The story behind the gong is that the band told its fans that Portnoy would make an appearance and asked them to guess what he did. This likely generated a lot of interest in the EP. Both Portnoy and Jordan Rudess have been very active in helping to spread the word on Haken.
And the irony is that everyone knows that Portnoy can play Prog like it’s nobody’s business. And the fact that he only played a single gong hit actually was the cherry on top of an already fascinating piece of work.
+1 for Celestial Elixir, it's comprise of many styles of music yet through the composition it feels directed and logical. A song of genius in my opinion.
This in one of my absolute favorite Haken songs. I can't imagine listening to this for the first time and being able to absorb it all. It takes multiple listens, and even after over 100, I feel like I still find new things. It's a true prog masterpiece.
I was lucky enough to support them with my band 5 years ago. It was the first time I’ve heard this song live and I was lucky there was no mosh pit, because my jaw would get stepped on as it was on the floor for 19 minutes. This song is great on the album but it’s even better live, they absolutely nail it.
I have a guess that "Crystallised" is actually a "Crystallization" of the old demo "Snow" - meaning that they took the old themselves (unpolished band) and now as a shaped band, they took the old material and forged it to a fine gem (and excellent mix haha). Escaping the past by embracing the future...
I thought this was "common knowledge" that they used old demos and such for this EP and that is exactly why it is called "Restoration". I believe the demos are available on youtube somewhere and you can clearly hear the work that has been restored for the EP. In any case, this is a lovely song and one of the standouts of the band and genre I feel like. Great to see Doug have a listen to this and it making him smile throughout.
You’re spot on with regard to Haken being ‘right in the middle’ of modern prog/metal and the more vintage prog. They blend the two worlds seamlessly. I love your channel, Doug. The breakdown of bands like Yes, Genesis, Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree, Spock’s Beard, Big big Train and now Haken is greatly appreciated! Cheers!
Crystallised is like Haken's Octavarium. Not meaning they copied Dream Theater or anything but to me this is the biggest masterpiece Haken has ever produced. Perfection.
Amazing video as always, thanks a lot, Doug! A bass player take on these weird time signatures around 5th minute when solos kick in, there are basically two patterns: The first one is 7/8 > 4/4 > 7/8 > 13/16 The second one is 4/4 > 7/8 > 7/8 > 13/16 In pattern #1 the 4/4 bar is actually more like a 7/16 + 9/16, because the 7-note riff on bass and second guitar repeats 3 times, and on the 4th iteration they add 2 more notes at the end. It can be written as 4/4, but it definetely feels like 7+9. Right after the keyboard solo the pattern changes to #2, it can be heard by listening to the downbeat 4/4 bar goes first, but this time it feels like 9/16+7/16, and then it goes to 7/8 > 7/8 > 13/16 When all the instruments leave and only bass and drums are left, they go back to pattern #1 until the end of the second guitar solo And when the heavy unison-riff kicks in, they switch to pattern #2 again, and the first bar is felt as 9/16+7/16 again
I absolutely adore the groove. I don't have sheet music so I can't confirm, but I've always heard it as a repeating pattern of 14/16, 4/4, 14/16, 7/16, 3/8, keeping the sixteenth note as the consistent meter. Either way, it's a masterpiece!
That fragmented-sounding solo section... when my friend and I saw them live, during that section, they absolutely nailed it, and we were mouthing to each other "HOLY SHIT" the whole time. We were already fans before but that took us from "casual fan" to "super fan for life" territory. This is an absolute MASTERPIECE of a prog-metal tune, and definitely sits in my top 5 of all time. Thanks for doing this one, and I'm stoked that you enjoyed it as much as you did. I saw that grin at the a capella section, feels like that part was tailor-made for you :P
I remember the first time hearing this song and hearing that last line, "escaping the past by embracing the future" and needing to pull my car over to weep for a bit because it was so restorative to hear it worded that way. They really nail the composition of change and growth. Excellent reaction/analysis.
Ha! I said “Nice!” simultaneously with you on that opening chord. These guys are excellent. What a beautiful and powerful piece! Who says you can’t groove hard in seven!?!
One of my sweetest teenage memories comes from mid 2007~2011. I remember being in a Facebook community where someone connected to the band was donating, yes, donating copies of a band's Demos cd (Enter the 5th Dimension) All you had to do was send the address via e-mail and receive the cd at home. And guess what, I received the CD at home, here in Brazil. I could hardly believe it. The pack also included autographed photos of the band, as well as promotional stickers for the upcoming "Visions" album. The song "Snow" was always my favorite. Cristalyzed managed to overcome what I felt when listening to Snow. A masterpiece!
Oh man. I've waited all week for this one. I'm going to listen a few times and then give my interpretation on the lyrics. This song is one of my top 5 favorites of all time. By Haken this song and Celestial Elixir are neck and neck. Also, they nail this live if you can believe it.
I've gotten to see them perform this live in Toronto a few years back, too, and yes, they ABSOLUTELY nailed it, overlapping vocals and all. My friend and I had our jaws on the floor the whole time.
