Porcupine Tree
Fear of a Blank Planet

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!