Following the creative triumph of Fauna and the significant line-up changes that followed, In A Fever Dream arrives at a fascinating crossroads in Haken’s career. The British progressive metal innovators embrace reinvention, delivering a concise but immensely rewarding five-track EP that feels both adventurous and unmistakably Haken. It is a statement of intent as much as it is a collection of songs: proof that one of progressive music’s most forward-thinking bands remains determined to evolve rather than rest on its considerable reputation.
With Ross Jennings on vocals, Richard Henshall on guitars, Pete Jones on keyboards and Ray Hearne on drums, the quartet are joined by guest bassists Adam “Nolly” Getgood and Bryan Beller across the EP. The streamlined line-up naturally changes the band’s dynamic, but it also creates opportunities for a leaner, more direct approach to songwriting without sacrificing the sophistication that has become Haken’s hallmark. The addition of producer George Lever also lends the record a fresh sonic identity, giving the band a heavier, more modern production while preserving the melodic depth that longtime fans expect.
The title track, “In A Fever Dream,” immediately establishes the EP’s ambition. Opening with an eerie, atmospheric calm before gradually unfolding into a soaring progressive epic, it captures virtually every facet of Haken’s identity within seven exhilarating minutes. Jennings delivers one of his most emotionally compelling vocal performances in recent memory, while Henshall’s layered guitar work and Hearne’s astonishing rhythmic precision remind listeners why they remain among progressive metal’s elite musicians. The song’s patient build and explosive finale make it not only the centrepiece of the EP but one of the strongest compositions the band has released in years.
If the opener showcases Haken’s cinematic instincts, “Delirium” demonstrates their willingness to embrace contemporary influences. Built around muscular grooves, shimmering electronic textures and infectious vocal hooks, the track finds the band flirting with modern progressive metal while maintaining their unmistakable melodic sensibility. The chorus is instantly memorable, yet repeated listens reveal increasingly intricate keyboard flourishes and subtle rhythmic shifts. It’s a perfect example of accessible songwriting enriched by the band’s trademark technical brilliance.
Among the EP’s biggest surprises is “Eclipsed By You.” At just over three minutes, it is refreshingly concise, proving that Haken no longer feel compelled to stretch every idea into an extended suite. Despite its brevity, the song packs remarkable emotional weight, balancing delicate melodies with angular rhythms that leave a lasting impression. It acts as the EP’s emotional pivot, offering a welcome moment of introspection before the heavier closing stretch.
Released ahead of the EP, “Bleeding Sky” already hinted that Haken were entering new territory, but within the context of the full record it feels even stronger. Its crushing riffs, expansive chorus and dynamic pacing create one of the band’s most immediately satisfying songs.
The closing track, “Lotus,” provides the perfect conclusion. Rich in atmosphere and melodic development, it gradually blossoms into a sweeping finale that recalls the emotional payoffs of classic Haken epics without merely repeating old formulas. The interplay between Jones’ keyboards and Henshall’s guitar lines is particularly inspired, while Hearne delivers another masterclass in inventive yet tasteful drumming.
Perhaps the greatest achievement of In A Fever Dream is how confidently it embraces transition. Many bands struggle after significant personnel changes, often attempting to imitate former glories or overcompensating with radical experimentation. Haken avoid both pitfalls. Instead, they acknowledge their changing circumstances while continuing their long-standing philosophy of constant evolution.
This EP may not possess the sprawling conceptual scale of The Mountain, Affinity or Fauna, but that is entirely beside the point. Its strength lies in focus. Every song serves a purpose, every performance is exceptional, and the sequencing creates a remarkably cohesive listening experience that rewards repeated plays.
Donnie’s Rating: 9/10
