THE RAVEN THAT REFUSED TO SING (AND OTHER STORIES)

When this came out, together with the previous and the following album, many proggers had this to discuss and share. The reactions were to a high degree positive. Comparing to the previous album, less melancholy and more progressive traces are present. The accompanying musicians are very competent and adding to the more balanced instrumental outing. The first track is a fine and maybe the prime example of how a well blended progressive track should sound - keyboard and guitar shaping the song but supported by very muscular and complex bass and drum section. Saxophone is a welcome addition to this piece of art. The mellotron coloured second half enlives the emotions and heart of every music- thinking person. The track also sounds great when performed live. Drive Home and The Raven that refused to sing are two compositions filled with a large dose of melancholy. Oh man, I can guarantee you that when the watch the video of the latter one, you are going to feel the tears coming! You are going to think about all the hard losses and defeats that you have encountered. Once you have lost somebody, there is no way back and you keep asking yourself if you could have prevented it. Even when watching this song live, emotions on people's faces are very present. Watchmaker has a Genesis-inspired keyboard parts and great vocal harmonies.

This album is a top achievement by Steven Wilson because it has the right recipee for a modern accessible progressive- rock album, great mix, instrumental performance, advanced compositions. Steven Wilson is also a master in conjuring a bleak feeling in progressive rock, which, to my knowledge, no other artist has managed to that degree.