VISIONS

If you ever wondered whether Haken can be best classified as heavy prog or prog metal, chalk this album up as a firm evidence for the latter. This is Haken's most Dream Theater-like release, combining the signature mix of symphonic complexity, metal loudness, high-speed soloing and saccharine pop sensibilities, but with more weirdness thrown in (computer game sounds, Latin beats). Hey, the group credits two guys both for guitar and the keyboards. Even the somewhat whining vocal of Ross Jennings reminds of Dream Theater. Anyway, this a deliciously over-the-top album, culminating in the 20-minute Visions . Sure, the vocal and the narration drag on a bit, but otherwise this song finds Haken firing on all cylinders.