Fear of a Blank Planet by Porcupine Tree

Fear of a Blank Planet, Porcupine Tree's masterpiece and an absolute masterpiece of progressive rock, from 2007

An essential album in any self-respecting prog collection, In Absentia represents the pinnacle of Porcupine Tree's splendid output, but for me it is, albeit slightly superior.

The sound follows the (splendid) line of their previous album, Deadwing, progressive rock influenced by heavy metal and psychedelic rock with great arrangements, melodies, and superb production. But as I often say, in the works of the genius Steven Wilson, this is not a novelty, but rather the standard, which is extremely high.

The lyrics are all Wilson's; it's a concept album that addresses contemporary themes such as communication, sexuality and addiction, video games, and the state of alienation they generate. It's about a bipolar boy on the cusp of adolescence undergoing medication, bored, isolated, who spends his hours in bed playing in the dark of his room, listening to music, texting on his cell phone, watching hardcore movies online, and spending his time downloading movies and music with violent content, like the news he's most interested in.

A distressing and incredibly realistic glimpse into our times, then.

The soundtrack reflects all of this; it's a masterpiece, as I've already said, this is Art, an album packed with emotions and sensations like few others have ever managed.

Practically a single song divided into six parts, a disturbing, powerful, dramatic journey into that child's mind.

Steven Wilson's guitar is the best I've heard, Colin Edwin's bass is incredible (as always), and Richard Barbieri's keyboards perfectly define the atmosphere.

An extraordinary Gavin Harrison, one of the greatest living drummers, with his complex timing and flawless execution, with great passion.

But we also have outstanding guest appearances with Alex Lifeson on lead guitar in Anesthetize, Robert Fripp creating the soundscape in Way Out of Here, John Wesley on backing vocals, Dave Stewart on string arrangements and orchestration, and the magnificent London Session Orchestra with its strings, conducted by Gavyn Wright. A group, including guests, that can create, under Wilson's guidance, only masterpieces.

There are symphonic ballads like in My Ashes, but also punk rock like in Fear of a Blank Planet, the title track, progrevvive metal, electronica, progressive rock, there's the long and beautiful Anesthesize and the magnificent Way Out of Here, but the song I love the most is Sleep Together with a beautiful string section. Sentimental is also beautiful.

So the sound, atmosphere, lyrics, concept, musicians, production, compositions, and performances are all top-notch, which are the ingredients that make, at this level of excellence, a masterpiece.

A MUST-HAVE, period.

The Tracks

1. Fear of a Blank Planet (7:28)

2. My Ashes (5:07)

3. Anesthetize (17:43)

4. Sentimental (5:27)

5. Way Out of Here (7:38)

6. Sleep Together (7:30)

Running Time 50:53

The Lineup

- Steven Wilson - vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards, string arrangements, mixing

- Richard Barbieri - keyboards, synthesizers

- Colin Edwin - bass

- Gavin Harrison - drums and percussion

Featuring:

- Alex Lifeson - lead guitar (3)

- Robert Fripp - soundscapes (5)

- John Wesley - backing vocals

- Dave Stewart - string arrangements and orchestration

- London Session Orchestra - strings

- Gavyn Wright - conductor