DEADWING

Overall, an excellent album. Deadwing is based on a screenplay by Steven Wilson and Mike Bennion. Like others have said, this album continues in the vein of In Absentia in that it is heavier than Stupid Dream and previous works. Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth is featured on vocals on Deadwing,Lazarus, and Arriving Somewhere But Not Here. He also plays the second guitar solo on the latter.

In continuing to develop their heavy sound, Tree has lost none of their fabulous melody. Every song is instantly recognizeable. Now for a song by song description:

Deadwing 9/10 Killer intro. After some keyboard or mellotron work, your are presented with an onslaught of drums, bass, and raging guitar. The metal influence is obvious here. Steven has been quoted as having always liked metal, but has just been slowly incorporating it into his sound.

Shallow 8.5/10 - As a guitar player, I'll give my complaint first. The tone of the distrotion on this track just doesn't do it for me. I cringe when I hear it, especially just at the beginning. However, the rest of the song is very catchy and radio friendly, although I've never heard Tree in the States. Then again, I don't listen to the radio. Very abstract lyrics, but thorougly accessible melody, even the raging melodic metal chorus. Great breakdown in this song. After that sonic onslaught, some release would be nice.

Lazarus - 9.5/10 - Perfect quiet song after the brutal first two tracks. This song kind of makes you want to cry, and is beautiful in its simplicity. Very accescible lyrics, even though I don't know exactly what is meant. The simple melody and excellent harmonies providing by Barbieri on the mellotron blend perfectly. The keys and mellotron are so vital to the Porcupine Tree sound. The bridge in this song is where you get goosebumps. Followed by an acoustic solo and vocal harmonies, this is a tear jerker. My imagination takes me to a mountaintop in the fog at night, following a desperate calling.

Halo 6.5/10 - Obviously a song bashing organized religion and how it causes its followers to be delusional. While I don't agree with everything in the message, that's not the point. The music is the point. Excellent intro and verse. However, I am not really a fan of the chours. This is my only dissappointment .

Arriving Somewhere but Not Here - 10/10 - Amazing. This song has everything a progressive rock fan could want. A complete epic journey, this is a great song for long, cruising drives. After some synth, bass, and light percussion, the guitar comes in (sounds like an electric with acoustic modulator), accompanied with vocal harmonies and the hook, Arriving somewhere but not here. This song is essential to this album. My favorite off the album. The song slowly crescendos into perfect orchestration. Edwin's bass playing is again, fantastic. Perfect groove and rhythm. Excellent musicianship annd production is so apparent on this album.

Mellotron Scratch - 7/10 - It's ironic the mellotron is so understated in this song. You can barely hear it. A nice mellow track. Good melody as always. Enjoyable.

Open Car - 9/10 Another chugging metalish song. One of my favorites. Great driving song. Hair Blowin in an open car. . .Summer dress slips down your arm. Awesome.

The Start of Something Beautiful - 9.5/10 - Great tension buildup and release in this song. Listen to it. That's all I can say.

Glass Arm Shattering - After a pretty instense album, this is a wonderful song to end with. Melancholic harmonies, a crazy title, this one will put you to sleep while keeping you entranced.

Great album overall. Four stars, only because it's not a masterpiece. Just great music. I don't even think the band would consider it a masterpiece. Buy it. Highly Recommended. The album also includes a remastered? version of Shesmovedon.