Review by Adam M on May 10, 2016.

Haken has been producing quality progressive metal albums for some time now and there is no exception with Affinity. It has a more modern and pristine sound than previous albums. However, the progressive framework that was present on The Mountain is still largely there, although it is now more refined.

Much like the recent Anubis Gate material, it seems Haken is trying to push towards a more poppy and more accessible sound. Fear not, there are still a lot of progressive elements to be found on the disc. They are more streamlined now than ever before, however. The music still has a great shout to the progressive acts of the yesterday like Yes, but now can be found more nods to the likes of Dream Theater as well. The conglomeration works well enough for Haken, as Affinity is indeed a splendid piece of music. There are synths used a great deal and they add character to the songs. The songs are still filled with enough nuances and outstanding guitar riffs to be distinctly Haken in nature, despite the movement towards accessibility. I like the music here, but am somewhat hesitant to see what the band produces in the future. Even the lighter moments, like those found in the beginning of the closing track Bound by Gravity, have enough spice to attract the listener. In fact, this combined with The Endless Knot form an excellent closing portion to the disc. Similarly, the early tracks on the album stick out enough to make the beginning moments something interesting.

Taken all together, the album is consistent and enjoyable enough to make its mark. Still, the fact that this is one of the better albums of the year so far doesn’t bode well for the year overall. There simply have been a lot of very good releases so far this year and not enough great ones, like this. Affinity is memorable, thoughtful and fun in equal measures.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review by Adam M on July 25, 2016.

Black Crown Initiate brings a lot aggression and melody to the mix again on their new platter, Selves We Cannot Forgive. There is also an undeniable progressive touch that makes these songs forward thinking in the Tool manner as well.

The overall some of the parts is an interesting mix of influences that makes their new work rise over the mostly melodic material from last time around. The passages are riff filled excursions that are both heavy and intelligent in equal measure. The melodic death metal portion of the band similar to Dark Tranquility is still present and the music is likewise fairly easy to get into. However, the thoughtfulness is what makes this new album worthwhile. Passages get distorted into something more elevated and work the mind quite well. The variety found on the album is thus sufficient and put to excellent use to create something that is constantly changing and enthralling around every corner. From the quiet sounds of the title track to the intelligent approach of Matriarch, there is something that is worthwhile around at most moments on this listen. The vocals again alternate between gruff death metal types that take up most of the listening time and thrilling clean vocals that fit into the band’s vision of variation. The guitar sounds tech, but is really smooth as well. The overall sound of the band is witty, yet harmonious in nature. The bleak moments are appropriately dark and well done to the utmost extent, however. The moments that are more melodic complement these moments in the best of fashions as well. This is demonstrated nicely in the track Again which features a variety of different styles present. This song is one of many moments that features the constantly changing stylistic choices.

The consistent pushing forward of the progressive side of things is what makes this a distinctive new album that separates itself from the past. Selves We Cannot Forgive is overall a solid album that could be slightly improved with more cohesion of ideas.

Rating: 8 out of 10