"The Face of the Unknown applies many new layers of colour, atmosphere and compositional cleverness, resulting in a dizzying exercise in ruthlessly precise complexity. With two such bold and well-constructed albums in the can already, [Aeon Zen] could well be dominating the genre for years to come." - Full review
Classic Rock Presents Prog Magazine (U.K.)
5/5 - "Aeon Zen is a force to be reckoned with in the world of progressive metal as the new album "The Face Of The Unknown" continues to produce music of such excellence which few are able to achieve. It could very well be one of the top releases of the year."
SeaOfTranquility.org
15/16 - "[Rich Hinks] plays all the instruments and his performance level on each is of the highest caliber. This Cambridge, UK composer has a bright future and this album stands as a testament to his promising career. Exhilarating."
Progression Magazine (U.S.)
9.5/10 - "Rich Hinks is seriously one talented dude playing all instruments and singing as well... In what has already been a wonderful year for prog releases, this CD needs to be added to that list and should be added to yours as well."
PerfectProg.com
4.5/5 - "Intriguing and mature prog tunes, with everything that is necessary to make this genre an explorative expedition. I urge you to check this album out. For me this was like a revelation."
RockReport.be
4.5/5 - "Great compositions, melody and brutality go hand in hand, cleverly arranged and combined with some symphony, "The Face Of The Unknown" is clearly one of the better albums in this genre. The album is definitely recommended for people who love to hear intelligent prog metal." (Translation by Google)
StormBringer.at
616/666 - "A clever and creative mix of song structures that is nothing short of original and completely out of the box. I loved this disc from beginning to end."
NightSpirit.no
9/10 - "An album where you will find atmosphere, melody, strength, intelligence, virtuosity, variety. An album worth listening calmly to savor every detail, excellent instrumentation, melodies, riffs, keyboards, excellent sound..." (Translation by Google)
NoizzWebzine
90/100 - "Chops and changes all over the place and is a real triumph... [An] essential addition to your music collection."
HarmonicLizard.com
9/10 - "The Face Of The Unknown is a step forward for Aeon Zen. Prog metal fans should definitely check out this new album!"
Ice-Vajal.com
5/6 - "Fans of everything from Malmsteen and Symphony X, to Kamelot and early Stratovarius should find a lot to enjoy in this album. There is little to fault about this album." (Translation by Lars Normann)
Scream Magazine (Norway)
"10 songs - 10 hits, which clearly shows the maximum number of points. But what else is expected also from a musical prodigy? And this is Rich Hinks, without any doubt." (Translation by Google)
Hooked-On-Music.de
89/100 - "Mature compositional approach. The instrumental execution is once again of a high standard. A joy to listen to and should make Rich Hinks the most known face of Prog Metal."
PowerOfMetal.dk
"Listening to The Face Of The Unknown, I’m very impressed by the way this rather young man provides us with such a mature album. Great complex compositions worked out perfectly... A CD that goes to the top ranks of my favourite albums of the year. Well done!"
BackgroundMagazine.nl
8.5/10 - "Powerful prog with good layered keyboards... with long instrumental passages worked out well." (Translation by Google)
SeigneursDuMetal.fr
"From A to Z, Aeon Zen’s The Face of the Unknown has something for everyone and will impress the most veteran ear."
MusicStreetJournal.com
17/20 - "This is an album frankly astonishing maturity of stunning instrumental skills, and original compositions, an album that can not be ignored." (Translation by Google)
AuxPortesDuMetal.com
8/10 - "The truth is that this is my most listened to album for several weeks... The album does not disappoint." (Translation by Google)
RockArea.eu
8/10 - "This is progressive metal at its best. I am sure I am not mistaken when I call this a snack for progressive fans." (Translation by Google)
HeavyMetal.no
8/10 - "A very well built album... A second successful album for Aeon Zen." (Translation by Google)
HeavySound.fr
8/10 - "To describe Rich Hinks as the mastermind is certainly not an understatement..." (Translation by Google)
Bleeding4Metal.de
8/10 - "Extremely natural sounding prog metal with plenty of warmth and even more emotions. A more than recommendable album." (Translation by Google)
Metal.de
8/10 - "The present and future of British progressive metal. Very little can stand in the way of Aeon Zen."
Esquizofrenzia
77/100 - "A good maturity in songwriting and ability to create textures that can adapt to the different vocalists to suit their vocal talents in context." (Translation by Google)
HardSounds.it
7.5/10 - "Nothing seems to stop Richard Hinks to move towards more original music. A great progressive metal album." (Translation by Google)
MusicWaves.fr
7/10 - "On the second work, The Face of the Unknown offer Aeon Zen sophisticated Progressive Metal that does not announce itself only extremely melodic, but also an enormous range of styles." (Translation by Google)
Classic Rock Magazine Germany
"The album is a very strong statement from start to finish with a powerful and clear sound, so if you like your music varied, inventive and well played then pick up a copy of The Face of the Unknown. You won't regret it."
Fireworks Magazine (U.K.)
"Rich Hinks returns with a second piece in the progressive rock scene and makes it clear that his talent is endless... With this work Aeon Zen undoubtedly become one of the best melodic prog bands of the moment." (Translation by Google)
RockTotal.com
"The question presented is whether Rich Hinks could top the last output "A Mind's Portrait". The answer, quite clearly, yes he could and more. It is an absolute listening pleasure, and thus a must!" (Translation by Google)
MetalUnderground.at
"The 21-year-old Rich Hinks must be a wonder boy, because everything sounds at a very high level." (Translation by Google)
daMusic.be
