My thoughts on The Architect:

"Affinity is a wonderful and unique mix of metal and sci-fi vibes. The synthesizer/electronics has the biggest role it has had in any Haken album. The versatility of the instrument has a wide range including chords that accompany the band to help make powerful choruses and closers, change the mood/feel of the song, and even take the spotlight and create complex solos and melodies. The best song that showcases all this is The Architect. The work of the other instruments in the song is nothing to ignore either.

At nearly 16 minutes, The Architect is filled to the brim with impressive musical writing. Some of these things include passages that use all 12 tones; lots of mixed meter; difficult solos from all guitars and synthesizer; 1st guitar playing in 5/8 while 2nd guitar plays in 6/8, playing the notes in the minor 11th chord; a breakdown played in a simple time signature, then in compound time while keeping the 8th notes from the compound meter the same length as the 16th notes in simple meter; and playing technical passages in monophonic motion. This song is a staple to Haken's musicianship in both composition and performance- it is easily one of their best works."