Lifeforms is the second live album by the English prog metal band Haken, the British sextet that I would rank among the elite of the prog metal scene; as they released brilliant albums like Vector (2018, see review) and Virus (2020, see review). However, Haken's seventh studio album called Fauna was definitely NOT my favourite Haken album, so when I saw the setlist, which included the complete Fauna album, of this live performance, mostly recorded and filmed at the O2 Forum in London, I was not really "happy" or "curious" about this live album. But luckily there really is enough to enjoy here, as the complete setlist contains twenty-one tracks, so rather mediocre Haken songs like Nightingale and the "worst" Haken track ever Alphabet Of Me (with a trumpet solo) can be skipped. Then you can enjoy Haken classics like the complex Primus-like Puzzle Box (Vector), the formidable live staple Cockroach King (The Mountain), the complex, heavy instrumental Nill By Mouth (Vector) and the two killer epics, being Crystallised and Visions. Those two epic prog metal gems are almost unbelievable musical rollercoasters, featuring great melodies and instrumental highlights galore and proving once again that Haken is truly one of the best prog metal bands of this century. The sound of this evening with Haken is impressive and the band plays tight as ever, with standout performances of singer Ross Jennings and the two guitar players, Richard Henshall and Charlie Griffiths. If you "exclude" the two mediocre Haken songs I mentioned earlier, then this is a perfect live performance for sure; so, play it LOUD and enjoy. Listening tip: Cockroach King!! Available as a Ltd. 3CD+Blu-ray Digipak in Slipcase and Ltd. Gatefold transp. orange 2LP! ****+ Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
