In a Fever Dream by Haken, 2026 EP.
“In a Fever Dream”, an EP by Haken, a record born in a time of major change for the British band. The making of this EP is in fact closely tied to an important shift in the group’s lineup.
After the success of the album “Fauna” in 2023, the band had to deal with the sudden departure of guitarist Charlie Griffiths and bassist Conner Green.
The band decided not to look for replacements, opting for a quartet.
Ross Jennings on vocals, founder of Haken, whom I’ve also covered for his solo work and side projects.
Richard Henshall on guitar.
Pete Jones, Haken’s keyboardist in the early days, returned permanently in 2022, taking Diego Tejeida’s place.
Raymond Hearne on drums, co-founder and backbone of the rhythm section since the band’s birth in 2007.
Since there’s no fixed bassist in the current lineup, the band brought into the studio two big names in progressive and metal bass:
Bryan Beller, great bassist for The Aristocrats and longtime session player for Joe Satriani.
Adam “Nolly” Getgood, former Periphery bassist, djent pioneers, and record producer.
“In a Fever Dream” is a deep, introspective EP that mirrors the delicate period the band went through during its creation. Unlike previous works, full of zoological or scientific references (like the beautiful Fauna), this EP dives into a more psychological and emotional dimension.
The lyrics speak of instability, disorientation, and existential uncertainty, perfectly reflecting the trauma the quartet went through due to the sudden departure of two longtime members.
In “A Fever Dream”, Haken take a break from their super-technical progressive metal, exploring darker, electronic, and evocative atmospheres. The production is modern and tight, with rhythm guitars interweaving with the signature djent touch of Nolly Getgood’s bass, synths and ambient textures, and Ross Jennings’ intimate vocal lines.
The highlight and true gem of the EP, in my opinion, is the title track “In a Fever Dream”, a song that goes beyond 7 minutes with an extraordinary evolution. It opens with an intimate, almost trip-hop mood, with electronic beats and Jennings’ delicate voice. Halfway through, the entrance of Bryan Beller’s bass and the keyboard interweavings create a strong sense of tension. Then the track closes with a grand guitar solo by Richard Henshall, backed by imposing orchestrations.
This time, the cover art was entrusted to surrealist graphic designer and photographer Charlie Blink, who went for a minimalist, dark, and strongly abstract style.
“In a Fever Dream” is one of the boldest entries in Haken’s discography for choosing not to repeat the past, adopting a drier, more modern sound and featuring some of Ross Jennings’ most expressive and moving vocal performances. It’s not a strictly progressive metal record: the songs don’t have that complexity or the long suites, but rather direct, atmospheric tracks. Even so, despite the different expectations I had, despite the brevity, despite the change in direction…. all the ingredients that made me love this band from the very first moment are in here, and the songs retain that strength and intensity that make me consider this album one of the best of this year.
Absolutely recommended.
My Version
Label: Inside Out Music – IOM775, Sony Music – 19958453161
Format: Vinyl, LP, 45 RPM, EP, Limited Edition, Stereo, Red [Deep Blood Red]
Country: Europe
Released: 18 Sep 2026
Tracklist
A1 In A Fever Dream 7:12
A2 Delirium 4:04
A3 Eclipsed By You 3:24
B1 Bleeding Sky 4:18
B2 Lotus 7:22
Lineup
Ross Jennings – Lead vocals
Richard Henshall – Guitars, additional keyboards, backing vocals
Pete Jones – Keyboards, synthesizers, piano, backing vocals
Raymond Hearne – Drums, percussion, backing vocals
With
Adam "Nolly" Getgood – Bass
Bryan Beller – Bass
