Artist: Porcupine Tree Title: “Fear Of A Blank Planet” DVD Label: Atlantic Records Release Date: Genre: Progressive Hard Rock Rating: 4.5/5
Now that you have had more than enough time to enjoy the original release by Porcupine Tree “Fear Of A Blank Planet”, I can discuss a little bit about the Special Limited Edition version that presents the album on a DVD as opposed to CD and not only delivers the 5.1 audio mix but gives you video extras and bonus tracks. Having absorbed the initial album for many months I still find it a profound piece of creative music and that it probably captured some of the best that composer/guitarist Steven Wilson has ever done. My original comments on the release are presented in recap for you below and then I will discuss some of the finer points about the special edition. Continue reading “Fear Of A Blank Planet” (DVD) by Porcupine Tree→
Artist: Porcupine Tree Title: “Fear Of A Blank Planet” Label: Atlantic Records Release Date: 4/24/2007 Genre: Progressive Rock Rating: 4.5/5
While I have long enjoyed Progressive Rock and Metal acts like Dream Theater and Rush along with the legends of the genre such as ELP and Yes, I never quite sat down and took the time to absorb what the band Porcupine Tree was all about until the band’s 2007 release “Fear Of A Blank Planet”. Going into the group with a limited background was rather exciting because I had no pre-conceived notions or expectations from them other than the learned knowledge that founder Steven Wilson had written the album based on his views of the way in which we are living in the world today. We are still the MTV generation in some sense or at least an Internet and video game console generation when it comes down to it. The constant flow and feed of information and stimuli to our senses end up as nothing more than distractions to actually living ones life and with this framework to build upon, Wilson has delivered that which is being referred to as Porcupine Tree’s most stunning album to date. Continue reading “Fear Of A Blank Planet” by Porcupine Tree→
Well it’s that time of the year again and that means it’s time to share with you all what I felt were my very favorites from all of the stuff that was reviewed here on PiercingMetal for the musical year of 2007. I will keep this introduction short and instead let these highlights shine a little brighter. Here we go.
Best CD’s of 2007:
Let’s just consider this a sampling of some of the music that we found ourselves listening to on more than one occasion be it on the stereo loud enough to wake the neighbors or on our music players. We review hundreds of discs each year and this batch are among the best and most enjoyed by our editorial offices.
Epica “The Divine Conspiracy” (Nuclear Blast Records) – So the singer you have heard on some Kamelot stuff and her band have delivered their third release, a magnum opus that is meatier than beef stew when it comes to satisfying content.
Kamelot “Ghost Opera” (SPV Records) – If you wondered how the guys could top “The Black Halo”, then pick up a copy of this one.
After Forever “After Forever” (Nuclear Blast Records) – You’ve heard her in Ayreon stuff for years now the larger populace can enjoy
Daath “The Hinderers” (Roadrunner Records) – Crushing, thunderous, topical. Interesting lyrical premise as well.
Nightwish “Dark Passion Play” (Roadrunner Records) – Tarja who? The band is back and on fire with new singer Annette Olzon, “Bye Bye Beautiful” indeed, “Hello Beautiful” as well…..
Dream Theater “Systematic Chaos” (Roadrunner Records) – New DT was quite satisfying. I’ve been a fan for years and this album reminded me of why that is the case.
Opeth “The Roundhouse Tapes” – An Opeth live concert recording that finds them on tour supporting their newest album and yet making time to fit in their classics. Stunning.
Porcupine Tree is a great Progressive Rock outfit that is led by Steven Wilson and it would be my first time ever catching them in concert. The sold out show was done at the Nokia Theater and would find the band Three as their openers. PiercingMetal’s Peter Parrella was in the audience and documented the show while I was in the photo pit trying to capture some great visual moments under difficult conditions. To see and learn more just scroll past the logo below.
Artist: Porcupine Tree Venue: Nokia Theatre (New York, NY) Opener: Three Date: 5/19/2007 Label: Atlantic Records
Returning to New York City a mere 6 months after they offered fans a pre-completion listen to music that would become their latest release “Fear of A Blank Planet”, Porcupine Tree hit the Nokia stage and launched into an airing of the now familiar songs. Amid video projections illustrating the album’s theme the band spun out the entire six-song cycle as the first part of the concert.
Touring “Fear’s” songs in advance of recording has had its advantages; in fact much of it works better on stage than in studio rendering. It’s a great pay-off for a band courageous enough to open their set with 60 minutes of new material. Whereas “Fear” plays as a nearly seamless musical block its nuances and musical nooks and crannies all lay within familiar Porcupine Tree territory. The brutality of the guitar riffs shared by Steven Wilson and John Wesley, tempered by the ethereal wash of Richard Barbieri’s keyboards are part of the galvanized-progressive style PT has cultivated over their last few albums. It’s always a treat to hear the tight, powerful, poly-rhythms supplied by drummer Gavin Harrison and bassist Colin Edwin in a live setting. Continue reading Porcupine Tree @ Nokia Theatre Times Square (5/19/2007)→
