Visions

Haken’s second, and heaviest, outpouring to date has been remastered (Jens Bogren) and re-issued in this 2 disc set housed in triple gate-fold digipak with new 16 page booklet. As with the Aquarius re-issue (Inside Out), there are new informative liner notes and the “all-instrumental” versions of every song on the second disc. Fans of Haken will want to check out this beefed up version for sure, but for those unfamiliar with Haken, Visions is perhaps the best place to start because it was clearly written for partakers of progressive/power metal. Where Aquarius was more quirky/progressive/experimental and highly instrumental, Visions is much more aggressive, dark and metallic. This is not to say that Visions lacks the virtuoso moments but the concepts and sounds flow more easily, with much more of the melodic elements that will later characterize The Mountain and Affinity. Notably, Ross Jennings’ vocals move in a more melodic power vein, with no harsh vocals to be heard. Conceptually and lyrically, Visions also falls into that “dream within a dream” kind of introspective thread so prevalent during the 90’s progressive metal movement – highly imaginative. To me the only negative about all this was that Visions probably sounds more like Dream Theater meets Pain of Salvation and is thus their least original sounding recording to date. But when the execution and the riffs and the melodies are this good does it really matter?Song wise, this one is likely best known for the 22 minute epic title track (grand in its own right for sure) but my favorite elements from this album remain the sequence of “The Mind’s Eye” (brilliantly melodic) and the mind-blowing, proggy instrumental “Portals,” followed immediately by “Shapeshifter,” with its wonderful ebb and flow of melody and dark aggression. On the softer side, “Deathless” is just such an evocative and entrancing lament. This latter song showcases the “other” side of Haken. Overall, I would have to say I prefer the remastering sound on Aquarius – an album which puts forth a much more organic vibe – but all in all this newer version of Visions still sounds fantastic. Of all of the Haken releases so far I still think Aquarius is best suited to an all-instrumental version, but it is still cool to shred out with Visions sans vocals.

I stumbled onto this band from a Apple Music "station" programmed from some other progressive rock artist I was listening to. So, I bought this CD and really really like the band and the album. I'm a huge Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree fan and these guys are right up there or maybe better. There are a few oddities and odd instrument tone selections (like the duck sound?). Off putting at first but once you understand how playful these guys are, it becomes fun. Sort of like Gentle Giant used to be. I play bass guitar and marvel at how locked the bass and drums are given the odd unexpected patterns. Takes me multiple listens to lock in with them. But once you do its really great fun. The opening track previews the main musical themes from the rest of the album and is outstanding. Their releases subsequent to this one are equally as great. I find myself doing my daily 3 mile runs listening to a LOT of Haken. I watched some youtube of these guys playing in the studio and its just amazing how easy they make this complicated music look. Thats how you know a musician is gifted, economy of motion, making it look easy, transcend the instrument. Thats Haken. I only wish they would get Steven Wilson to mix their records in 5.1.

Haken is arguably the best progressive metal band and this is probably their best album, followed by Aquarius and The Mountain.After you listen to music like this, is hard to listen to something else, does not matter how much you like it, you have to stop for a couple a days until you forget a little how good this guys play and then you can go back to your previous best albums...

I'm a Haken fan, have seen them live twice, and have several of their CDs. I did not, however have Visions. If you're a prog fan in general, and certainly if you're a Haken fan, this is a must have album. Bet I played it every day for a week when I got it, and it improved with each listen (despite me loving it from the start).

I came to these guys backwards. I got Affinity, then the Mountain. This album is awesome. Also, just saw them live last week and met the guys. Great band! Amazing talent.

Excellent album, fantastic musicianship. Highly recommended.

Glad they reissued it.

Great band, great album!