Being unfamiliar with a band when seeing them live has become a preference over the 30 years I’ve been going to live performances. Favorite bands continue to surprise and dominate, and even sometimes disappoint, but going in blind to a show offers a special experience that cannot be rivaled. Moreover, not being particularly familiar with prog metal shows, I wasn’t entirely sure what the experience would be like as I set out to see Haken, the six-piece outfit Haken from the United Kingdom. Similarly, Arch Echo, the only other act on the bill, was a mystery to me as well.
As I waited outside for my credentials, I watched the line form outside of the Neptune Theater in Seattle, Washington. My experiences there were largely for a variety of other metal genres, and I had seen Black Dahlia Murder, Terror, Frozen Soul, Fuming Mouth, and Phobophilic only nine days prior, so the fans waiting in line appeared immediately and notably different. Many of the initial fans were there for a VIP meet and greet, and many also wore the signature Hawaiian-style shirt that bore the jungle pattern and monkey head that would also be the backdrop for Haken’s set. As the line grew, a more reserved and older crowd initially presented itself, but soon a mixture of younger fans developed as well. At this point, many of the fans seemed to be fans of Haken, though a few Arch Echo shirts were present.
What caught my eye as I entered the venue’s concert area was the array of seats that had been added to the venue. I had never seen a concert at the Neptune that was entirely seated, and a few of the fans mentioned that this was the only 100% seated show of the tour. Normally there is plenty of standing room on both sections of the first floor, but I received no certain explanation from anyone. There was also no other press present, nor was there any photo pit area. A curious setting with unfamiliar faces and musicians unknown to me, I began talking with venue staff so they were aware of how I’d be moving through the venue.
Arch Echo came out and appeared to be a younger group and was comprised of five members from the Eastern half of the United States. A simple stage set up with two banners and some lightboxes for the guitarists and bassist to stand on, the members took their positions in front of the boxes, or behind the drum set and keyboard. The crowd, who was only speaking at a moderate volume to begin with, became entirely silent as the band started. What followed was an instrumental set that included very little dialogue in between songs and a lighthearted, almost whimsical set of progressive metal with tinges of djent (only one song was “heavy”), and a moderate amount of showmanship as the guitarists (predominantly) would take turns on the lightboxes and would offer an occasional solo. Everything was tight, organized, and more or less without any issues. For their efforts, the crowd stood while it applauded and cheered. Everyone seemed quite happy with the set, the band included. I’m quite sure I caught a few members of the volunteer staff dancing through the set.
Shortly after, Haken took the stage and a surprising roar came from the crowd, which had clearly been awaiting this show. The five musicians began to play before Haken’s vocalist, Ross Jennings, appeared on stage and began to sing for, not to, the crowd. Jennings was clearly enjoying himself on stage and responded to the crowd as they responded to him. Jennings moved across the stage almost constantly, attending to various sections of the crowd and stepping off the stage when parts of the songs called for instruments only.
Haken were smooth and seamless, skillfully delivering what was not typical progressive metal. Elements of pop and/or rock emerged throughout the set, ultimately creating a lot of hooks and accessible elements to what can otherwise be a heavily technical genre, attracting a particular type of fan in most cases; the crowd at the Neptune did not seem to want only standard prog metal and enjoyed the mixture.
There was not a lot of dialogue, but the crowd reveled and cheered at what was offered and quickly swayed and danced with the music returned. The band seemed as though they could have played into the late hours of the night, showing no fatigue or wear, nor sweat under the hot stage lights. The crowd likely would have stayed with them. As I looked around at the very dedicated mass of people, I noticed that many were wearing that same Hawaiian shirt that I had seen in line and that the entire band was wearing as well. This felt significant as it was certainly a merch item for dedicated fans (it was $150 at the merch booth).
Honestly, while prog metal is not something I listen to frequently, it was great to see such a positive and enjoyable night produced by the bands and instruments. Haken’s set did not disappoint and the fans, young and old, left with a very pleased look on their collective faces. The volunteer staff mentioned they could leave at a certain point or stay if they were enjoying the entertainment. It appeared that most of them had stayed.
WORDS, PHOTOS, AND VIDEOS BY C.ELL ARTS