I have little to no knowledge what's going on in the progressive metal scene at the moment, but I do know this, I enjoy what Haken have to offer. It's prog, so you know what to expect ..
”Atlas stone” features jaw-dropping melodies and great guitarsoli, everything just sort of flows here. Together with the Porcupine Tree-like “Somebody” , “Cockroach king” might be my favorite song on here, with its charging tempo and headstrong, soulful acapella vocal performance, not to mention some of the more complex jazzy guitar work on display. This album is powerful, moving, very melodic. It contains influences and elements of early days of prog and also new and modern elements.The line that is walked on this disc is razor fine and yet is walked with such amazing precision that it will make your jaw drop. The very good singer is backed by a band that is playing layered, complex music that is somewhere between Dream Theater, Gentle Giant, Pain Of Salvation, Spock’s Beard and IQ without being a carbon copy of either. The songs are delicately put together to emphasize the whole band and not just one member of it..These songs fit together to carry a larger sound forward in long, sweeping strides. The care that was taken in writing the songs stands out from every angle.The songs are challenging and the overall presentation is worthy of serious consideration by music fans everywhere. At the end of the day this is yet another very creative outing by Haken and fans of the band will have no choice but to add this album to their collection.