The acclaimed progressive and alternative metal ensemble HAKEN has officially unveiled plans for a comprehensive North American tour scheduled for March 2027. This highly anticipated run will feature a potent combination of support acts, with the innovative progressive rock outfit THANK YOU SCIENTIST and Einar Solberg, the charismatic frontman of the Norwegian progressive metal band LEPROUS, set to join HAKEN on all dates. The tour promises to deliver a formidable lineup for fans of intricate musicianship and genre-bending heavy music.
Presale and General Ticket Information
A special pre-sale opportunity for dedicated fans will be available through BLABBERMOUTH.NET. This exclusive window opens on Tuesday, October 27, commencing at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time and concluding on Thursday, October 29, at 10:00 p.m. local time for each respective venue. To access these early tickets, fans will be prompted to enter the presale code "findanotherway" when utilizing the provided ticketing links. Following the presale period, general admission tickets will go on sale Friday, October 23, at 10 a.m. local time, offering a broader opportunity for fans to secure their attendance.
HAKEN 2027 North American Tour Dates
The tour is slated to commence on March 4, 2027, in Austin, Texas, and will traverse a significant portion of the continent, concluding in early April. The full itinerary is as follows:
- March 4: Austin, TX @ Moonline
- March 5: Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
- March 7: Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater
- March 8: Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
- March 9: Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent Theatre
- March 10: San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
- March 11: Sacramento, CA @ Ace Of Spades
- March 12: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
- March 13: Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
- March 14: Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl
- March 16: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Commonwealth Room
- March 17: Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
- March 18: Kansas City, MO @ Warehouse On Broadway
- March 19: Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
- March 20: Cleveland, OH @ [Venue to be announced]
- March 21: Toronto, ON @ The Danforth Music Hall
- March 23: Montreal, QC @ Théâtre Beanfield
- March 24: Quebec City, QC @ Salle Montaigne
- March 25: Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
- March 26: New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
- March 27: Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
- March 28: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
- March 29: Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
- March 30: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
- March 31: Orlando, FL @ House Of Blues
- April 1 – April 8: Cruise To The Edge (Note: Einar Solberg will not be performing on this leg)
Contextualizing the Tour: The "In A Fever Dream" EP and Band Evolution
This extensive touring schedule follows closely on the heels of HAKEN’s latest musical output, the "In A Fever Dream" EP. Initially released digitally in July, the EP received a physical release on CD and vinyl in September, allowing fans to experience its material in tangible formats. The EP was a significant release for the band, co-produced and mixed by George Lever, known for his work with artists like LOATHE and SLEEP TOKEN. Notably, the EP featured bass contributions from esteemed musicians Bryan Beller, a long-time collaborator with Joe Satriani and a member of THE ARISTOCRATS, and Adam "Nolly" Getgood, a former member of PERIPHERY.
HAKEN themselves described the "In A Fever Dream" EP as a product of introspection and rediscovery. In a statement released by the band, they articulated that the EP was "born from a period of reflection and rediscovery." They further elaborated on the creative process, stating, "Over the last few years, we’ve faced challenges that forced us to look inward, both as musicians and as people, and the songs on this record are the result of that journey." The band emphasized a commitment to honesty and vulnerability in their songwriting, aiming to connect with listeners on a deeper emotional level. Musically, HAKEN indicated that they explored new sonic territories, incorporating fresh influences while retaining their signature intensity. The collaboration with George Lever and the recording environment at Vada Studios were highlighted as crucial elements in refining their artistic vision. The band characterized the EP as capturing a pivotal moment of "finding our feet again – moving forward, taking risks, and creating from a place that feels as genuine as we have ever been."
The physical release of "In A Fever Dream" was multifaceted, available as a standard CD, a European-exclusive Deep Blood Red LP, a U.S.-exclusive Lotus White LP, and a highly limited clear LP edition exclusively from the band’s official store. This varied approach to physical media caters to collectors and dedicated fans alike, reflecting the band’s engagement with its fanbase.