Celestial Elixir takes the cake for me. Still hoping for someone on youtube to do a proper review of it. This masterpiece will certainly do for now though :)
This was the encore at one of the shows they did a few years back. I was blown away that they nailed all of it. Even the Gentle Giant a cappella part was prefect. Loved your interpretation and reaction. Spot on.
They harnessed some Gentle Giant spirit in this tune. One of my favorite tracks of Haken's and can't wait to see you do more. Carousel, 1985, Puzzle Box are three extraordinary tracks of theirs...however, their albums really are worth an entire review.
This is such an awesome song. Probably the best Haken song? It took me ages to learn the Drums and there are still parts that I can't do cause they're just weird. The time signature of the "middle" bit is 7/8, 4/4(or 8/8), 7/8, 13/16. I think of it being in 7 and alternating being one measure longer and a half measure shorter. Thanks for doing this one Doug! Really enjoyed it!
@@PeedgeMcDuck Dude, Veil is so good. And it’s quite underrated. It’s not quite my favorite Haken song ever, but it’s definitely my favorite from Vector & Virus.
Great stuff.. something I noticed was the lead section at 12:30 sounds very similar to the lead in Rush's Marathon, I wondered if that was a little homage. Also interesting is how later in the song (16:55) it starts going on an 8-string - it's played extremely well, not using it to just fill out with heaviness, but actually playing a melody line and that's really refreshing (yes, sounds cool!)
I’m an absolute sucker for uplifting lyrics, vocal harmonies and vocal layering all while the band doesn’t take themselves too seriously. Take this as my opinion of the song, and probably not correct. As far as I know the band has not come out with their interpretation of the lyrics. The long song takes me on a journey through life. The person in question here is reminiscing on a time when we are innocent as children. We don’t have to worry about anything and just live. But as children we don’t see or shouldn’t see our parents struggles. “I feel your hand searching mine, Falling through time, I feel your love.” Parents are important to us and they try to hold on to our innocence for as long as possible. They are there to see us through until time passes that we reach adulthood and innocence is lost. His parents love are “Echoes of a childhood memory.” Then he grows up and has to deal with crap always reflecting on difficult or poor decisions made (Snow) and what joy (Sun) he once had. “If I could run away, Back to my innocent days.” Oh to be a child again. Then all of a sudden through time his youth returns. “Child is born again” “Joy and Respite on the faces of the children” The question is HOW did he experience this? “I feel the earth under my feet. SON by my side, I am complete, Pride fills my heart.” He became a father and is reliving his childhood through him. Then if given the choice he would “choose to live for today” or choose his son, instead of going back to right the wrong of the past. "I hold your hand, but you let go" I hold your hand is the parent holding on and the child lets go when he/she is ready. He realizes this is a way of life. “The moon will rise, the night will fall” is the passing of time. “Sun will shine” is good times. “Snow will thaw” is the passing of rough times. “All things must pass into the unknown” or the future. Then the last phrase is just face melting. “Escaping the past by embracing the future.” Escaping all that we did wrong by teaching our children who are our future. As a father, I see the lyrics this way. Doug as someone who recently lost his grandmother (May she rest in peace) with Dementia to Alzheimer's may see the song the way he did because that is fresh on his mind. Fascinating song that makes you think and kicks a little ass along the way.
@@MarkHWillson Thank You Mark. If there is anything you want to add or discuss, I'm always looking to hear more. For Example, I read on here that the title "Crystallised" Meaning to make something clear could be the band making the restoration of Snow to make it more....Crystallised. Thought that was an interesting take.
I don't know why, but your interpretation melting my heart and suddenly I feel a glimpse of tear on my eyes. It's such a beautiful song. Will always be my top favourite
Favourite reaction video. I've been exploring Haken but didn't get the chance to listen to this piece, so this it also my first listen. I'm grateful that you reacted to it. Astonished by this band.
What I appreciate about this song is the last few notes of the guitar in the final full band section. It's a great use of the lower range on their 8 string guitars, it's subtle but very effective.
As a fan of early 70’s prog, never thought I’d get into so-called “prog metal”. But the way Haken mix heavy guitar riffs, beautiful vocals (with no growling/ screaming) and melodic nods to 70’s prog is really impressive. I love their album “The Mountain.” Some of their later stuff is too heavy for me. but I’m glad I was introduced to Haken on Doug’s channel!
YAY! Haken are really bizarre and talented. So glad you're enjoying it, Doug! Regarding this song's lyrics, I think that the best song lyrics can be interpreted in multiple ways. It makes the content more accessible, and people find meaning in the strangest things.
Ross Jenning introduced this piece as 'our best song" for the encore of the show I attended a few years ago (in one of the smallest rock venues in Paris, France - a kind of underground music heaven that hosts 400/500 peoples tops), and boy was he right. The crowd went nuts, it ended the night beautifully. I used to refer to Haken as "My Baby Dream Theater", but they grew into their own skin over time. It's my favorite Haken song, and your enthusiasm and commitment to understanding what is happening or what is being said is always wonderful to witness. Thank you so much !
This is awesome. My favorite album of theirs is Affinity, would you ever do a full album reaction/breakdown? Haken's albums tend to have constant exploration of related themes when it comes to the lyrics and the messages they convey, and they tie it together so well at the end. Anyway keep it up!
