Haken "In A Fever Dream" (2026)

Returning on an EP, modern Prog Metal titans Haken bestow a gorgeous run of five tracks to compliment one another like a single entity. Toning down technicalities, the band shift to the simpler pleasures, focused on swooning melody and tempered groove. Rocking in at a slower tempo, its pacing never hurries itself, even as Delirium whips up intensity with its rapid hit-hat and mammoth Djent riffs. Jennings vocals soar above the frenzied track, maintaining that cool head bangers half-time nod.

Eclipsed By You explores a gentler yet experimental side. Harmonizing voices gel under tone tweaking electronics techniques that lure us from an acoustic guitar intro, subtlety drifting towards Downtempo adjacent territory. That's as far as they push the envelope, the rest of the music resides within a crooning powerhouse of intense Djent groove and luminous melody. In A Fever Dream's power resides in beautifully crafted sways between intensities. A natural flow from power to colour illustrating its lyrical underpinning, amassing its conclusion as the final moments of Lotus sings its name.

A mightily impressive band, putting out a leaner release that feels as if its ambition was reached. Ending on such a dramatic note, It concludes the questions proposed in tensions heard earlier in the record. As previously mentioned, it's like a single twenty six minute track to be appreciated in one sitting. The opening and closing numbers feel deeply linked, while the three snug between explore their creativities. 

Rating: 6/10

Motionless In White "Decades" (2026)

As part of my passing musical diet these past two weeks, Motionless In White return for another cheesy romp of unoriginal modern Metal. Executed with grinning competency, Decades passes the sniff test as far as entertainment goes. I was unsurprised to hear shades of classic Nu Metal hallmark their songwriting. From the battering frustration of Slipknot to pop sensibilities of Linkin Park, Djent guitars lay aggressive foundations. Industrial Metal has its moments, strong whiffs of BMTH suffocates it crowd pleaser tracks. Other numbers attempt to bridge the Argent Metal motif with trancey electronic tones, even a flash of Dubstep gets some limelight.

Love At First Bite champions the crown of tackiest tune, a Synthwave Goth Horror anthem hinged on its overt lyrical pun. Blood Pact reeks of slowed Tetrarch groove. Afraid Of The Dark rides the classic Metalcore gallop into a ridiculously dull and predictable breakdown. Its reminiscent of the albums opening title track, rocking a classless cry of "Fuck a tombstone" to drop in with more cookie cutter brutality. These may seem like critiques but its all fair game. The band wear their influences bold and proudly, yet lack a sense of uniqueness emerging from styles explored. Their merits lay in an audacity to give anything a try and somehow make it flow fluently.

    A shock to myself, personal highlights were lyrical. "log_in//crash_out" and Playing God with Corey Taylor tackled key concerns of our times. Internet ecosystems of algorithmic influence, worldview shaping and device addiction. Somehow, these cheesy plain face lyrics channeling anger at such digital concepts resonated strongly. When you think about it, some of these terms are quite awkward to sing about poetically. Its tone isn't perfect but I adore the message they put across. The other highlight had to be sunglasses at night. A final song, pivoting to indulge in a full on dose of luminous eighty's Synthwave nostalgia. With soothing nightlight melodies, the singing finds a soothing peak on this one. A standout track to close upon.

All in all, Decades is a fair attempt. Another collection of broad influences converging from across the Metal spectrum with a healthy amount of electronic synths weaving there way in. It lacks sparks of originality, yet serves up a good dose of spirited modern Metal fit for festival stage energy. Decent but far from greatness.

Rating: 6/10