Affinity

Affinity, Haken's fourth studio album, marks a pivotal shift in the band's sonic identity, moving away from the pastoral prog of The Mountain toward a retro-futurist aesthetic inspired by 1980s film scores and pop. It is the first album to feature bassist Conner Green and the first where the entire band contributed to the initial compositions. Central to the album's sound is keyboardist Diego Tejeida's use of vintage synth textures, specifically citing the influence of Vince DiCola. The centerpiece, 'The Architect', is a 15-minute epic featuring guest vocals from Leprous frontman Einar Solberg, bridging the gap between technical metal and atmospheric art rock. Critically, the album was praised for its 'brighter' and 'less dense' texture compared to its predecessor, successfully integrating 80s influences without descending into parody. It remains a fan favorite for its unique 'hacker' concept and its balance of complexity and catchiness.