Thanks dudes, will definitely check out Vector first then

Album Rating: 5.0

"because they wanted people to be able to easily jump to their favorite parts"

Well why don't they give the choice for people to listen to either or, guess it would be too over complicated, either way I don't know many people who prefer the movement format over the one song format, especially in terms of playlists

"because they wanted people to be able to easily jump to their favorite parts"

HOW YOU DARE TO SPLIT A SONG IN PARTS?, that's offensive as a prog fan. You listen the whole thing, if you like one movement shame on you, but that's how the genre works

Album Rating: 4.0

The 5 part Messiah Complex song is incredible. There isn't much to really say about the album imo, as it really speaks for itself. Absolutely incredible record. Nolly also knocked it out of the park, as per usual with his producing.

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

Meh opener though

"Progressive metal" hard pass

Album Rating: 4.0

Yeah the opener is the weakest song imo, pretty generic prog metal. I am warming up to the other two singles which work in context of the album.



My thoughts after two listens is Virus is about as good as Vector, which has been my second favorite Haken. Virus is about just as heavy but includes more of that killer Mountain vibe that Haken is best at. The two long songs are awesome. Overall very content with Virus but it does not compete with the Mountain.



Have y’all listened to Richard Henshall’s solo album? Like a more experimental, less katchy Haken.

Album Rating: 1.5

kiko loureiro's release is better

Album Rating: 3.0

Kiko's jazz fusion album is the shit

Album Rating: 3.0

- The Mountain : Resurrection

- Affinity : Attractive

- Visions : Competitive

- Virus : Burden





*edit : their vocal in this album wasn't match for me since Visions.



3 Stars a la Dave Meltzer scale was enough. comparing this one with other prog records from summer 2019. this one (for me) put in the 14 out of 15 my prog albums lists medio 2019 - 2020.

Album Rating: 4.0

I think it's also annoying how The Messiah is split up into different parts but oh well.

Album Rating: 3.0 | Sound Off

imagine if Rush had done the same with Cygnus... ridiculous

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

Idk, this didn't hit me at first listen, looking forward to listening again but it feels like they could've given themselves another year or so to really hammer it out. I kinda feel the various callbacks to their other albums bring it down a bit.

Band has run its course ...

You don't dig this?

Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off

I dick this

Album Rating: 3.5

Ivory Tower could've been a great track with a nice atmospheric build up if the vocals wouldn't sound so lifeless. Messiah II has a bit of Puzzle Box and Stranger Things in it, or am i wrong?

Album Rating: 3.0

really underwhelmed by this, which sucks because i thoroughly loved every album leading up to it

Album Rating: 4.0

"really underwhelmed by this, which sucks because i thoroughly loved every album leading up to it"

Most confusing take since literally parts of other albums are on this.

Loved Vector, haven't listened to anything else from Haken. Stoked to hear what's on this album.