Interview with Ray Hearne “HAKEN”
HAKEN the progressive metal band was formed in 2007, HAKEN has evolved into one of the top progressive metal bands in the world. Their 2023 release Fauna was near the top of every Best Of list in the genre.
Ray Hearne drummer of Haken took his time to talk with us.
SUNRAY: How did Haken come to life? What were the early days of the band like?
Ray Hearne/ HAKEN: The band started out with a few school friends. Over time, we grew more serious and eventually found our full band lineup and were fortunate enough to get some pretty good gigs in our first years playing live. As with any band, we were exploring our sound and trying to focus what the band and the music should be. But we always used to joke with each other ‘we’re gonna take over the world some day!’ which we’re still working on!
SUNRAY: With seven studio albums under your belt, you’ve continuously pushed the boundaries of eclecticism and creativity. Your sound has evolved significantly over the years, what would you say has been the biggest influence behind these changes?
Ray Hearne/ HAKEN: I think we are all very reflective as artists. We’re not happy to sit still and we don’t want to fall into a cycle of complacency or formulaic writing. We listen to a lot of different music and try to draw from each of our influences when we make a new album. Ironically, I think our own music and our past as a band probably serves as our biggest influence behind that change and development.
SUNRAY: Fauna explores the blurred lines between human and animal nature. Do you think that concept played a key role in the album’s impact?
Ray Hearne/ HAKEN: For sure. I think there’s something in the album for everyone. It’s broad and eclectic musically and lyrically and the themes are appropriate to all different types of people and life experiences. We try to place importance and emphasis in connecting with people when writing our music and lyrics so the listener can find value and relevance for themselves.
SUNRAY: On April 29, you’ll be performing at Teatro Flores in Argentina. What can your Argentine fans expect from this show in Buenos Aires?
Ray Hearne/ HAKEN: You’ll see six guys on stage with big smiles on their faces! We love playing to our Argentinian fans. There’s no one quite like them. The passion, energy and dedication is on a different level from what we see elsewhere and we’ll be feeding off that!
SUNRAY: Are there any exciting new projects on the horizon?
Ray Hearne/ HAKEN: For sure. Expect new music from Haken in the next year and maybe even some solo stuff from some of the guys too. We’re all busy working on stuff in the background!
Interview by Maria Fernanda Capici
HAKEN is returning to Argentina next April 29 at the Teatro Flores.
Get your tickets
https://www.passline.com/eventos/haken-latin-america-2025
Produced by NWM PRODUCTIONS
Press Gaby Sisti