Doug has done a full album listen of The Mountain on his Patreon. He was impressed. Check the Daily Doug Directory on the main page for a list of reactions and links.
Although I know Haken for seven years already due to your reaction videos and Diego Tejeda in Devin Townsend's Empath tour band I start to fully appreciate their music.
Another great reaction from this crazy great band. More Haken pleasee!! Btw, I noticed you've quoted SAVATAGE, so we are waiting for their 1st Doug reaction!! Chance, Hourglass, Edge of thorns, Believe, Mozart and madness, Gutter Ballet.... Are waiting there to be reacted to!! :)
From my understanding, the song is about the life, death, and rebirth of Nature through the seasons. It makes a lot of sense if you analyze the song in terms of it being divided into 5 sections - Starting in spring, moving to summer, then autumn which has an awesome section where all the notes have a downward moment to represent leaves falling off trees, and then to winter, and eventually back to spring where we started. It's SUCH a cool song, Haken has been my favorite band for a long, long time
So glad to see haken back on the channel. You’ve really got to try thank you scientist. A great song to listen to first is blood on the radio. I know you’ll love them. Crazy good musicians with really quirky and fun writing.
The first song I heard by TYS is Feed the Horses (the original mix, which is more powerful IMO). I had heard a lot of stuff before, but this blew me away. I immediately listened again.
@@cuscany feed the horses is a great piece. I just love the instrumental parts of blood on the radio. The trumpet and guitar solos are two of the best in in the genre.
One of my favorite bands. Would be sweet to see him cover them. Blood on the radio is my favorite by them but its so hard to choose because they're all bangers lol
Exactly Doug! There RIGHT in the middle! thats what I like about them. With the first two you think oh this is a very melodic and sometimes techincal band, and then The mountain came and I always thought that they were going to a more techincal path, just like DT did, but then this amazing EP came and the rest is history!
Doug if you get a chance, listening to Haken and Mike Portnoy cover his 12 step suite would be a fantastic video. It’s live and they did it for his birthday several years ago. I think people would like to see the musicianship covering all of DT’s parts
@@ronouwe93 Yes there is. But it's under lock and key on Mike Portnoy's hard drive. There is a full audio & video recording of the tour they did, the man said if himself. But as MP stated, there will not be an official release of The Shattered Fortress any time soon. Too much red tape to cross, so many feathers easily ruffled in the process, and so on. So, yeah, we won't be able to relive the performance of simply enjoy it any time soon, but it exists.
@@ZorgyGirl Oh yes I know that. I was at that show and know the guy who was in charge of filming that night. But I meant there is no good recording of it available for the public ;)
The way I see it, this is a song about a man overcoming his troubles and pains by vicariously reaching for his inner child through fatherhood. At first, the lyrics mention a "sun up above" as the character wishes they could run away back to his childhood, his innocent days, to escape his pains. By the end of the song, he finds joy in experiencing childhood again through his son: "son by my side, I am complete". Also, the character finds comfort in letting the cycle of life take place, as his child grows and lets go of his hand. The only way to escape the past is to embrace the future. Just as the moon will rise, the night will fall, then the sun will rise and the snow will thaw, he will pass into the unknown - giving way for his child to take his place in the cycle. Beautiful, beautiful lyrics to this masterful song.
Yup. Pretty much my take. I hold your hand is the parent holding on and the child let’s go when he/she is ready. In the end, if he could go back to his childhood he would choose to stay for his son. Forgetting what was done in the past by embracing that our children is the future. Beautiful.
This song always remind me of Christmas and snowfall. As I first listened to this song back in 2014 when it was released. Killer of a tune! You should check out some of their other epics, Celestial Elixir, Visions, The Architect, Bound By Gravity to name a few :)
Some shades of King Crimson in the later sections (around 17:50). Which reminds me, you should 100% do "Starless and Bible Black", the instrumental title track from their (King Crimson's) 1974 studio album.
@@Arrow2theACL I'm aware he did "Starless" (from their album Red, released in October of the same year), but he hasn't done "Starless and Bible Black" that I'm aware.
For anyone that is interested. Doug reacted to the entire album The Mountain accessible via his Patreon. It is well worth a few dollars for the hour and a half reaction if you have the means.
These guys are so special! If you’re feeling ambitious, you could do some videos where you go over their entire albums. Their latest release includes a set of songs called “Messiah Complex” and it tells a story, harking back to older songs and themes. I think you’d really like it, but in order to appreciate it fully you may want to listen to their whole discography.
Haken is one of my favorite prog bands: it’s the right mixture of lyrics, composition, craftsmanship, virtuosity and soundscaping without turning too bombastic…
I pop in every so often- mostly on older bands because I don’t know much about them and like to learn. But Haken is one of my favs. Been waiting for you to do this masterpiece! Thanks for sharing your insight and passion! Peace. Edit- I don’t listen to this often because it’s length and emotional aspect. But dang…what a song!
So excited for this one! One of my top epics of all time, and I was lucky enough to see it live a couple years ago. If you want some more fun prog like those middle sections, you should react to Moon Safari (amazing vocal harmonies) or Cheeto’s Magazine (lots of fun and weird stuff there)!
