Haken have announced that guitarist Charlie Griffiths and bassist Conner Green have left the band, marking a major lineup change for the UK progressive metal mainstays.
In a brief statement shared via the band’s social media, Haken said they were parting ways “with heavy hearts,” thanking both musicians for their years of writing, recording, and touring contributions, and calling them “irreplaceable” as players and people. The band added that Griffiths and Green “will always be a part of the Haken family,” and closed with a tantalizing hint: new music is expected later this year.
While no further details were provided about replacements or upcoming live plans, the announcement arrives after a period of uncertainty around the band’s schedule, following the cancellation of their Euroblast Festival appearance and their withdrawal from dates with Coheed and Cambria — moves that had already fueled speculation among fans.
Griffiths joined Haken in 2008 and has appeared across the band’s studio catalog, while also launching a solo project under the name Tiktaalika in recent years. Green joined the band in 2014, stepping in after the departure of original bassist Thomas MacLean and becoming a key part of the band’s modern era.
For now, Haken haven’t shared who will fill the vacant spots, or whether the upcoming material will feature new collaborators, but with “new music coming this year” now confirmed, more news seems imminent.
