Fear of a Blank Planet has more in common with Porcupine Trees releases prior to 2002, upsetting many fans that discovered the band via the albums In Absentia and Deadwing. It is less rock and pop and more mood and lengthy tracks.

When it comes to Porcupine Tree chances are you fall into one of two camps; you have never heard of them, or you think they are one of the greatest bands in existence.

At this point many people may be wondering how a band that they have never heard of could be one of the greatest in existence, and the answer is that Porcupine Tree is truly something extraordinary.

Steven Wilson, who does all the producing, singing, arranging, mixing and writing for the band, was a child music prodigy who is now referred to by many as one of the most talented people in the music industry and he has yet to disappoint fans.

Porcupine Trees most recent release, Fear of a Blank Planet, is their ninth studio album and has already become their best selling (in the UK at least). Wilson began Porcupine Tree as a side project and focused heavily on ambient music. Currently the band draws from countless genres including metal on recent releases.

Musically and lyrically the album plays heavy off of the notion that the current generation is becoming completely desensitized by MTV, prescription drugs, sex and the culture of the Internet. Both the lyrics and the title of the album heavily reflect Wilsons fear.

The title track opens the album and is a strong opener, as every Porcupine Tree album has a powerful opener and segues into My Ashes, before the album hits the marathon Anesthetize.

The 17-minute track is an epic in every sense of the word and features some of the most mesmerizing guitar playing that Wilson has ever produced. The following track, Way Out of Here is quickly becoming a fan favorite and the closer Sleep Together seems to be the track that every album has in that half the people hate it and the other half feel it is the best on the album.

Fear of a Blank Planet has more in common with Porcupine Trees releases prior to 2002, upsetting many fans that discovered the band via the albums In Absentia and Deadwing. It is less rock and pop and more mood and lengthy tracks.

Alex Lifeson of Rush and Robert Fripp of King Crimson, who are tremendous fans of the band, make appearances on the album with Fripps soundscapes on Way out of Here being one of the albums highlights.

Porcupine Tree will be embarking on a lengthy U.S. tour in support of the album and will be stopping at The Rave on June 2 for what is sure to be an excellent show.

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