FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET

4.5 stars. I don't consider myself one for metal, but this album really hits the spot. The very first time I heard the title track I was blown away by the raw energy mixed in with excellent musicianship. Anesthetize is amazing as a stand-alone track, but when you add in the rest of the album, Porcupine Tree delivers one of the most memorable albums of the decade. Steven Wilson portrays the adolescent male very accurately in the title track, and I feel like I can connect to this album on a deeper level than say, connecting with Procul Harum or even King Crimson (blessed be thy name). I find I connect with this album much in the same way I feel I can connect with Radiohead material, especially OK Computer. After a terrible day, I usually do not want to listen to something joyful and uplifting, but rather wallow in my own existence. This album is perfect for anyone who feels the same way.

Some highlights for me are the title track and Anesthetize. The both have great energy. My ashes brings a fantastic softer side to the album, while Sleep Together ends the album wonderfully. I agree with Steven Wilson on his albums. They are much like a Pink Floyd album. They need to be listened to from front to back in order to gain a full comprehension of the work. This album works the same way. Listen from the beginning to end, and you won't be unimpressed with this fantastic work of modern heavy prog.