Doug, you are the man. Have you reviewed the band Thank You Scientist? I would be cool to see your reaction to the song "Mr Invisible". I like more their studio version if you get into 😃
I like the gentle giant references and some of the straight ahead prog although some parts are really over the top, it is a good mix of several musical influences from the 1970's, i guess you can't go wrong by creating music based on the most creative period of prog rock.
Absolutely beautiful and amazing song, thanks for the great reaction, you definitely should check out Visions, another longer piece of Haken's and an absolute banger!
I bloody love Haken. I share this band with anyone who'll listen and I've realised that anyone who plays an instrument or has a knowledge of music thinks it's incredible, anyone else is just a bit "wtf?"
Thank you so much for this, Doug!!! Haken is amazing and they are all such genuinely kind humans. Next up I recommend Angel Of Salvation by Galneryus. The studio version. Japanese neoclassical prog metal. Super fun.
Have you considered reacting to The Mars Volta? You've done some lengthy masterpieces of early progressive rock (e.g., Supper's Ready, A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers, etc). In this context, 'Cassandra Gemini' by TMV would be interesting
Oh, I've come too late :-) Well, let's listen to it. This is my favorite Haken song! No need to go to bed :-) Another great pieces by Haken: Pareidolia, Puzzle Box, The Architect, Falling Back to Earth
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
The story behind the gong is that the band told its fans that Portnoy would make an appearance and asked them to guess what he did. This likely generated a lot of interest in the EP. Both Portnoy and Jordan Rudess have been very active in helping to spread the word on Haken.
And the irony is that everyone knows that Portnoy can play Prog like it’s nobody’s business. And the fact that he only played a single gong hit actually was the cherry on top of an already fascinating piece of work.
Haken has become my favorite band. Amazing.
Visions is another brilliant song by them. Not to forget Celestial Elixir.
They are among the top bands of all time.
+1 for Celestial Elixir, it's comprise of many styles of music yet through the composition it feels directed and logical. A song of genius in my opinion.
+1 for visions!
You sir, just named the best two other songs.
Yes, honestly I don't think there's anything they've done that I dislike. They're really great, absolutely one of my favourites as well!
This in one of my absolute favorite Haken songs. I can't imagine listening to this for the first time and being able to absorb it all. It takes multiple listens, and even after over 100, I feel like I still find new things. It's a true prog masterpiece.
I was lucky enough to support them with my band 5 years ago. It was the first time I’ve heard this song live and I was lucky there was no mosh pit, because my jaw would get stepped on as it was on the floor for 19 minutes. This song is great on the album but it’s even better live, they absolutely nail it.
Thank You Scientist is definitely the next band you need to hear in your modern prog journey. I'd recommend Son of a Serpent.
Great suggestion. One of the most underrated musical groups of all time
Second that!!! Amazing amazing band.
Aye!
....but please do Life of Vermin.
Saw thank Haken with Thank You Scientist as a opening act in a small venue in Quebec city. What an awesome performance!
Fan of both band ever since.
Yes!
I have a guess that "Crystallised" is actually a "Crystallization" of the old demo "Snow" - meaning that they took the old themselves (unpolished band) and now as a shaped band, they took the old material and forged it to a fine gem (and excellent mix haha).
Escaping the past by embracing the future...
That’s an interesting take and makes sense.
I thought this was "common knowledge" that they used old demos and such for this EP and that is exactly why it is called "Restoration". I believe the demos are available on youtube somewhere and you can clearly hear the work that has been restored for the EP.
In any case, this is a lovely song and one of the standouts of the band and genre I feel like. Great to see Doug have a listen to this and it making him smile throughout.
You’re spot on with regard to Haken being ‘right in the middle’ of modern prog/metal and the more vintage prog. They blend the two worlds seamlessly. I love your channel, Doug. The breakdown of bands like Yes, Genesis, Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree, Spock’s Beard, Big big Train and now Haken is greatly appreciated! Cheers!
I will never grow tired of Haken reactions. Definitely not enough of them on the interwebs
100%
From Opeth to Gentle Giant in a minute around 14:00. This is fantastic stuff! (And then Doug mentions it as I'm typing...)
Right, those vocal harmonies are so Gentle Giant. Love it.
Haken deserves all the reactions! Amazing band! Atlas Stone would be a musical trip as well!
Atlas Stone is my favorite "short" Haken song :)
Crystallised is like Haken's Octavarium. Not meaning they copied Dream Theater or anything but to me this is the biggest masterpiece Haken has ever produced. Perfection.
Definitely.
Also Celestial Elixir is their A Change of Seasons, and Visions is their Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence :)
Octavarium is just alright after having listened to Crystallized.
Celestial Elixir is what got me into Haken
Amazing video as always, thanks a lot, Doug!
A bass player take on these weird time signatures around 5th minute when solos kick in, there are basically two patterns:
The first one is 7/8 > 4/4 > 7/8 > 13/16
The second one is 4/4 > 7/8 > 7/8 > 13/16
In pattern #1 the 4/4 bar is actually more like a 7/16 + 9/16, because the 7-note riff on bass and second guitar repeats 3 times, and on the 4th iteration they add 2 more notes at the end. It can be written as 4/4, but it definetely feels like 7+9.
