Consisting of four epic length tracks, “Breathing Space” showcases Hackberry inventively infusing their sophomore album with a dense patina of heavy prog movement. This virtuosic instrumental quintet created mammoth of a record that nimbly integrates heavier elements with intricate classic prog. “Breathing Space” may have been even better served by a bit more thematic unity and compositional structure, but the album remains a thrilling and pulse-racing heavy prog cosmic sojourn.
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“The Approbation” is a stellar debut for AVKRVST, who have delivered a powerful opening album statement for progressive music fans to stand up and take notice. Delving deep into dark and moribund subject matter with strong progressive rock and metal elements, AVRKVST don’t dilute the emotional impact of their themes in an impenetrable shroud of doom; their compelling musical content renders them more immediate, accessible, and impressive.
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“Fauna” is Haken’s best work since Affinity, perhaps even since The Mountain. Evoking the animal kingdom as thematic ruminations on the human condition, the band has crafted an engaging series of musically-rich tableaux, with content often both puzzling and precipitating, but always entirely compelling. “Fauna” is a fantastic record that bridges many of the band’s eras whilst forging ahead along their unique evolutionary trajectory.
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