This is the debut EP from German post-metal band Haven.
This is music with dark undertones and ambient atmosphere. Haven mix together the atmospheric allure of post-metal, with the harsher framing of post-hardcore, and the delicate introspection of progressive rock. These influences collide and merge together pretty seamlessly on Anima, producing 19 minutes of material that works well to showcase the various talents of the band.
A cheap and easy initial comparison to other groups could be described as a mix between Cult of Luna and Tool. This should hopefully paint a broad impression, but for the real detail to this picture it’s important to study what Haven actually have to offer. Yes, you can hear the band’s starting points, but there’s more than those references here.
The two main songs that form the bulk of this release consist, in varying amounts, of textured post-metal, delivered with skill and a decent grasp of atmosphere and structure. The music is well-written and the band are clearly enthusiastic about what they’re doing, but in a professional way that allows them to explore the dynamics of the music to good effect. Heaviness and lighter subtlety co-exist at various points in the songs, and the band have a clear map of where they want their music to go.
Vocally we get well-performed clean singing sitting alongside harsher screams. The former have a certain impressive level of delicacy, range, and power, while the latter bleed intensity and radiate a sense of restrained, barely-controlled mayhem.
Anima shows us a band in development, still exploring their sound and what they’re capable of, but even with this acknowledged, we should also acknowledge that Haven have already produced something of worth with this EP.
An enjoyable first release, and definitely a band to keep an eye on in the future.
Recommended – check this out.