Closure/Continuation
Porcupine Tree · 2022
48 min · 7 tracks · progressive metal
A meticulous fusion of intricate melodies and heavy instrumentation, exploring themes of time and introspection in a progressive rock landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Harridan Start here — Opening with aggressive riffs and expansive soundscapes, this track encapsulates the band's signature blend of heaviness and melody while addressing themes of loss and redemption.
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Of the New Day — This track contrasts lighter melodies with deeper lyrical introspection, representing a pivotal moment in the album that balances hope against existential reflection.
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Chimera’s Wreck — Clocking in at nearly ten minutes, this expansive piece showcases the band's progressive roots through complex arrangements and dynamic shifts that evoke a sense of journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate melodies with heavy instrumentation, maintaining a cohesive yet varied sound throughout.
What we noticed
- Each track incorporates shifts in tempo and mood, with 'Dignity' transitioning from a soft piano intro to heavier instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady pacing with gradual build
- immersive soundscapes for deep listening
- atmospheric layers for reflective moments
- extended tracks for patient engagement
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, catchy tunes
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Significant return after a long hiatus, showcasing continued creativity and relevance.
- Themes
- post-hiatus reflection· psychedelic soundscapes· emotional complexity
- Career context
- Closure/Continuation marks Porcupine Tree's first studio album in over a decade, following their 2009 release The Incident. The band reformed in 2021, creating renewed anticipation among fans and critics for this new phase of their career. This album arrives at a time when the band's legacy within progressive rock is firmly established, yet it also showcases their growth and exploration of contemporary themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Opeth· Dream Theater· Steven Wilson
Tracklist
- 1 Harridan Start here 8:07
- 2 Of the New Day 4:43
- 3 Rats Return 5:40
- 4 Dignity 8:22
- 5 Herd Culling 7:03
- 6 Walk the Plank 4:27
- 7 Chimera’s Wreck 9:39
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Heritage
Opeth
Combines intricate melodies with atmospheric elements, reflecting a similar sonic complexity.
Second Life Syndrome
Riverside
Shares expansive soundscapes and emotional depth, resonating with the same progressive ethos.
Frances the Mute
The Mars Volta
Features sprawling compositions and a rich tapestry of sounds, echoing the immersive nature of the source.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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