THE RAVEN THAT REFUSED TO SING (AND OTHER STORIES)

I am a deep follower and admirer of Steven Wilson's career since I discovered his great creative potential more than 10 years ago, and I think without a doubt that "The Raven That Refused To Sing (And Other Stories)" symbolizes the most height of his creative career, because in the whole, this is a Complete disc more than its predecessor, better managed and a solidity that is reaffirmed as a leader at the forefront of the progressive current of our times, compacting best musical referents '70s, as King Crimson, Genesis and Pink Floyd, and recruiting Alan Parson, evolving into an elegant modernity.

The album, as you know, is based on tales and ghost stories that will not go, but that provide the basis necessary for the deployment atmospheric instrumental and bombastic sound that Steven Wilson has accustomed us.

Beginning the album with "Luminol" (12:10) shows fully the complex vocal and instrumental ensembles an issue that makes it clear that the sounds of the '70s in the hands of Wilson are more than a resource, are the essence and meaning of modernity of where you want the artist evolve and where just maybe might be missing the drones sounds well made, explored in his earlier works. Topic elegantly epic, virtuous, excellent.

"Drive Home" (7:37) are the remnants of recent work with Porcupine Tree, starting with a beautiful and sweet melody, keyboards especially in parts reminds me of the sounds of Radiohead "OK Computer" or " amnesiac ". Very touching theme development, which increases greatly toward the end guitar solo Guthrie Govan, splendid.

"The Holy Drinker" (10:13), is for me the strongest point of the disc. History devilish and hallucinating, which contains everything you expect from Steven Wilson and his band, which sounds seventies psychedelia date has masterfully role. Exultant, powerful and mysterious.

"The Pin Drop" (5:03) is to be like the second part of the previous item, captivating vocals and saxophone, tremendous melody, beautiful drum work, from the subtle to the power and madness masterfully whole subject is recorded easily into the subconscious.

"The Watchmaker" (11:43) ghost story turns out to be the best achieved, starting with a subtle melody where soft and gentle winds principle Travis, adorn a beautiful work from minute 4:31, and at times most critical towards the end, brings to mind the interpretation on the album "Pulse" from Pink Floyd's song "Shine On You Crazy Diamond". Keyboards, drums, bass and guitars are deployed together masterfully. Extraordinary.

The sixth and final track, "The Raven That Refused To Sing" (7:57) reminds us again interpretive subtlety of Tom York, which confirms the stylistic connection of both artists in the most melancholy. However, the 4:30 minute track develops after the post rock sticking towards more enlightened interpretations of Anathema, comforting the spirit and achieving a light of positivity after so many spooky stories. A final round.

In short, a masterpiece that will remain for posterity, to date the best prog rock album 2013, 5 stars definitely.