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Haven (Marianas Trench album)

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Haven is the sixth studio album by Canadian pop rock band Marianas Trench. The album was released on August 30, 2024, via 604 Records. The group released four singles prior to the album's release, "A Normal Life", "Lightning and Thunder", "I'm Not Getting Better" and "Down to You".

Haven
Studio album by
Marianas Trench
ReleasedAugust 30, 2024
RecordedJuly 2022 – July 2024
Genre
Length52:50
Label
ProducerJosh Ramsay
Marianas Trench chronology
Phantoms
(2019) 		Haven
(2024)
Singles from Haven
  1. "A Normal Life"
    Released: April 26, 2024
  2. "Lightning and Thunder"
    Released: May 24, 2024
  3. "I'm Not Getting Better"
    Released: July 12, 2024
  4. "Down To You"
    Released: August 16, 2024

Background

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After spending the last year touring across Canada, including performances at the Calgary Stampede and Malkin Bowl,[4][5] the group headed to the studio in July 2022, to begin working on their sixth studio album.[6] Much like their previous releases, Haven is a concept album, drawing inspiration from Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey.[7] Lead vocalist Josh Ramsay began garnering ideas for Haven while he was writing his debut solo studio album, The Josh Ramsay Show in 2022.[8] Following a deep dive into the book, Ramsay was "in awe" of how much the idea applied to every story. Ramsay used one of the plot points in the story, Campbell's observation in every hero's journey, to guide each track.[7] In addition to the album's concept, it is also an autobiographical album to Ramsay.[9] Lead guitarist Matt Webb stated that the group set a goal to one-up themselves on this record and pushed to incorporate a "high gain, high energy, unfiltered and unapologetic" Marianas Trench sound.[10]

"We have grown so much during the making of this record, yet together in a room, creating and listening to music, we go backwards. We feel (and act) just like kids. Life is blissful and turbulent, but when we are together, it's safe. It's Haven. We hope you hear and feel it the same way we do."[10]

As well as being inspired by The Hero's Journey, the album was influenced by "all walks of life." The band wanted to have a deep emotional feel and evoke "real inner struggles" on the album.[11] According to Ramsay, he had seen plot lines of The Hero's Journey featured in literature and films, but never in music,[8] which resulted in going "back to the drawing board" on this album more times than their previous records.[2] He also felt that the process was "significantly more ambitious than he'd anticipated."[12]

Composition

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Haven contains 13 tracks, all written and produced by Ramsay.[7] The album features layers of synthesizers, as well as additional contributions from the Vancouver Film Orchestra conducted by Hal Beckett.[13] According to bassist Mike Ayley, the band wanted the album to have "a cinematic kind of feel," adding in lots of guitar and orchestral sounds.[9] Ayley also added that there are hidden references to their old songs and melodies as the album progresses.[9] The opening track, "A Normal Life" has a run time of nearly seven minutes is described as glam rock and progressive rock.[14] Ramsay wanted the song to "be as bold as possible" and ambitious.[8] The lyrics of the song explain the "feeling like you don't belong in your place in life and knowing you were meant for something more."[15] "Down to You" is a symphonic rock track, drawing similarities to the group's earlier work such as Masterpiece Theatre and Ever After.[16] "Lightning and Thunder" was written about Ramsay finding out that he and his wife were going to have their first child, with the main message being "a call to adventure."[17] "I'm Not Getting Better" is a blend of pop punk,[18] dancepop and synthpop.[19] The song is a reflection on self-doubt and overcoming life's obstacles,[20] corresponding to "the third plot point featured in The Hero's Journey."[21] The ninth track, "Turn and Run" ends in a crescendo, reminiscent of the title track from their third studio album, Ever After.[22] "Worlds Collide" is a piano driven track and references old material from their second studio album, Masterpiece Theatre.[22] The album's closing track "Haven", was compared to their fourth studio album, Astoria's last track, "End of an Era", making references to their earlier work.[22]

