Released 10 years ago
Affinity
Haken · 2016
121 min · 17 tracks · progressive metal
Complex rhythms weave through atmospheric soundscapes, blending melodic vocals with intricate instrumental sections in a progressive metal tapestry.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Architect — As the longest track on the album, this piece showcases Haken's ability to blend complex arrangements with emotional storytelling, making it a centerpiece of the record.
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1985 — This track prominently features nostalgic themes paired with intricate instrumentation, effectively balancing lyrical depth with engaging musical dynamics.
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Initiate Start here — Opening the album, this track sets a high-energy tone with its driving rhythms and catchy chorus, establishing the sonic palette of Affinity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Affinity showcases intricate compositions and strong thematic elements, making it a notable entry in progressive metal.
What we noticed
- Melodic vocals are interspersed with intricate instrumental sections, often transitioning seamlessly between heavy riffs and softer passages.
- Several tracks incorporate thematic motifs that recur in different forms, enhancing the narrative cohesion of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with peaks
- thought-provoking lyrical narratives
- immersive two-part listening experience
- wave-like pacing with contrasts
Maybe skip if you
- seeking immediate gratification
- prefer standalone single tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Acclaimed for innovation and thematic depth, marking a high point in their artistic development.
- Themes
- 1980s nostalgia· technological alienation· architectural ambition
- Career context
- Released on April 29, 2016, Affinity is Haken's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed album, The Mountain. At this point in their career, they had established themselves as a prominent force in the progressive metal scene, gaining recognition for their technical prowess and ambitious songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leprous· Between the Buried and Me· Symphony X
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 2 Initiate Start here 4:16
- 3 1985 9:09
- 4 Lapse 4:44
- 5 The Architect 15:40
- 6 Earthrise 4:48
- 7 Red Giant 6:06
- 8 The Endless Knot 5:50
- 9 Bound by Gravity 9:29
Disc 2
- 1 affinity.exe 1:24
- 2 Initiate Start here 4:16
- 3 1985 9:09
- 4 Lapse 4:44
- 5 The Architect 15:40
- 6 Earthrise 4:48
- 7 Red Giant 6:06
- 8 The Endless Knot 5:50
- 9 Bound by Gravity 9:29
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Malina
Leprous
Explores complex rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes, blending emotional vocals with intricate instrumentation.
Colors II
Between the Buried and Me
Shares ambitious songwriting and a progressive approach, merging melodic elements with heavy complexity.
Language
The Contortionist
Combines atmospheric soundscapes with intricate musical sections, echoing themes of alienation and introspection.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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