Right after the keyboard solo the pattern changes to #2, it can be heard by listening to the downbeat
4/4 bar goes first, but this time it feels like 9/16+7/16, and then it goes to 7/8 > 7/8 > 13/16
When all the instruments leave and only bass and drums are left, they go back to pattern #1 until the end of the second guitar solo
And when the heavy unison-riff kicks in, they switch to pattern #2 again, and the first bar is felt as 9/16+7/16 again
I absolutely adore the groove. I don't have sheet music so I can't confirm, but I've always heard it as a repeating pattern of 14/16, 4/4, 14/16, 7/16, 3/8, keeping the sixteenth note as the consistent meter. Either way, it's a masterpiece!
I loved this :) I try to draw attention to Caligula's Horse, another remarkable melodic progrock of our times. Cheers!
CH have some amazing amazing music.
YES!
Would love to see him react to Graves
@@manfredmar I second Graves.
@@manfredmar @Jack Liechtenstein @Tibor Kiss Hopefully you guys saw Doug's reaction last Friday? :)
@@Arrow2theACL Yes of course, it was great.
Haken is so amazing. I never heard a band more clean and tight.
BTBAM comes close
As long as music like this exists, I fail to see how or why anyone would listen to simplistic pop or country. It's mind-blowing and -boggling.
That fragmented-sounding solo section... when my friend and I saw them live, during that section, they absolutely nailed it, and we were mouthing to each other "HOLY SHIT" the whole time. We were already fans before but that took us from "casual fan" to "super fan for life" territory. This is an absolute MASTERPIECE of a prog-metal tune, and definitely sits in my top 5 of all time. Thanks for doing this one, and I'm stoked that you enjoyed it as much as you did. I saw that grin at the a capella section, feels like that part was tailor-made for you :P
I remember the first time hearing this song and hearing that last line, "escaping the past by embracing the future" and needing to pull my car over to weep for a bit because it was so restorative to hear it worded that way. They really nail the composition of change and growth. Excellent reaction/analysis.
Ha! I said “Nice!” simultaneously with you on that opening chord. These guys are excellent. What a beautiful and powerful piece!
Who says you can’t groove hard in seven!?!
Never heard this band before. This song was so cool! Thanks for the introduction and reaction doug, love your channel!
One of my sweetest teenage memories comes from mid 2007~2011.
I remember being in a Facebook community where someone connected to the band was donating, yes, donating copies of a band's Demos cd (Enter the 5th Dimension)
All you had to do was send the address via e-mail and receive the cd at home. And guess what, I received the CD at home, here in Brazil. I could hardly believe it. The pack also included autographed photos of the band, as well as promotional stickers for the upcoming "Visions" album.
The song "Snow" was always my favorite. Cristalyzed managed to overcome what I felt when listening to Snow.
A masterpiece!
Oh man. I've waited all week for this one. I'm going to listen a few times and then give my interpretation on the lyrics. This song is one of my top 5 favorites of all time. By Haken this song and Celestial Elixir are neck and neck. Also, they nail this live if you can believe it.
Happy to get to this one! Thanks.
I've gotten to see them perform this live in Toronto a few years back, too, and yes, they ABSOLUTELY nailed it, overlapping vocals and all. My friend and I had our jaws on the floor the whole time.
Celestial Elixir takes the cake for me. Still hoping for someone on youtube to do a proper review of it. This masterpiece will certainly do for now though :)
Celestial Elixir would be amazing.
This was the encore at one of the shows they did a few years back. I was blown away that they nailed all of it. Even the Gentle Giant a cappella part was prefect. Loved your interpretation and reaction. Spot on.
They harnessed some Gentle Giant spirit in this tune. One of my favorite tracks of Haken's and can't wait to see you do more. Carousel, 1985, Puzzle Box are three extraordinary tracks of theirs...however, their albums really are worth an entire review.
So "Visions" in the next Haken slot, please 🙂 Another epic piece.
I’m so excited! Asked so much for this one over the months! Glad you were able to fit it in to the long list.
This is such an awesome song. Probably the best Haken song? It took me ages to learn the Drums and there are still parts that I can't do cause they're just weird. The time signature of the "middle" bit is 7/8, 4/4(or 8/8), 7/8, 13/16. I think of it being in 7 and alternating being one measure longer and a half measure shorter.
Thanks for doing this one Doug! Really enjoyed it!
Nope, because Veil exists.
@@PeedgeMcDuck Dude, Veil is so good. And it’s quite underrated. It’s not quite my favorite Haken song ever, but it’s definitely my favorite from Vector & Virus.
Great stuff.. something I noticed was the lead section at 12:30 sounds very similar to the lead in Rush's Marathon, I wondered if that was a little homage. Also interesting is how later in the song (16:55) it starts going on an 8-string - it's played extremely well, not using it to just fill out with heaviness, but actually playing a melody line and that's really refreshing (yes, sounds cool!)
This is the song that finally convinced my wife that Haken is as good as I keep telling her they are.
I’m an absolute sucker for uplifting lyrics, vocal harmonies and vocal layering all while the band doesn’t take themselves too seriously. Take this as my opinion of the song, and probably not correct. As far as I know the band has not come out with their interpretation of the lyrics. The long song takes me on a journey through life.
