THE RAVEN THAT REFUSED TO SING (AND OTHER STORIES)

The number of reviews and ratings for this album in such a short period is staggering. What can I say about The Raven that hasn't already been said? A much lauded album by mastermind Steven Wilson who never ceases to impress and who has proven once again to be the most prolific artist in modern prog. Liberated from the restraints of Porcupine Tree he shows his fascination for the artists that inspired him. Insurgentes was clearly inspired by doomrock artists like The Cure, Grace had obvious King Crimson tendancies, probably due to Wilson's remastering work on the early KC albums, The Raven shows signs of proglegends like Peter Gabriel era Genesis, Yes and Emerson, Lake and Palmer. I was already familiar with opener Luminol, as it was played during the Grace for Drowning tour as an encore. It was announced during the tour that this track would be on a new album, just to make all of us curious. And I must say, the other five songs that accompany Luminol do not disappoint at all. Not a bad track on this album. Favourites? Drive Home, The Watchmaker (very Genesis-like) and the title track, which is a tearjerkingly moving song about an old man who has to live with the fact that his sister died at an early age and never got over it. The artwork is stunning as ever. SW really surpassed himself this time. Each song a mystery story in the vain of the great Edgar Allen Poe. The title of the album leaves no room for speculation. Definitely five stars. SW has done it again and has done it better!