FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET

The prog album of 2007. I didn't buy much of that years music crop, so I will not judge it by those standards, but I can confirm that it is an excellent album. the only other Steven Wilson work I am familiar with is his collaboration with Opeth as keyboardist and producer on Blackwater Park. I must say though, I believe him to be a very talented musician.

'Fear of a Blank Planet' is an excellent semi-metal song, and probably the first PT song I heard (although it might have been Arriving Somewhere or Blackest Eyes). The lyrics are a bit extreme but there are probably people my age (16) out there who feel like the emotions described in this bleak song. 'My Ashes' brings the pace down to a slow burning ballad with lyrics that really strike home. 'Anesthetize' is the epic centrepiece. It would not be counted amongst my favourite epics, but it still is excellent, incorporating an Alex Lifeson solo, some heavy metal sections, and a brilliant psychedelic ending. 'Sentimental' is a highlight that is another sof reminiscent song. 'Way Out of Here' is probably the weakest track, but I still enjoy it, and it fits in with the album. Fripp's magic touch is present here of course. 'Sleep Together' has an industrial feeling similar to the music of Nine Inch Nails, but surprises me with its symphonic ending.

The quality of the music presented on this album is excellent and has some sort of quasi-concept. It is very bleak. Teenagers should appreciate the original twist on angsty lyrics, even if it is a bit pretentious for an old geezer like Wilson to write them ;-P

I would recomend this to fans of prog who like a modern twist to their music. There are nuances in the sound that remind me of Crimson but I'm not sure why. I will give it a well deserved four stars.