Is Deadwing a good place to start with Porcupine Tree?

Yes, Deadwing is recommended as a starting point for new Porcupine Tree listeners. A haunting blend of progressive metal and atmospheric soundscapes, intertwining heavy riffs with ethereal melodies. By the time of its release in 2005, Porcupine Tree was transitioning from cult status to mainstream recognition with Deadwing serving as their seventh studio album. This record followed their breakthrough album In Absentia (2002), marking a period where they expanded their sonic palette and solidified their place in the progressive rock genre.

Deadwing works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Deadwing?

Deadwing has 9 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Deadwing

Porcupine Tree · 2005

59 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal

A haunting blend of progressive metal and atmospheric soundscapes, intertwining heavy riffs with ethereal melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Deadwing Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Lazarus — This track showcases emotive vocals and poignant lyrics, reflecting themes of loss and longing that resonate throughout the album. Its haunting melody contrasts beautifully with the heavier instrumentation typical of the band's style.
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Arriving Somewhere but Not Here — Clocking in at over twelve minutes, this epic composition encapsulates Porcupine Tree's ability to weave complex narratives through evolving musical sections, highlighting their progressive roots. The track's dynamic shifts create an immersive listening experience that defines the album.
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Shallow — With its catchy hooks and accessible sound, Shallow stands out as a radio-friendly track while still embodying the band's signature style. This song effectively balances lyrical introspection with melodic allure, making it a memorable highlight.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album blends heavy riffs with atmospheric elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness in its progressive sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a gradual build-up, layering guitars and synths before launching into a heavy riff.
Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for dynamic shifts between heavy and atmospheric passages.
The lyrics often reflect introspective themes, with vocal melodies that intertwine with the instrumentation rather than dominating it.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked a pivotal moment for wider recognition and accessibility in their sound.
Moods: Introspective· Dark
Career context: By the time of its release in 2005, Porcupine Tree was transitioning from cult status to mainstream recognition with Deadwing serving as their seventh studio album. This record followed their breakthrough album In Absentia (2002), marking a period where they expanded their sonic palette and solidified their place in the progressive rock genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Opeth· Dream Theater· Steven Wilson