FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET

Porcupine Tree's most grim and apathetic album is also their finest. The album aptly named "Fear Of A Blank Planet" reveals a side of Porcupine Tree that's heavier than "In Absentia," more epic than "The Sky Moves Sideways," and more entertaining than a Bruce Willis flick. Whether you're headbanging to the title track or in deep reminiscence over "Way Out Of Here," you'll realize that Steven Wilson & Co. attempted to stretch their musical boundaries and create a piece of music that would separate them from their spacey 'Floydian' roots. The record, clocking in at around 54 minutes, contains industrial, metal, psychedelic and atmospheric elements that blend together to create an album that is not only inspirational and thought provoking, but also an emotional masterpiece. The lyrics, considered by some to be shoddy and third rate, might actually be the highlight of the album. The description of teen angst, drug abuse and the fixation of electronic entities in today's modern age sets the tone for the entire album. The writing may seem linear, but in reality Steven Wilson's ability to describe these issues in a direct manner is a blessing. No concealed metaphorical meanings or pseudo-intellectual philosophies, instead this album is able to transcend the need for explicitness and give its listener the opportunity to hear something more genuine.

Did I mention that musically the album is utterly superb? Steven Wilson has once again proven his musical craftsmanship is the pinnacle of progressive music. Each song flows seamlessly; every transition is fluid, every chord and synth a purpose. Each song seems to portray a different emotional element, whether it's the title track's sense of hopelessness and neglect, Sentimental's rendition of reminiscence, or the yearn for something different in Way Out Of Here. The variety of songs is spectacular, considering that every song flows in somewhat of the same vein, and each song has a glowing characteristic that sets it apart from the rest of the album. Fear Of A Blank Planet might be the catchiest song in progressive music, My Ashes serves as a soft ballad-esque precursor to the epic Anesthetize, where the band is able to combine metal, industrial and psychedelic elements in addition to superb transitions in what might be their best song ever. Sentimental may at first look seem like simply another slow-paced melody, but it couldn't be farther from the truth, as the haunting piano and synthesizers create a haunting atmosphere. Way Out Of Here, the weakest track, still has it's perks. The majority of the song takes on a somewhat sluggish pace, but it is followed by an explosive chorus. Sleep Together is the last track, and most definitely Porcupine Tree's best album closer. Beginning with memorable synths the song quickly evolves into a classical masterpiece, with raving violins and powerful drumming by Harrison by Harrison to finish the record.

Many might find this album too heavy for their taste, it represented Porcupine Tree's departure from the alterna-rock stage to a more industrial and metal focused band. The album truly epitomizes modern progressive perfection, and ultimately should go down as not only one of the best albums of the decade, but also as one of the most influential. Wilson and the rest of the band really solidified their place in progressive stardom with this record, as their ability to blend influences and genres, their individual musicianship, beautiful songwriting and surprising eclecticism all reached the pinnacle of flawlessness with this record, "Fear Of A Blank Planet" really is an indisputable work of art.

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