Porcupine Tree started as a solo home studio project by Steven Wilson in 1987, but it transformed into a full band by 1993 after Wilson changed his mind. The original lineup featured Wilson as songwriter, vocalist, and lead guitarist, with Colin Edwin on bass, Chris Maitland on drums, and Richard Barbieri on keyboards.

Over the years, Porcupine Tree experimented with their sound, beginning with psychedelic and alternative rock styles. But by the early 2000s, with new drummer Gavin Harrison and the release of In Absentia, the band embraced progressive metal, taking fans on an extraordinary journey. Wilson, growing weary of typical themes like war and religion, started diving deep into the personal, emotional world within his lyrics.

Influenced by bands like Meshuggah and Opeth, Porcupine Tree began blending their psychedelic and pop-rock sound with heavier, progressive metal elements. Wilson was especially captivated by Opeth’s music, even producing their Blackwater Park album. This partnership with Opeth and his collaboration with Israeli rock musician Aviv Geffen, forming Blackfield, solidified Porcupine Tree’s path in metal.

1987 yılında Steven Wilson tarafından solo bir home studio proje olarak müzik hayatına başlayan Porcupine Tree, Wilson’ın fikir değiştirmesiyle 1993 yılından itibaren bir müzik grubu olarak şekillendi. Söz yazarı, vokalist ve lead gitarist Steven Wilson, bassist Colin Edwin, baterist Chris Maitland ve klavyede Richard Barbieri olmak üzere grup ilk line-up’ına kavuştu.

Yıllar geçtikçe birçok kez sound’unu değiştiren Porcupine Tree; başlarda psikedelik rock ve alternatif rock tarzlarını benimsemiş olan bir gruptu. 2000’li yıllardan itibaren yeni bateristleri Gavin Harrison ve “In Absentia” albümüyle beraber grup, progresif metal türünü benimsedi ve bizleri eşsiz bir yolculuğa davet etti. Liriksel olarak ise şarkılarda savaş, din gibi genel temalara değinmekten usanmış olan Wilson, kişinin iç dünyasında olup bitenlere yer verdiği duygusal sözlere kaydı.

Porcupine Tree’nin psikedelik ve pop rock soundlarını heavy metal ve progresif metal soundlarıyla takas etmesinde Meshuggah ve Opeth’in büyük katkısı oldu. “In Absentia”nın kapak notlarında her iki İsveçli metal efsanesine de teşekkür edildi. Opeth’in müziğinden büyülenmiş olan Wilson, aynı zamanda Opeth’in “Blackwater Park” albümünün de yapımcılığını üstlenmeyi seve seve kabul etti. Sonradan “Blackfield” adı altında müzikal bir işbirliğine gideceği İsrailli rock sanatçısı Aviv Geffen ile tanışmasıyla da birlikte Porcupine Tree için metal yolculuğu garantilenmiş oldu.

After In Absentia and Deadwing, which played major roles in shaping the genre, Porcupine Tree released their ninth studio album, Fear of a Blank Planet, in 2007. Inspired by Bret Easton Ellis’s novel Lunar Park, the album delves into issues like bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, and the social isolation fueled by technology. With its dark, somber perspective, it offers a 51-minute, six-track journey through the struggles of modern youth.

The opening track, “Fear of a Blank Planet,” portrays the life of a 15-year-old completely consumed by media and confined to his room, questioning his own existence. The track builds with fast yet calm vocals and strong basslines, leading into an intense instrumental section with some of the album’s heaviest riffs.

The second song, “My Ashes,” is a melancholic metal ballad that’s best approached carefully during hard times. It reveals a character who’s come to terms with a missing part of himself, offering soft, magical soundscapes with a contrast between somber lyrics and Wilson’s soothing voice.

Then comes Anesthetize, the artistic centerpiece of the album at 18 minutes long. It’s a chaotic, intense experience with powerful riffs, unsettling sounds, and back vocals that create a sense of soaring. The guitar melodies convey the disturbing transition into a “blank planet” as Wilson’s lyrics capture a numb, detached state of mind.

Next up is “Sentimental,” a quiet yet eerie track where suppressed feelings start to surface, bursting through the piano-led guitar tones. The character reflects on wasting his life, and both the melody and lyrics subtly reveal fears coming to light.

“Way Out of Here” follows, capturing a desperate search for an escape. Simple questions like “How are you?” or “How’s school?” become unbearable. The character wants to disconnect entirely, but finds it hard to forget. Haunting soundscapes and a striking guitar solo mirror this desire to fade away.

Finally, there’s “Sleep Together.” Often seen as the album’s weakest track, it’s actually a personal favorite for its melody. Wilson has even called it his favorite on the album. The song is atmospheric and almost mechanical in its vocals, with drums intensifying as it reaches a lengthy instrumental close, where the young character decides to “leave forever.”

In short, Fear of a Blank Planet is a powerful work, touching on emotional themes and psychological challenges faced by young people today. With Wilson’s vocals and the band’s instrumental mastery, the album’s dark atmosphere is perfectly captured.

After a nearly 12-year hiatus, Porcupine Tree reunited and released Closure/Continuation in 2022. Wilson’s unsure if this will be the band’s last project, though he’s hinted at a keyboard-driven project that piques his interest. Meanwhile, a solo album from him is expected in 2025. But I still hope we’ll see another Porcupine Tree record that touches us in that unique, haunting way.

Miray Kurt