The person in question here is reminiscing on a time when we are innocent as children. We don’t have to worry about anything and just live. But as children we don’t see or shouldn’t see our parents struggles. “I feel your hand searching mine, Falling through time, I feel your love.” Parents are important to us and they try to hold on to our innocence for as long as possible. They are there to see us through until time passes that we reach adulthood and innocence is lost. His parents love are “Echoes of a childhood memory.” Then he grows up and has to deal with crap always reflecting on difficult or poor decisions made (Snow) and what joy (Sun) he once had. “If I could run away, Back to my innocent days.” Oh to be a child again.
Then all of a sudden through time his youth returns. “Child is born again” “Joy and Respite on the faces of the children” The question is HOW did he experience this? “I feel the earth under my feet. SON by my side, I am complete, Pride fills my heart.” He became a father and is reliving his childhood through him. Then if given the choice he would “choose to live for today” or choose his son, instead of going back to right the wrong of the past. "I hold your hand, but you let go" I hold your hand is the parent holding on and the child lets go when he/she is ready. He realizes this is a way of life.
“The moon will rise, the night will fall” is the passing of time. “Sun will shine” is good times. “Snow will thaw” is the passing of rough times. “All things must pass into the unknown” or the future. Then the last phrase is just face melting. “Escaping the past by embracing the future.” Escaping all that we did wrong by teaching our children who are our future.
As a father, I see the lyrics this way. Doug as someone who recently lost his grandmother (May she rest in peace) with Dementia to Alzheimer's may see the song the way he did because that is fresh on his mind. Fascinating song that makes you think and kicks a little ass along the way.
Really beautiful and thoughtful interpretation of the song.
@@MarkHWillson Thank You Mark. If there is anything you want to add or discuss, I'm always looking to hear more. For Example, I read on here that the title "Crystallised" Meaning to make something clear could be the band making the restoration of Snow to make it more....Crystallised. Thought that was an interesting take.
as a father myself, loved your interpretation and perspective. cheers my friend! thank you for bringing a little tear to my eyes! haken rocks indeed
I don't know why, but your interpretation melting my heart and suddenly I feel a glimpse of tear on my eyes. It's such a beautiful song. Will always be my top favourite
Favourite reaction video. I've been exploring Haken but didn't get the chance to listen to this piece, so this it also my first listen. I'm grateful that you reacted to it. Astonished by this band.
What I appreciate about this song is the last few notes of the guitar in the final full band section. It's a great use of the lower range on their 8 string guitars, it's subtle but very effective.
Just caught the end of the live stream. I’m going to go back and listen from the beginning. This is a top-tier Haken track.
As a fan of early 70’s prog, never thought I’d get into so-called “prog metal”. But the way Haken mix heavy guitar riffs, beautiful vocals (with no growling/ screaming) and melodic nods to 70’s prog is really impressive. I love their album “The Mountain.” Some of their later stuff is too heavy for me. but I’m glad I was introduced to Haken on Doug’s channel!
It sounds like you might like the last few Opeth albums
@@spaantzAnd Dream Theater
YAY! Haken are really bizarre and talented. So glad you're enjoying it, Doug!
Regarding this song's lyrics, I think that the best song lyrics can be interpreted in multiple ways. It makes the content more accessible, and people find meaning in the strangest things.
Ross Jenning introduced this piece as 'our best song" for the encore of the show I attended a few years ago (in one of the smallest rock venues in Paris, France - a kind of underground music heaven that hosts 400/500 peoples tops), and boy was he right. The crowd went nuts, it ended the night beautifully.
I used to refer to Haken as "My Baby Dream Theater", but they grew into their own skin over time.
It's my favorite Haken song, and your enthusiasm and commitment to understanding what is happening or what is being said is always wonderful to witness. Thank you so much !
OMG!!!! I've asked fir this song a couple of months ago!!!!
Thank you SO MUCH, Doug!!! Haken lives!
This is awesome. My favorite album of theirs is Affinity, would you ever do a full album reaction/breakdown? Haken's albums tend to have constant exploration of related themes when it comes to the lyrics and the messages they convey, and they tie it together so well at the end. Anyway keep it up!
Doug has done a full album listen of The Mountain on his Patreon. He was impressed. Check the Daily Doug Directory on the main page for a list of reactions and links.
God, you have heard me.
I've been waiting for this moment.
Masterpiece!! Thanks for your reaction.
I hope many people listen this extraordinary song.
This song always reminds me of the movie Interstellar, especially the "passages of time" part
Great vid! Would love to hear some Seventh Wonder, it's Tommy Karevik's (from Kamelot and Ayreon) prog band. (the Great Escape)
Please Celestial Elixir next, you'll be blown away!
Although I know Haken for seven years already due to your reaction videos and Diego Tejeda in Devin Townsend's Empath tour band I start to fully appreciate their music.
