Fen: Dear Mouse

Canadian prog metal band Fen have resurfaced with a new album, Dear Mouse.Founded in 1998 the band's longest serving members, singer Doug Harrison and multi-instrumentalist Sam Levin drank deep from the well of classic heavy metal when melody was king, although there was also plenty of room for fiery fretwork.

Even when they play really fast - budding musicians will have a hard time trying to keep up with Dying on a Hill (of Cubicle, Window, Steel, and Concrete) - the band is super tight. Riding the groundswell that started with NWOBHM and morphed into trash metal, Fen is a band that will appeal to musos and disgruntled teens of all ages. Recommended if you like Rush and Iron Maiden.

Fen: Of Losing Interest

Canadian hard rockers Fen have embraced prog on their new album Of Losing Interest. The heavy stoner riffs are still there, but there is more room for the vocals mashed with the melodic approach of bands like Rush and Jethro Tull. Lead singer Doug Harrison knows how to hold back when it fits the song. The slow Pilot Plant is a showcase for his vocal capabilities.

Of Losing Interest find the band at the crossroads - should they go left for prog rock or right for stoner? As it stands they have the best of both worlds. Long time fans may not like the lighter tone of the album - it's predecessor Trails Out of Gloom was pretty dark. Fen is still underground, but opening up their sound a bit might get them a bigger audience.

Fen: "Miracle" video

Heavy Planet premiered the new Fen video for Miracle, a stand-out track from their Trails Out of Gloom album. John Rancik, co-owner of the band's label Ripple Music, shows it on Vimeo.

» Fen on Facebook

HCTF review of Trails Out of Gloom.

Fen: Trails Out of Gloom

photo: Irene Irokhina

Vancouver band Fen have been building their progressive rock discography since 1998. After releasing three independent albums, their latest record Trails Out of Gloom is released by Ripple Music.

Recently the drummer and bassist, who played live with singer and guitarist Doug Harrison and fellow guitar player Sam Levin, have left the band. With a new rhythm section this collection of slow metal songs that tell stories about girls, mountains and royalty will be on the road soon. This isn't a "posthumous" release with above the cut vocals riding on top of the guitar tandem, propelled forward by a rhythm section that is no longer there. It is the start of a new beginning for a band that should be on the radar of any advanced metal aficionado.