Release

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On April 26, 2024, the group released the first single from the album and their first song since 2019, "A Normal Life".[14] On May 24, "Lightning and Thunder" was released as the album's second single.[23] The song peaked at number 38 on the Canada CHR/Top 40 and number 22 on the Canada Hot AC chart.[24][25] On July 12, the group released "I'm Not Getting Better" as the third single from the album.[21] On July 23, the group premiered the music video for "Lightning and Thunder" via VEVO and was directed by Ben Knechtel.[26] On July 26, the group announced their sixth studio album, Haven, released on August 30, 2024, via 604 Records and Warner Music Canada.[27] Originally scheduled for release in February 2024, the album's release date was pushed back by six months, due to events occurring in Ramsay's life.[2] On August 16, the band release the album's fourth single, "Down to You".[16]

Promotion

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On May 28, the band announced the Force of Nature Tour. In support of the album's release, it is set to begin in September and will feature support from Cassadee Pope and Grayscale in the US and LØLØ in Canada, among others.[28] On August 21, the band hosted an exclusive premiere of Haven in Toronto, performing the songs on the album live for the first time for fans who attended the event.[29]

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Earmilk     [3]
Melodic     [22]
New Noise Magazine     [30]
The Spill Magazine8/10[31]

Haven was met with positive reviews from music critics. Nick Anastasia of Melodic stated that the album, "feels like the spiritual successor to 2011's magical Ever After... the 80's inspired sound of 2015's Astoria is highly present (particularly on some of the uptempo number), Phantoms dark moodiness is much more prominent, as is the more rock inspired sound from 2009's breakout, Masterpiece Theatre. Overall, Ramsay and the guys have managed to fuse the sounds of the best of their work and harnessed it into the powerhouse album that is Haven.[22] Stuart Derdeyn of Vancouver Sun noted, "From the Queen-like vocal flights in 'Into the Storm' and the surprisingly Toto-ish pulse of 'Ancient History' or rousing balladry of 'Nights Like These', it's clear that an incredible amount of time was devoted to shaping the final results."[8]

Zee Caine of New Noise Magazine remarked, "The album mixes a brilliant feel reminiscent of their previous work with a more grown-up feel. It demonstrates how they have grown as musicians and it'll leave their fans wanting even more from them. Despite the lengthy time between albums, their sound has not changed all that much, but the content of the lyrics, definitely has a more mature tone to it."[30]

Mercedes Chircop of The Spill Magazine gave a positive review for the album, stating "Their ability to paint vivid imagery with both music and lyrics is what sets this album apart... Josh Ramsay's signature raspy scream makes a powerful appearance, adding that raw emotion fans have come to love. The band's trademark harmonizing vocals are on full display, creating those lush, layered soundscapes that elevate every track."[31]

Raniel Santos of Earmilk called the album their "best work," stating that "Marianas Trench still has enough magic up their sleeve to sustain them for years to come. Their adaptation of The Hero’s Journey is faithfully executed and granted a personal touch, showing the Canadian quartet is willing and able to adapt their signature blend of pop and symphonic rock to fit multiple kinds of stories."[3]

Track listing

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Haven track listing
No.TitleLength
1."A Normal Life"6:51
2."Lightning and Thunder"3:25
3."I'm Not Getting Better"2:48
4."Down to You"2:28
5."Now or Never"3:08
6."Into the Storm"4:00
7."Ancient History"2:48
8."Stand and Fight"3:17
9."Turn and Run"3:34
10."Worlds Collide"5:26
11."Nights Like These"2:50
12."Remember Me By"3:45
13."Haven"8:30
Total length:52:50

Personnel

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Charts

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Chart performance for Haven
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[32] 87

Release history

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Release dates and formats for Haven
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Canada August 30, 2024
[33]
Various Digital download 604 [34]

