Description
Release date: 20-09-2024
Haven of Echoes is the collaboration between critically acclaimed musicians Paul Sadler (Spires/solo) and Andreas Hack (Frequency Drift) that puts sophisticated songwriting, thoughtful lyrics and emotional vocal performance to the fore. Best known as vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for celebrated UK based progressive metal act Spires, as well as an acclaimed solo artist, Paul possesses a haunting voice that ranges from silky smooth to harsh and anguished. His talent for inventive melodies and layered vocal composition takes center stage throughout the project. Andreas Hack is a musician from Germany whose former band Frequency Drift earned an international fan base with concerts all over Europe and released eight albums worldwide, which were enthusiastically received by fans and the press alike.
In 2022 they released their debut album “The Indifferent Stars”, to an overwhelmingly positive reception from critics and fans alike. Difficult to categorize, it is at once progressive yet accessible, familiar yet forward-thinking. An album that takes the listener on a self-reflective journey, exploring the simultaneously connected yet increasingly isolated world we inhabit. In September 2024 Haven of Echoes will release their sophomore effort, “Memento Vivere” on Construction Records. It will be released on CD, 180g black vinyl and 180g colored vinyl. It is an album that pushes stylistically further in all directions than its predecessor. Bolder, overtly progressive songwriting is combined with a more pronounced virtuosity, yet it never loses the accessible elements that made the first album such a critical and artistic success.
Once again, Andreas’ former bandmate, electric harpist Nerissa Schwarz enriches the music with a wide range of sounds, from eerie ambient soundscapes to energetic outbursts. Lyrically the album deals primarily with the theme of impermanence and the way in which we are all affected by the knowledge of our own mortality. All these elements are combined in a unique cinematic, gothic and truly progressive album, that despite its musical complexities remains relatable and honest, and will linger in the listener’s mind long after the music stops.
Paul Sadler about the first single: “Assimilation is perhaps the most complete example of what people can expect to find on the album, in the sense that it features an extremely catchy and relatively straight forward chorus, surrounded by progressive elements such as odd signatures and unusual instrumentation. It could therefore perhaps be seen as a microcosm of the album as a whole. Musically, the track floats between nostalgic melancholia and a cautious optimism, which is something I wanted to reflect lyrically. The song, and the album as a whole, deals with our own impermanence, yet on this track in particular I am trying to argue that perhaps there is a positive side to everything, including the death of ourselves and those around us, in the way it lends a sense of urgency and purpose to the limited time we are dubiously blessed with.”
Performed by:
Paul Sadler: all vocals, guitars
Nerissa Schwarz: electric harp, keys
Wolfgang Ostermann: drums
Andreas Hack: all other instruments
“Compositions that beg to be listened to again and again.”
Heaven Magazine 4/5
“A truly 5 star record and one of the top albums of 2024.”
Progarchives 5/5
“The successful balance between virtuosity and catchy melodies makes this work an experience that will stay in your memory for a long time.”
Amplified 8/10
“Flabbergasted. Speechless. Stunned. Memento Vivere should top many charts at year’s end, among the very finest selections of an exceptional vintage!”
Prog Rogue 5/5
“This is an exquisitely crafted and deeply immersive album that demands and rewards your full attention.”
The Progressive Aspect
“Dark quality reminiscent of Radiohead or Leprous.”
Mania Magazine
“Memento Vivere is one of 2024’s musical highlights and no mistake.”
Sea Of Tranquility 4,5/5
“Memento Vivere could lead certain circles to see this as a small highlight of the year. Thumbs up, then.
Babyblaue-Seiten 12/15
“With Memento Vivere, Haven Of Echoes shows that they know how to present progressive rock in a broad and cinematic way.”
White Reviews
“I think Haven of Echoes takes a step forward with “Memento Vivere”. Beautiful record from this band.”
Progwereld
“Post-rock passages as well as symphonic prog arrangements blended into a homogenous whole that maintains the suspense from start to finish and captures the listener’s attention. A very intense and exciting listening experience.”
Betreutesproggen 12/15
“Memento Vivere contains the highest level of both songwriting and musically diverse implementation. There is simply no other way to say it… the album is fantastic!!”
Rock Castle Franken 9/10
“Haven Of Echoes already made an impressive debut with “The Indifferent Stars” in 2022, and they continue this with equal quality on their second work “Memento Vivere”. An album full of wonderful melodies. Although it also offers melancholic moments, they really get under your skin.”
musikzirkus
“Clearly, Haven Of Echoes have found their groove, taking more risks and expanding their musical spectrum, which makes the music more diverse and even more exciting. A strong album!”
Empire Magazine
“A record of patience, sophistication and ever-shifting moods. Memento Vivere is something special.”
Prog Magazine
“Memento Vivere is a tailor-made second work. There is no whining about it; the music is dynamic and combines velvety sequences with powerful bursts. The basic mood, however, remains rapturous.”
Musikreviews 13/15
“Haven Of Echoes has released a stunning album, created something inimitable, pushing sonic boundaries, navigating between softness and brutality, between delicate and haunting sounds. An avant-garde album that encourages progressive introspection. Top album of the year.”
Profile Prog 9,4/10
“I found it difficult to select my favourite tracks on this album because they are all excellent.”
The Progspace 10/10
“This is a beautiful and emotional album, brilliantly musically performed and above all incredibly beautifully sung! The more you play this album the more beautiful it becomes.”
IO Pages – Vette krent
“This album is a supremely intelligent work. It is very highly recommended.”
Lazland
“An absolute must for fans of the genre.”
Rock Tribune 8/10
“Every song of the 4 included is a must-hear for the progressive rockfans among us, with as other absolute highlight the wonderful chorus of closing track Assimilation.”
Strutterzine 8.2/10
“Brilliant second album ‘Memento Vivere’ with highly sophisticated compositions and incredibly emotional, almost stirring vocals.”
Saitenkult 10/10
Dit album wordt uitgegeven op Construction Records, het gloednieuwe Nederlandse progressieve-symfo rock-metal label dat officieel is gelanceerd als onderdeel van Suburban Music Group (NL) waarin ook platenlabel Suburban Records en Suburban Marketing & Distribution zijn opgenomen. Construction Records zal vooral progressieve en/of symfo rock- en metal bands in de breedste zin gaan huisvesten, die opvallen door hun vakmanschap in songwriting en in instrumentbeheersing.