Deadwing

Performer: Porcupine Tree
Artist: Mikael Akerfeldt; Adrian Belew
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Porcupine Tree: Steven Wilson (vocals, guitar, hammer dulcimer, piano, keyboards, bass instrument); Richard Barbieri (keyboards, synthesizer); Colin Edwin (bass guitar); Gavin Harrison (drums, percussion). Personnel: Mikael �kerfeldt (guitar, background vocals); Adrian Belew (guitar). Porcupine Tree have always been pigeonholed with the modern prog movement, but the reality is that they're both a riff-addicted metal band and a troupe obsessed with rich harmonies and memorable refrains. Take the grinding guitar work of "Shallow" which dukes it out with frontman Steve Wilson's undeniably melodic chorus before easing into the delicate, beautifully crafted "Lazarus." Few bands exhibit this kind of depth, be it the dreamy, Pink Floyd-inspired hallucination "Halo" or the Queensr�che echoes of "Open Car." If the 12-minute sonic meander known as "Arriving Somewhere but Not Here" is as head-trippy as rock music gets anymore, it is reassuring to know that this Tree is still growing. Ideal for headphones, Deadwing -- despite its title -- takes flight nonetheless. ~ John D. Luerssen Considering their cinematic scope, it's fitting that the songs on DEADWING were actually inspired by a film script written by Porcupine Tree mastermind Steven Wilson. Not that this should come as any surprise to longtime fans who know the UK act's reputation for churning out epic progressive rock so sonically descriptive that it's practically visual. Porcupine Tree creates works with complex structures that do not alienate or obscure the songs themselves, pieces that are dark and psychedelic without being sinister. On the 12-minute opening title track, weighty guitar riffs and spacious synths immediately recall Nine Inch Nails, but swooping melodic changes give way to ambient passages, making it plain that this is no industrial-rock rip-off. "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" begins with processed backwards guitar, building into a harmony-fueled crescendo before dropping off completely to reveal sparse picking over loops and clicks. Guests Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth) and Adrian Belew (King Crimson) contribute vocal harmonies and guitar, respectively, and the disc comes enhanced with behind-the-scenes video footage as a bonus feature.

Formed in 1987, London's Porcupine Tree is one of the most highly regarded progressive rock acts in the genre. Blending influences of Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Deep Purple, Rush, and Black Sabbath, the band has released over 15 albums, EPs, and live recordings over its relatively short career. Part classic rock, part psychedelic, and part metal, Porcupine Tree also possesses a wide-ranging fan base. Though never garnering a "hit" single, the band was nominated for a Grammy in 2007.

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