English progressive metal outfit Haken's second album is a huge and dramatic effort, packed with 71 minutes of well-done atmospheric and melodic metal. The opener, the piano-and-strings-laden instrumental "Premonition", brings a sense of fantasy to the table before erupting into a complex metal behemoth with weird jazz and pop juxtapositions. It's a promising and beguiling opening. "Nocturnal Conspiracy" follows, and showcases vocalist Russ Jennings' rich vocals alongside a strong sonic palette that incorporates, again, classic metal with complex arrangements and an almost jazzy sense of jam and space. The remaining tracks follow in this pattern, taking the listener on a surreal and theatrical journey. With high production values and top-tier musicianship, Haken's "Visions" are clear and engrossing. Fine work. (Sensory/The Laser's Edge)
Haken website
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