Another great reaction from this crazy great band. More Haken pleasee!! Btw, I noticed you've quoted SAVATAGE, so we are waiting for their 1st Doug reaction!! Chance, Hourglass, Edge of thorns, Believe, Mozart and madness, Gutter Ballet.... Are waiting there to be reacted to!! :)
From my understanding, the song is about the life, death, and rebirth of Nature through the seasons. It makes a lot of sense if you analyze the song in terms of it being divided into 5 sections - Starting in spring, moving to summer, then autumn which has an awesome section where all the notes have a downward moment to represent leaves falling off trees, and then to winter, and eventually back to spring where we started. It's SUCH a cool song, Haken has been my favorite band for a long, long time
Wilderun..Far From Where Dreams Unfurl
So glad to see haken back on the channel. You’ve really got to try thank you scientist. A great song to listen to first is blood on the radio. I know you’ll love them. Crazy good musicians with really quirky and fun writing.
The first song I heard by TYS is Feed the Horses (the original mix, which is more powerful IMO). I had heard a lot of stuff before, but this blew me away. I immediately listened again.
@@cuscany feed the horses is a great piece. I just love the instrumental parts of blood on the radio. The trumpet and guitar solos are two of the best in in the genre.
One of my favorite bands. Would be sweet to see him cover them. Blood on the radio is my favorite by them but its so hard to choose because they're all bangers lol
Love to see Doug enjoying shaken. They are a band that needs a lot more love and attention. Please do more reactions to them Doug.
Fanrastic you give me at this moment the first impulsion ..i ll discover them now .very good peace of music and very good choice mister !
And yes, Doug, they pull this off live! (That's some craftsmanship there...)
Yay! Been hoping you’d check this out, I hope this gives you a different perspective on prog!
Exactly Doug! There RIGHT in the middle! thats what I like about them. With the first two you think oh this is a very melodic and sometimes techincal band, and then The mountain came and I always thought that they were going to a more techincal path, just like DT did, but then this amazing EP came and the rest is history!
Doug if you get a chance, listening to Haken and Mike Portnoy cover his 12 step suite would be a fantastic video. It’s live and they did it for his birthday several years ago. I think people would like to see the musicianship covering all of DT’s parts
I don't think he would enjoy it much, because those are some of DT's heavier songs (with tons of double bass)!
There's not even a good recording of that.
Exactly, the video is too bad to react to it
@@ronouwe93 Yes there is. But it's under lock and key on Mike Portnoy's hard drive.
There is a full audio & video recording of the tour they did, the man said if himself. But as MP stated, there will not be an official release of The Shattered Fortress any time soon. Too much red tape to cross, so many feathers easily ruffled in the process, and so on.
So, yeah, we won't be able to relive the performance of simply enjoy it any time soon, but it exists.
@@ZorgyGirl Oh yes I know that. I was at that show and know the guy who was in charge of filming that night. But I meant there is no good recording of it available for the public ;)
The way I see it, this is a song about a man overcoming his troubles and pains by vicariously reaching for his inner child through fatherhood.
At first, the lyrics mention a "sun up above" as the character wishes they could run away back to his childhood, his innocent days, to escape his pains.
By the end of the song, he finds joy in experiencing childhood again through his son: "son by my side, I am complete".
Also, the character finds comfort in letting the cycle of life take place, as his child grows and lets go of his hand.
The only way to escape the past is to embrace the future.
Just as the moon will rise, the night will fall, then the sun will rise and the snow will thaw, he will pass into the unknown - giving way for his child to take his place in the cycle.
Beautiful, beautiful lyrics to this masterful song.
Yup. Pretty much my take. I hold your hand is the parent holding on and the child let’s go when he/she is ready. In the end, if he could go back to his childhood he would choose to stay for his son. Forgetting what was done in the past by embracing that our children is the future. Beautiful.
20:01
Maybe the Crystallized memories are shattering? Crystalline patters do tend to be more prone to shattering.
I had no idea you'd revisited Haken more than a year ago! Thanks again, I learned a lot.
Doug has reviewed the entire Mountain and Aquarius album on his Patreon. Doug's Patreon if you are interested - www.patreon.com/doughelvering/posts
Fantastic reaction video. Great work, really intereting hearing you point out the 1, b3, 4 chords etc. Love it ❤
Nice reaction Doug! You should listen to The Mountain. The whole album is a masterpiece!
It's happening this week for Patreon.
This is my ringtone. "Someone's calling, someone's calling me..."
Unreal piece. Have been hoping you'd touch on this one forever
So glad you did this! Crystallized is a Haken masterpiece!
This song always remind me of Christmas and snowfall.
As I first listened to this song back in 2014 when it was released.
Killer of a tune!
You should check out some of their other epics, Celestial Elixir, Visions, The Architect, Bound By Gravity to name a few :)
Some shades of King Crimson in the later sections (around 17:50). Which reminds me, you should 100% do "Starless and Bible Black", the instrumental title track from their (King Crimson's) 1974 studio album.
KC blocks everything on RUclips. Doug did a video on Starless. It's linked on his Patreon.
@@Arrow2theACL I'm aware he did "Starless" (from their album Red, released in October of the same year), but he hasn't done "Starless and Bible Black" that I'm aware.
@@twelveeighteenofficial7487 Ok sorry. Not familiar with KC too much other then what Doug has reacted too. I thought it was the same.
@@Arrow2theACL No problem. I've been a fan of KC since I discovered them in the late 90's, so I get the confusion.
