Anesthetize cover

Anesthetize

Porcupine Tree · 2010

265 min · 38 tracks · progressive metal

Progressive soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies, creating an immersive auditory journey through themes of alienation and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Anesthetize — As the centerpiece track, its expansive structure and dynamic shifts embody the album's exploration of numbness and emotional detachment, making it a quintessential representation of Porcupine Tree's sound.
  • →
    Fear of a Blank Planet Start here — This opening track incisively critiques modern society's disconnection through its complex instrumentation and poignant lyrics, setting the thematic tone for the entire album.
  • →
    Way Out of Here — The song's climactic build-up and reflective lyrics encapsulate the struggle against existential despair, showcasing the band's mastery of atmospheric soundscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex compositions and rich production but is less cohesive due to its extensive tracklist.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding eight minutes, allowing for intricate musical development and thematic exploration.
  • The production includes layered instrumentation, with prominent use of synthesizers and atmospheric effects that enhance the immersive quality of the sound.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • long, immersive listening experience
  • thought-provoking themes for reflection
  • wave-like pacing with crescendos
  • deep focus during late nights

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quick, catchy tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — The album showcases ambitious composition and themes, marking a complex sound evolution.
Themes
modern alienation· emotional numbness
Career context
Released in 2010, Anesthetize marked Porcupine Tree's transition into a more complex sound, following their commercial success with Fear of a Blank Planet in 2007. This album further solidified their presence in the progressive rock scene, showcasing their intricate arrangements and lyrical depth during a period of artistic maturity.
Stylistic neighbors
Opeth· Dream Theater· Steven Wilson
New to Porcupine Tree? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Intro 2:07
  • 2 Fear of a Blank Planet Start here 7:34
  • 3 My Ashes 4:46
  • 4 Anesthetize 17:20
  • 5 Sentimental 5:18
  • 6 Way Out of Here 7:47
  • 7 Sleep Together 7:59
  • 8 Prodigal 6:04

Disc 2

  • 1 What Happens Now? 8:09
  • 2 Normal 7:13
  • 3 Dark Matter 8:57
  • 4 Drown With Me 5:21
  • 5 Cheating the Polygraph 8:11
  • 6 Half-Light 5:28
  • 7 Sever 5:37
  • 8 Wedding Nails 5:43
  • 9 Strip the Soul / Dot Three 8:17
  • 10 Sleep of No Dreaming 5:31
  • 11 Halo 8:36

Disc 3

  • 1 Intro 2:02
  • 2 Fear of a Blank Planet Start here 7:36
  • 3 My Ashes 4:42
  • 4 Anesthetize 17:29
  • 5 Sentimental 5:11
  • 6 Way Out of Here 7:48
  • 7 Sleep Together 7:59
  • 8 What Happens Now? 8:03
  • 9 Normal 7:12
  • 10 Dark Matter 8:50
  • 11 Drown With Me 5:30
  • 12 Cheating the Polygraph 8:08
  • 13 Half-Light 5:28
  • 14 Sever 5:37
  • 15 Wedding Nails 5:34
  • 16 Strip the Soul / Dot Three 8:24
  • 17 Sleep of No Dreaming 5:33
  • 18 Halo 5:48
  • 19 Outro 2:48

What to play next

The Incident
Listen next

The Incident

2009

Continues the immersive soundscapes and themes of introspection.
Fear of a Blank Planet
Go back to

Fear of a Blank Planet

2007

Sets the stage with similar sonic exploration and emotional depth.
Full Porcupine Tree discography Where to start with Porcupine Tree Artists like Porcupine Tree
progressive metal progressive rock psychedelic rock

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata