Haven of Echoes – Memento Vivere

What a great year 2024 has been so far for new prog releases and one in particular has been very welcome. Following up on their 2022 debut album, Haven of Echoes have a second release entitled ”Memento Vivere.” The pair behind this project are singer/guitarist Paul Sadler and multi-instrumentalist Andreas Hack, associated with the bands Spires and Frequency Drift, respectively. This second helping runs out at 48 minutes which are covered by just four tracks. This alone is enough to have any self-respecting prog fan salivating.

The line-up is once again completed by drummer Wolfgang Ostermann and Andreas’ former bandmate, Nerissa Schwarz on electric harp and keyboards. All the vocals and main guitar duties are handled by Paul including the harmonies. Andreas is left taking on responsibility for keyboards, synths, bass, mandolin, and anything else that is required.

With such an array of instruments and talent at their disposal, the quality and enjoyment factors are almost guaranteed. The proof of the pudding is in the eating though and this new venture starts strongly with a 17-minute epic. Entitled ‘Non Sum, Non Curo,’ it is a feast aurally and cerebrally. It could be taken as philosophical in nature with the title translating as “I am not, I care not.” To put it another way, not being bothered by not existing before you existed, and not bothered by not existing after you have ceased to exist. Thankfully if you are reading this, you are between those states and will have a chance to enjoy this track. It is ethereal and thought provoking with Paul’s unmistakable vocals and the veritable orchestra of musical contraptions creating a rich mellifluous tapestry.

On their first album, Paul only got to play guitar on one track, the poor boy. Now, having proven his worth he has been given free reign across the whole album. I am sure he won’t mind me making a joke of that. Not only is he a fantastic musician but anyone who has met him will know what an enthusiastic sense of humour he has.

At just over half the length of the opener, ‘Ad Infinitum’ is still long enough for plenty of variety. The accompanying video has endless changes, so try not to look away. This song was written by harpist Nerissa, with what Paul describes as some of his more pessimistic lyrics. Despite this it is laid-back and relaxing, and Paul says it is one of his favourite tracks on the album. You may find it quite easy to surrender to the ambience of the music.

Slow doomy chords reminiscent of ‘Black Sabbath’ by Black Sabbath introduce another epic; ‘It Walks Among us.’ I have not quite worked out what “it” is exactly, although I suspect it is death. There are clues in the lyrics such as “welcome to purgatory, make yourself at home.” Also “we invite him in, to our hearth and kin and say to him, stay for the funeral, let us drink together, as we slur our hopeless pleasantries.” These lines are sung in a melancholic fashion, with others delivered in a darker and creepier manner where appropriate.

Last and least, but only in length (a mere 8 minutes and 14 seconds), is the first single released from this album, ‘Assimilation.’ It comes with another accompanying ever changing kaleidoscopic video. The combined melodic effect created by guitar, keyboards, synths, harp, and vocals float over the complex time signatures effortlessly. A laid-back guitar solo from Paul adds a little flourish and there are some electronic effects later on. Towards the end of the track and album, the vocals become harsher, and it almost becomes death metal but not quite.

I found it difficult to select my favourite tracks on this album because they are all excellent. So, I just picked the two longest ones, because you get more bang for your buck with those! When I reviewed their first album, I scored it 9/10 but this one is getting a 10. The albums are similar, but this one has more guitar solos. I sincerely hope that there will be more to come from this pair. If there is, I am afraid all they can aspire to is top marks from me.

Track list:

1. Non Sum Non Curo
2. Ad Infinitum
3. It Walks Among Us
4. Assimilation