References

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  1. ^ Samuel Stevens (August 26, 2024). "Album Review: Marianas Trench - Haven". Crucial Rhythm. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d Carley Hall (August 30, 2024). "Inspired By A Hero's Journey, 'Haven' Became A Bigger Project Than Marianas Trench Expected". The Music. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Raniel Santos (September 2, 2024). "Marianas Trench channel something special on new album 'Haven'". Earmilk. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  4. ^ "Marianas Trench Receive Road Gold Certification 2021". Canadian Independent Music Association. July 14, 2021. Archived from the original on July 24, 2021. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  5. ^ "Vancouver band Marianas Trench to perform at Stanley Park's Malkin Bowl". Daily Hive. August 9, 2021. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  6. ^ Jason Tate (July 7, 2022). "Marianas Trench Working on New Album". Chorus.fm. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Megan LaPierre (July 26, 2024). "Marianas Trench Announce First New Album in Five Years, 'Haven'". Exclaim!. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d Stuart Derdeyn (September 5, 2024). "Let Marianas Trench take you on a journey in its latest album Haven". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c Victoria Goodwin (July 31, 2024). "Diving into Marianas Trench's new album, 'Haven'". Melodic. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Maddy Howell (July 26, 2024). "Marianas Trench Announce New Album 'Haven'". Rock Sound. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  11. ^ Liz Montville (August 13, 2024). "Exclusive Interview: Marianas Trench Embark on Their Own Hero's Journey with the Upcoming Album Haven". The Honey Pop. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  12. ^ Jackson Weaver (August 31, 2024). "Even with a new album, Marianas Trench is still extremely online". CBC News. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  13. ^ Logan White (July 26, 2024). "Marianas Trench to release new album 'Haven' on August 30th". Substream Magazine. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Sydney Brasil (April 29, 2024). "Marianas Trench Go Glam Rock on Comeback Track 'A Normal Life'". Exclaim!. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  15. ^ Melanie Kentner (May 28, 2024). "Marianas Trench coming to Caesars Windsor this fall". CTV News. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  16. ^ a b Raniel Santos (August 16, 2024). "Marianas Trench show growth on new single 'Down to You'". Earmilk. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  17. ^ Vicki Duong (May 28, 2024). "Pop punk locals Marianas Trench set to close out tour with a hometown show". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  18. ^ Johan Wippsson (July 13, 2024). "Marianas Trench Release New Single 'I'm Not Getting Better'". Melodic. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  19. ^ Zee Caine (July 11, 2024). "News: Marianas Trench Announce Share 'I'm Not Getting Better'". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  20. ^ Paige Owens (July 12, 2024). "Marianas Trench Unleashes Hopeful New Single 'I'm Not Getting Better'". idobi Radio. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  21. ^ a b Maddy Howell (July 12, 2024). "Marianas Trench Share Dance-Ready Single 'I'm Not Getting Better'". Rock Sound. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  22. ^ a b c d e Nick Anastasia (August 30, 2024). "Melodic Review: Marianas Trench – Haven". Melodic. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  23. ^ Maria Serra (May 24, 2024). "Marianas Trench Prep for Adventure on 'Lightning and Thunder'". idobi Radio. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  24. ^ "Canada CHR/Top 40: Week of August 10, 2024". Billboard. July 27, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  25. ^ "Canada Hot AC: Week of August 10, 2024". Billboard. July 20, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  26. ^ Paige Owens (July 23, 2024). "Marianas Trench Shares Cinematic Video For 'Lightning And Thunder'". idobi Radio. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  27. ^ Paige Owens (July 26, 2024). "Marianas Trench Announces New Album 'Haven'". idobi Radio. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  28. ^ Megan LaPierre. "Marianas Trench Plot Fall North American Tour". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  29. ^ @mtrench (August 23, 2024). "Thank you to all the fans who came out to our secret event in Toronto to listen to Haven with us for the first time. We appreciate you all and can't wait for the rest of you to hear it" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  30. ^ a b Zee Caine (September 3, 2024). "Album Review: Marianas Trench – Haven". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  31. ^ a b Mercedes Chircop (August 30, 2024). "Spill Album Review: Marianas Trench – Haven". The Spill Magazine. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  32. ^ "Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of September 14, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  33. ^ "Haven (CD + Merch Bundle) Pre-Order". 604 Records. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  34. ^ "Haven - Album by Marianas Trench". Apple Music. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
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