov]

I knew I shouldn't read that review Dammit! Now I'm super hyped about the album...


Great work Rich

[mikeyd23]

Great review man! Looking forward to this album for sure.

[Nick]

New review!

https://wpapu.com/review-haken-affinity/

And yes, I'm aware I hit on many of the same pointd as Rich. That tallywhacker had a head start on me!

[Train of Naught]

New review!

https://wpapu.com/review-haken-affinity/

And yes, I'm aware I hit on many of the same pointd as Rich. That tallywhacker had a head start on me!

No problem. Going to give this a read regardless, you both seem very positive about it, this is promising!

On another note, this update on Haken's FB just got posted yesterday: https://www.facebook.com/HakenOfficial/videos/10154066030069744/?video_source=pages_finch_main_video
Thinking we get a new song Friday, not going to bet on it, but it sure looks like it.

[Nick]

I got my Haken pre-release AffiniTee in today! Anyone grab that?

[Nel_Annette]

I got my Haken pre-release AffiniTee in today! Anyone grab that?

Mine showed up today too! 

[wizard of Thought]

I purchased the shirt, but it didn`t arrive (yet), but at least the tracking function tells me that the shirt is at least already in my country, so it probably only takes a few days from now on.

[mike099]

New review!

https://wpapu.com/review-haken-affinity/

And yes, I'm aware I hit on many of the same pointd as Rich. That tallywhacker had a head start on me!

.  I have not heard the tally whacker reference since the Porkys 2 movie back in the 80's.

[Nick]

Just confirmed an interview with Diego on Friday, will likely have it up on Saturday.

[ariich]

Nice!

Great review too, even if it did mostly just copy mine.

[BlackInk]

So no one's talking about the new track? It's been up on Spotify since this morning. I'll post my thoughts when I get home tonight.

[Zydar]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7pEXGCtnnk

[Elite]

Well, that's a bit disappointing to be honest. More of the same, really.
Not that it's bad, but it's not all that interesting to me at first listen.

[ariich]

As I said in my review, that song is the most standard Haken song. By quite a long way in fact.

Brilliant vid though!

[King Postwhore]

Nice video!  A standard song like that is a good way to pull newcomers in.  I like it.

[Elite]

Okay good, I'm still looking forward to the album, because your review made it sound very promising indeed

[home]

It's got a nice mix of atmospheric and heavy parts I think Not too special, but it's a nice single!

[Train of Naught]

Yeah I saw it this morning, I really liked it. Has the great atmospheric aspects from The Mountain and the sorta straightforward proggy stuff, spot on with the review on this track ariich  if that's any indication of how well you described the tracks in your review, this album should be very solid.

[jammindude]

I just heard it and was a bit underwhelmed by it.    I love the break down part.    I still have high hopes based on several reviews.   But this song is just decent....not mind blowing.

I'm still excited though because....NEW HAKEN!!!!   

[Zydar]

I only gave it a brief listen through my crappy PC speakers here at work, I'll give it a proper listen tonight at home.