Navigating Personnel Changes and Past Endeavors
The upcoming tour and the recent EP release occur against a backdrop of significant personnel changes within HAKEN. In January of the current year, the band announced the departures of guitarist Charlie Griffiths and bassist Conner Green. This announcement was made via social media, with the band expressing profound gratitude for their contributions. The statement conveyed that both Griffiths and Green were "irreplaceable, as musicians and individuals," acknowledging their substantial impact on the band’s achievements and identity. HAKEN conveyed well wishes for their future endeavors, affirming their enduring place within the "HAKEN family."
Charlie Griffiths had been an integral member of HAKEN since 2008, contributing to all of the band’s studio albums. His departure marked the end of an era, given his long tenure and significant artistic input. In 2022, Griffiths released his debut solo LP, "Tiktaalika," showcasing his individual creative explorations. Conner Green joined HAKEN in 2014, succeeding the band’s original bassist, Thomas MacLean.
Prior to these departures and the release of the "In A Fever Dream" EP, HAKEN dedicated 2024 to celebrating their critically acclaimed 2023 studio album, "Fauna." This celebration took the form of an extensive "An Evening With" tour across the globe. These performances were unique, featuring the band playing "Fauna" in its entirety across two sets each night, followed by a selection of fan-favorite tracks from their broader catalog. A particularly notable performance during this period was the band’s homecoming show at London’s O2 Forum on September 21, 2024. The documentation of this special evening, captured by Paul Green Productions (known for their work with Devin Townsend and Steve Hackett) and mixed by Jens Bogren (recognized for his work with BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and Ihsahn), was subsequently released as "Liveforms: An Evening With Haken." This release serves as a testament to the band’s live prowess and their enduring connection with their audience.
HAKEN’s past touring activities have also included supporting roles, such as their planned appearance as the opening act for U.S. progressive rockers COHEED AND CAMBRIA on their U.K. tour dates in October of the previous year. However, these dates were ultimately canceled.
Analysis of Implications and Future Trajectory
The 2027 North American tour signifies a robust commitment from HAKEN to their live performance schedule and their engagement with their international fanbase. The inclusion of THANK YOU SCIENTIST and Einar Solberg as support acts is a strategic choice, aligning HAKEN with artists who share a similar dedication to musical complexity and adventurous songwriting. This collaboration is likely to attract a diverse audience, potentially introducing fans of the supporting acts to HAKEN’s music and vice versa. The pairing suggests a shared appreciation for intricate arrangements, technical proficiency, and emotionally resonant music within the progressive and alternative metal scenes.
The timing of the tour, set for March 2027, provides ample opportunity for the band to further integrate any new musical directions or material into their live sets. The "In A Fever Dream" EP, with its introspective themes and sonic experimentation, could serve as a foundation for new live interpretations or inspire the direction of future full-length albums. The band’s acknowledgement of challenges and their focus on "rediscovery" suggests a period of artistic growth and resilience. The departures of Griffiths and Green, while significant, appear to have been handled with mutual respect and have paved the way for HAKEN to continue their musical journey. The band’s ability to adapt and maintain a high level of creative output, as evidenced by the "In A Fever Dream" EP and the comprehensive tour announcement, speaks to their enduring strength and dedication to their craft.
The "Cruise To The Edge" leg of the tour, a well-established event for progressive rock enthusiasts, further solidifies HAKEN’s position within the genre’s elite. While Einar Solberg will not be participating in this specific segment, his presence throughout the mainland North American dates underscores the caliber of the touring package. The inclusion of a yet-to-be-announced venue in Cleveland, Ohio, indicates that the routing is still being finalized, allowing for potential adjustments or the addition of further dates as demand dictates. Overall, the 2027 tour represents a significant chapter for HAKEN, demonstrating their continued momentum and their unwavering dedication to delivering compelling live performances and innovative music to their global audience.
