Aquarius (Haken album)
| Aquarius | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 29 March 2010 | |||
| Recorded | 2009-2010 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 72:44 | |||
| Label | Sensory | |||
| Producer |
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| Haken chronology | ||||
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Aquarius is the debut studio album by the progressive metal band Haken. Despite the band having released two previous demos, none of the multiple songs already recorded were re-released on this album. A 22 minute medley of the whole album, except for the song "Sun", was included in their live album L-1VE.[1]
Aquarius was largely written on the piano by guitarist/keyboardist Richard Henshall and then developed with inputs by the rest of the band.[2] Its tracks are generally longer, with the shortest track being just under 7 minutes and the longest being nearly 17.[3] It is a concept album about a mermaid, discovered by a fisherman and sold to a circus, whose blood is the only thing capable of saving the human race from a flood resulting from global warming issues. She ultimately dies for mankind's sake.[2]
The album artwork was created by Dennis Sibeijn,[4] who has also worked with 3, Job for a Cowboy, and See You Next Tuesday, among others.
Reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |    [5] |
| Classic Rock Magazine | positive[6] |
The reception of this album was generally positive.
Eduardo Rivadavia of AllMusic praised it as the strongest prog album yet to come out in the 2010s.[5] Classic Rock Magazine featured the song "Eternal Rain" as a free track of the day on 15 April 2010. The small review given was positive, calling it "interesting music from a young London band who combine jazz, metal and prog, delivered with excellent musicianship."[6]
Track listing
All lyrics are written by Ross Jennings[7][8][9]; all music is composed by Richard Henshall
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Point of No Return" | 11:26 |
| 2. | "Streams"
| 10:14 |
| 3. | "Aquarium" | 10:39 |
| 4. | "Eternal Rain" | 6:42 |
| 5. | "Drowning in the Flood" | 9:28 |
| 6. | "Sun" | 7:19 |
| 7. | "Celestial Elixir" | 16:56 |
| Total length: | 72:44 | |
Personnel
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References
- ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/l1ve-mw0003171647
- ^ a b Serafine, Frank (September 23, 2011). "Haken Explains Story Behind "Visions," Favorite Bands, And Musical Training". metalunderground.com. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
- ^ AllMusic guide page for Aquarius with track listing. Retrieved 2010-08-18
- ^ AllMusic guide Aquarius page with artist credit. Retrieved 2010-08-18.
- ^ a b Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Aquarius". AllMusic. Retrieved 2010-08-19.
- ^ a b Dome, M. "Track of the Day: Haken". Classic Rock Magazine. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
- ^ AllMusic guide Aquarius page with musicians credit. Retrieved 2010-08-18.
- ^ AllMusic guide Haken biography and member listing Retrieved 2010-08-18.
- ^ AllMusic guide Aquarius listing, with track list. Retrieved 2010-08-18.