I'm so happy to see so many people in the live chat digging their first taste into Haken. This band just knows how to have fun.
For anyone that is interested. Doug reacted to the entire album The Mountain accessible via his Patreon. It is well worth a few dollars for the hour and a half reaction if you have the means.
My favorite Haken song EVER! And I Love their entire catalog.
Haken is a great band. I'm glad you enjoy it
Sorry to get a little emotional here, but the way you get into it man..i love it! Love you
Doug reacted to the entire album The Mountain and I could tell he got emotional with a few of them. He enjoyed it.
watch this song live was one of the best things of my life
One of my favorite Haken songs! Thank you so much for this reaction.
Thanks for this, I love so much this song :)
In the future consider Hold Me In by Bent Knee
Greetings from Mexico!
Haken are epic a very underrated band 🇬🇧🤘
These guys are so special! If you’re feeling ambitious, you could do some videos where you go over their entire albums. Their latest release includes a set of songs called “Messiah Complex” and it tells a story, harking back to older songs and themes. I think you’d really like it, but in order to appreciate it fully you may want to listen to their whole discography.
Haken is one of my favorite prog bands: it’s the right mixture of lyrics, composition, craftsmanship, virtuosity and soundscaping without turning too bombastic…
I pop in every so often- mostly on older bands because I don’t know much about them and like to learn. But Haken is one of my favs. Been waiting for you to do this masterpiece! Thanks for sharing your insight and passion! Peace.
Edit- I don’t listen to this often because it’s length and emotional aspect. But dang…what a song!
A reaction to Messiah Complex 1-5 from their Virus Album would be neat.
I definitely hear a Yes influence here. I'll be shopping for their music tonight.
So excited for this one! One of my top epics of all time, and I was lucky enough to see it live a couple years ago. If you want some more fun prog like those middle sections, you should react to Moon Safari (amazing vocal harmonies) or Cheeto’s Magazine (lots of fun and weird stuff there)!
I love love love Moon Safari, such a great band. I wonder what would be a good song to do, Constant Bloom+Methuselah's Children?
A reaction to something from Moon Safari would be great!
Totally agree on Constant Bloom+Methuselah's Children by Moon safari!
@@minmodulation There are too many good choices, so I didn’t mention one in particular, but I think those two could be great!
Another vote for Moon Safari here. Anything off Blomljud.
Ditto from yesterday and Wednesday!...definitely gonna check out this band out too!
yay! Thanks for doing this one. Awesome
Fantastic Doug. I would also recommend Thank you scientist!
Doug, just listened to your interview with Sean on his youtube channel, via progressiveears- really nice!
Haken at their most "Haken". Restoration, and Crystallised in particular, is a great sampling of what this band is all about.
Doug, you are the man. Have you reviewed the band Thank You Scientist? I would be cool to see your reaction to the song "Mr Invisible". I like more their studio version if you get into 😃
Enter the 5th Dimension is a demo that will make you say: Wait. *that* was a demo??!!
And on top of that. The concept album Aquarius was their first album.
yessss! and Visions, the L-1VE version please
I like the gentle giant references and some of the straight ahead prog although some parts are really over the top, it is a good mix of several musical influences from the 1970's, i guess you can't go wrong by creating music based on the most creative period of prog rock.
That was my first thought too. Time to dig out Gentle Giant once more.
@@fernsebastian Yep, Doug needs to revisit some of their songs soon!
Absolutely beautiful and amazing song, thanks for the great reaction, you definitely should check out Visions, another longer piece of Haken's and an absolute banger!
They are just SPECIAL...
Nothing more to say...
Haken is special...
"they shoulda called me" Fantastic
Wow. This is fantastic! I am sadly negligent in my Haken knowledge. I'll have to fix that now.
I LOVE Haken. Please do more Doug. So good.
I bloody love Haken. I share this band with anyone who'll listen and I've realised that anyone who plays an instrument or has a knowledge of music thinks it's incredible, anyone else is just a bit "wtf?"
Thank you so much for this, Doug!!! Haken is amazing and they are all such genuinely kind humans. Next up I recommend Angel Of Salvation by Galneryus. The studio version. Japanese neoclassical prog metal. Super fun.
Galneryus always put a smile on my face. Just when you think the shred can’t go any further, off they go!
Please do Haken - Visions. Hands down, a masterpiece.
This was fantastically fun, please do more Haken! I recommend "Falling Back to Earth" or "Celestial Elixir".
Fun fact: Neil Peart's favorite liquor was The Macallan.
Have you considered reacting to The Mars Volta? You've done some lengthy masterpieces of early progressive rock (e.g., Supper's Ready, A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers, etc). In this context, 'Cassandra Gemini' by TMV would be interesting
Oh, I've come too late :-) Well, let's listen to it. This is my favorite Haken song! No need to go to bed :-)
Another great pieces by Haken: Pareidolia, Puzzle Box, The Architect, Falling Back to Earth
If he really wanted to make me happy, he'd have to react to the Architect. That is one monumental song of Haken that I actually like :)
To me the song is about the joy and innocence of his youth (the first person) reviving and observing those feelings
Doug, before your brief hiatus we were looking forward to Riverside. How about "Second Life Syndrome" next Friday, Dude?