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Rating:
THE REVIEW
Once upon a time, I couldn't go beyond excessive, technical, and virtuosic prog-rock. My tastes still favor that form, but I've discovered that the more melancholic, sentimental, and introspective prog is also astonishing, like that of Porcupine Tree, a band that manages to communicate emotions that go straight to the heart.
And honestly, I love their latest album for the melodies it offers and the very contrasting emotions it manages to convey, from the darkest to the most sentimental.
Of course, it has to seriously contend with masterpieces like "In Absentia," "The Sky Moves Sideways," and "Signify," but I must say that this "Fear Of A Blank Planet" is indeed an excellent album! Steven Wilson, as usual, leaves nothing to chance, and if he were to leave anything to chance, I think it would be a minor distraction.
The title track is honestly one of my favorites written by the group and manages to impart an energy that few other of their songs can convey: powerful guitars and a fast and smooth rhythm but also space for keyboards and some delicate acoustic moments. Remarkable and melancholic "My Ashes" with piano and keyboards in the spotlight; definitely a song for the romantics. But probably the album reaches its peak in the suite "Anesthetize"; 17 minutes of dark, dramatic sound among delicate guitar touches, electronic experiments, distorted guitars in a metal key, Hammond parts, all very well curated. In "Sentimental", again, very touching melodies, while "Way Out Of Here" is another song with dark and dramatic tones, as can also be demonstrated by Steven Wilson's vocal performance in the chorus, and once again metal influences emerge before the final chorus; a good song to release anger, to listen to in difficult moments. Pleasant, even if perhaps a bit subdued compared to the others, is the closer "Sleep Together" where evident electronic influences and good orchestrations emerge in the chorus.
An overall well-made album but before listening to it, keep an eye on the masterpieces created in the past!
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Summary by Bot
The reviewer appreciates Porcupine Tree's album Fear of a Blank Planet for its emotional and introspective prog-rock style. It balances dark and sentimental tones through memorable melodies and complex compositions. Highlights include the energetic title track, the romantic 'My Ashes,' and the epic suite 'Anesthetize.' Although it competes with the band's earlier masterpieces, this album is praised as an excellent addition to their discography.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Porcupine Tree
Porcupine Tree is an English progressive rock band led by Steven Wilson, known for blending psychedelic, progressive and alternative rock elements across studio albums and live recordings.44 Reviews
Other reviews
By Gregor_Lake
Fear of a Blank Planet is certainly a further confirmation of the band’s maturity, allowing us to appreciate not only the technical prowess but also the compositional and arrangement tastes.
The standout piece of the album is the suite 'Anesthetize' which is smooth and fluid in all its 17 minutes, never suffering from repetitiveness or various expansions.
By DanteCruciani
The songs seem to flow anonymously, only rarely is the stage illuminated by some good insight.
Fear of a Blank Planet feels cold and distant.
By omegabass
The six tracks of 'Fear Of A Blank Planet' are pure perfection, and this time they are even beyond appearances.
'Anesthetize,' seventeen minutes that split the album in half, flows more than three minutes of Sanremo and is... perhaps the most emblematic piece of the Porcupine Tree style.
By MORPHEO 33
Porcupine Tree continues to climb, album after album, to unattainable heights; to places where common people do not think and especially cannot reach.
Anesthetize is destined to become one of the band’s most beautiful and successful suites.
By NoodlesMurphy
From Steven's first guitar stroke, you recognize them, these Porcupine Tree.
Anesthetize... All perfect, a 10 and praise closure.
