by Steve Joyce
Formed in 2007, Haken from England has emerged as a cherished representative of exceptional progressive metal. Taking the legacy of Dream Theater and continuously achieving success across their seven studio albums, Haken has crafted some of the most thrilling music within the genre. With innovative soundscapes, extraordinary musicianship, smart arrangements, and a melodic sense that’s rare, Haken remains an unstoppable force, with each album being highly awaited and passionately embraced by their expanding legion of devoted fans.
With their second official live album, “Liveforms,” Haken continues to solidify their “legendary” status. The album was recorded at the O2 Forum in London on September 21, 2024, during the tour for their seventh album, “Fauna,” released in 2023. Spanning nearly three hours, it features tracks from all seven studio albums (alongside the Restoration EP), leaning towards newer works. The performance is divided into two sets, with “Fauna” showcased in its entirety during the first set, while Set Two brings forth some of the band’s most celebrated older tracks.
The CD edition of “Liveforms,” spread across three discs, slightly alters the order of the setlist, moving the closing tracks “Crystallised” and “Visions” to the third disc. In the live show, “Crystallised” wrapped up Set One. The Blu-Ray version includes the entire concert along with a 28-minute interview. Set One (Fauna) is also available as a double vinyl edition.
While there is no doubt that the tracklist is impressive, it leans somewhat light on Haken’s perhaps most acclaimed album, “The Mountain,” featuring only one song (the brilliant “Cockroach King”). This can be understood, considering that “The Mountain” was extensively highlighted in their earlier live album, the essential “L-1VE” from 2017.
The performances stay true to the studio versions, which I believe is a significant advantage. It’s always frustrating to witness a favorite song performed live where a treasured drum fill or guitar riff is omitted, making air-drumming or air-guitaring fans appear silly. It’s even worse when the arrangement strays from the original – and don’t get me started on medleys! Haken smartly steers clear of these traps and delivers with accuracy, enthusiasm, and style.
Haken features exceptionally talented musicians, all in phenomenal form. Ross Jennings ranks among the finest vocalists in contemporary music, showcasing a versatile, flawless, and triumphant performance. His song introductions are brief and used sparingly, allowing for more exquisite music during the show. Returning keyboardist Peter Jones adds depth and flair to the sound, complementing Richard Henshall’s refined synth contributions. Drummer Ray Hearne (who received the loudest cheers of the night) displays mastery in percussive intensity and creativity, while also offering moments of grace and subtlety. Bassist Conner Green forms a robust rhythm section partner with a playing style filled with groove, elegance, and texture. Guitarists Henshall and Charlie Griffiths frequently astonish listeners with crushing riffs and jaw-dropping solos that, while extravagant, remain musical and not excessive.
Listening to “Liveforms” leaves one in awe of the showcased talent. Composing such music is remarkable enough, but possessing the technique to perform it, along with the mental stamina and capacity to memorize and execute it live so impeccably, is truly astonishing. Aspiring musicians who hear this album might either feel inspired to practice more earnestly to reach such heights, or they might succumb to frustration, declaring, “we’re not worthy!”
Among the numerous highlights, in Set One, “Elephants Never Forget” and particularly “Sempiternal Beings” from Fauna deliver levels of excitement that soar high – both tracks are destined to become classics in Haken’s repertoire. The eighteen-minute epic “Crystallised” closes the set with some exhilarating music. Previously not a personal favorite, the live rendition was so captivating that it led me to reevaluate the song, especially the breathtaking conclusion – though I did wish for the gong at the end!
Set Two is simply a series of standout tracks. Hearne’s rapid snare rolls astound in “Puzzle Box,” while the aforementioned “Cockroach King” shines with Jennings at his best, and THOSE bass/guitar riffs in “1985” deliver the heaviest moments of the entire concert. However, the finale is the stunning eighteen-minute encore “Visions,” an epic full of varied moods and a soaring chorus, complete with an emotionally charged guitar solo that invokes chills and goosebumps in abundance.
The only minor lull in excitement comes from “Strainwreck,” a four-minute drums/synth interlude in Set Two that bridges “The Strain” and “Canary Yellow” (two standout tracks from the “Virus” album). As a reviewer, I feel entitled to nitpick and would also suggest that swapping “Drowning in the Flood” from Haken’s debut album “Aquarius” with “Celestial Elixir” from the same album would have made an already fantastic setlist absolutely perfect—though it would have added to the band’s already considerable workload!
The enthusiastic audience contributes to the genuine concert atmosphere, enhancing the album without being intrusive or hindering the clarity of the band’s performances. In fact, during songs like “Visions,” audience participation adds to the joyous atmosphere and engages the listener. The sound quality and mixing (by Jens Bogren) rank among the best I’ve experienced in any live album.
Overall, “Liveforms” conveys a profound sense of musical fulfillment primarily because of Haken’s melodic mastery. Memorable tunes are unbeatable, and this album is filled with songs brimming with them! Coupled with immaculate performances, exceptional sound quality, and a band clearly enjoying themselves as much as their audience, the entire experience is deeply moving. Simply put: Haken’s music resonates emotionally.
There are three primary reasons for a band to release a live album. To provide a fantastic record of an uplifting performance for those present, now available for all to appreciate – and to evoke envy in the fortunate audience! To document a significant time in the band’s journey, showcasing their recent music and paving the way for a new chapter. And to introduce the band to curious newcomers, curating some of the most celebrated tracks from their catalog, invigorated far more than a bland ‘greatest hits’ collection.
“Liveforms” delivers convincingly on all three counts. It’s an outstanding concert album that leaves this reviewer wistfully thinking: “Oh, to have been part of that!”
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Released on May 9th, 2025, via InsideOutMusic
Order here: https://haken.lnk.to/Liveforms-Album
Full Setlist:
Set 1:
The Last Lullaby 02:12
Taurus 04:43
Nightingale 07:27
The Alphabet Of Me 05:42
Sempiternal Beings 08:27
Beneath The White Rainbow 06:51
Island In The Clouds 05:52
Lovebite 04:00
Elephants Never Forget 11:07
Eyes of Ebony 08:37
Crystallised 18:26
Set 2:
Puzzle Box 08:32
Earthrise 04:50
Cockroach King 08:27
Nil By Mouth 06:49
1985 09:21
The Strain 05:29
Strainwreck 04:03
Canary Yellow 04:24
Drowning In the Flood 10:00
Visions 18:28
Personnel:
Ross Jennings – lead vocals
Richard Henshall – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
Charlie Griffiths – guitars, backing vocals
Connor Green – bass guitar, backing vocals
Raymond Hearne – drums, backing vocals
Mixed by Jens Bogren
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- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
