THE RAVEN THAT REFUSED TO SING (AND OTHER STORIES)

After hearing Luminol live, I knew this would be a record-breaking album. Pre-ordering The Raven That Refused To Sing months ago left me anxious like a kid waiting for Christmas. I'd have to wait beyond Christmas, before my birthday to receive my $100 award. Was it worth it? Simply yes.

Looking at the album from an overview, every song has a similar tone. This cohesive sound was somewhat lacking from Grace For Drowning, but Steven Wilson and Co. perfected it this time around. Dark, moody, beautiful... Arriving early in 2013, I already know this will be an easy Album of the Year.

"Luminol" could be compared to Riverside's The Same River. Just about the same length, few lyrics, and a beefy instrumental. Fans of the previous Remainder The Black Dog will find paradise. Listening, you forget there ever was 'Porcupine Tree'... The drums are top-notch, flutes are apparent but never overused, an amazing build-up, jazzy interludes, this song has it all.

Drive Home is a classic ballad with floating strings, guitar, vocals. Easily one of the most beautiful songs Steven Wilson's ever produced. Reminiscent of Echolyn's newest album.

The Holy Drinker. Sporadic instruments, strange tempo, chorus rattles through your mind like insanity only to reach a luscious mellotron and sax. An epic song that goes through so many phases you'll think you have Dissociative Identity Disorder.

The Pin Drop is short in length, but don't let that fool you. Brilliant chorus with a vicious saxophone solo. This solo isn't kept till the end, oh no, 1:27 in the sax erupts. In 5 minutes this song goes through so many changes it blows me away. Introducing someone to Steven Wilson, this may be the key.

The Watchmaker begins like a calm Genesis song. Fantastical lyrics, soft vocals, soothing acoustic guitar... A dream-like song that's an amazing addition to this already-perfect album, focused purely on peaceful textures.

The Raven That Refused To Sing. A conclusion to this dark, intriguing, and awe-inspiring album. Lovely piano intro to soft lyrics. Slow song, but a grand ending to this majestic masterpiece. Strings, piano, and a carefully-placed drum beat. 7:57 flies by in an instant.

I bought the limited edition box-set knowing this would be a magical experience, and yet I was still blown away. The pictures/stories add quite a bit, but not too much. Any fan should already own this anyways. Overall, it creates a unique read after listening. Memorable stories, some wonderful pictures. Porcupine Tree fans, Steven Wilson fans, and progressive music fans, rejoice!!