What does Aquarius sound like?

A complex tapestry of intricate melodies and heavy rhythms, merging progressive metal with rich thematic storytelling. Rooted in progressive metal and progressive rock. Start with "The Point of No Return".

Is Aquarius a good place to start with Haken?

Yes, Aquarius is recommended as a starting point for new Haken listeners. A complex tapestry of intricate melodies and heavy rhythms, merging progressive metal with rich thematic storytelling. Aquarius is Haken's debut album, released in 2010 after the band formed in 2007. This album positioned them firmly within the progressive metal scene, showcasing their technical prowess and ambitious songwriting right from their inception.

Aquarius works well if you're into long immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Aquarius?

Aquarius has 7 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Aquarius

Haken · 2010

72 min · 7 tracks · progressive metal

A complex tapestry of intricate melodies and heavy rhythms, merging progressive metal with rich thematic storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Point of No Return Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album, featuring dynamic shifts that showcase the band's technical skill and thematic depth. Its intricate structure draws listeners into Haken's world right away.
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Aquarium — With its lush instrumentation and evocative atmosphere, this track encapsulates the album's aquatic themes while highlighting the band’s ability to merge melody with complexity.
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Celestial Elixir — As the longest track on the album, it serves as a grand culmination of musical ideas and themes, reflecting both Haken's ambition and their mastery of progressive arrangements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Haken's debut showcases intricate compositions and a strong narrative, establishing their presence in progressive metal.

What we noticed

The album features seven tracks, with the first three maintaining a consistent tempo before shifting to more varied rhythms in the latter half.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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

long immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
layered dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debut album that established Haken's reputation in progressive metal.
Themes: aquatic imagery· mythological narratives
Career context: Aquarius is Haken's debut album, released in 2010 after the band formed in 2007. This album positioned them firmly within the progressive metal scene, showcasing their technical prowess and ambitious songwriting right from their inception.
Stylistic neighbors: Leprous· Between the Buried and Me· Symphony X