| Virus | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Haken |
| Cover: | File:HAKEN_-_Virus_Album_Cover.png |
| Alt: | Yellow square with the "HAKEN" and "Virus" written near the top and a silhouette of a Bacteriophage in the center. |
| Studio: | The Crypt (London) |
| Genre: | Progressive metal, progressive rock, djent |
| Length: | 51:54 (International release) 55:59 (Japanese release) |
| Label: | Inside Out Music |
| Prev Title: | L+1VE |
| Prev Year: | 2018 |
| Next Title: | Fauna |
| Next Year: | 2023 |
Virus is the sixth studio album by English progressive metal band Haken. It was released on 24 July 2020 (postponed three times, first from 5 June 2020, then from 19 June 2020 and finally from 10 July 2020) through Inside Out Music.[1] [2] [3] According to the band's singer, Ross Jennings, the album is loosely connected to their 2018 release Vector.[4] As well as the latter, Virus was mixed by ex-Periphery bassist Adam "Nolly" Getgood and the artwork was created by long-time collaborators Blacklake.[5] It is the last album featuring keyboardist Diego Tejeida, who left the band the following year.
The first single, "Prosthetic" was released on 3 April 2020, along with a music video.[6]
Haken had been secretly writing the music for Virus and all the initial ideas were created back when they were writing Vector at the end of 2017. The album title generated surprise as it was announced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Jennings said it was just coincidental.[4] The singer also remarked that "whilst Virus can absolutely be enjoyed as a stand-alone work, it is thematically and conceptually linked with Vector.The band comments:[5]
Drummer Ray Hearne adds:
Guitarist Richard Henshall about the production:
The themes present in the album are institutional abuse,[7] physical and mentally abusive relationships, anxiety, depression and suicidal tendencies.[8] [9]
The album has received generally positive reviews from music critics.[10] [11] According to critic Thom Jurek it successfully challenges tropes from progressive metal, and lauds the harmonic and rhythmic complexities of the tracks.[10]
Multiple critics also note the musical similarities between the album and the works of bands like Meshuggah and Dream Theater.[10] [11]
Haken
Additional personnel
Production and design
| Chart (2020) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| French Albums (SNEP)[12] | 142 |
| Italian Albums (FIMI)[13] | 63 |
| Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE)[14] | 99 |