The Cocoon

The Cocoon
Cover art of The Cocoon
Studio album by
Released9 August 2019[1]
GenreProgressive metal
Length47:38[1]
LabelHen Music[2]
ProducerRichard Henshall, Simon Grove[1]

The Cocoon is the debut solo album by British guitarist and keyboardist Richard Henshall of Haken fame. It was released on 9 August 2019.[1] It features guest performances of his Haken bandmate Ross Jennings (vocals), among other guests. The main members include bassist Conner Green (also of Haken) and Cynic drummer Matt Lynch.[1][3]

It was initially planned for a 26 July release.[4][5] Henshall cites Bon Iver, Meshuggah and Squarepusher as influences and says the album reflects his tastes for electronic music, jazz and metal.[3]

The song "Twisted Shadows", which features guest performances from Jennings and from Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess, started with some improvisations at Henshall's piano and is influenced by Prince, Frank Zappa, The Dear Hunter and Meshuggah.[6]

  1. ^ a b c d e "The Cocoon". Bandcamp. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  2. ^ "The Cocoon". Apple Music. Apple Inc. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  3. ^ a b Ewing, Jerry (2 May 2019). "Haken's Richard Henshall announces solo album". Louder Sound. Future plc. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  4. ^ Michels, Alexandra (2 May 2019). "HAKEN - Richard Henshall kündigt "The Cocoon"-Soloalbum an". Rock Hard. Rock Hard Verlags- und Handels- GmbH. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  5. ^ Neilstein, Vince (16 July 2019). "Haken Guitarist Richard Henshall Releases Solo Track Featuring Dream Theater and Cynic Members". MetalSucks. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  6. ^ Ewing, Jerry (15 July 2019). "Richard Henshall premieres new solo track Twisted Shadows with Prog". Louder Sound. Future plc. Retrieved 16 September 2019.