Herd Culling
Porcupine Tree · 2022
3 min · 1 track · progressive metal
A haunting blend of progressive metal and psychedelic rock that challenges listeners with its intricate arrangements and darkly atmospheric soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Herd Culling (edit) — This track serves as the centerpiece of the album, encapsulating its thematic depth and sonic complexity with shifting dynamics that mirror societal anxieties.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases intricate arrangements and a blend of styles, though its impact remains limited to dedicated fans.
What we noticed
- Layered guitar riffs intertwine with atmospheric synths, building a dense soundscape that evolves throughout the track's duration.
- The arrangement includes dynamic shifts in intensity, alternating between quiet, introspective moments and powerful, climactic sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Re-established Porcupine Tree's presence after a long hiatus, gaining critical acclaim.
- Themes
- societal anxieties· post-pandemic reflection· darkly atmospheric soundscapes
- Career context
- Released on May 20, 2022, 'Herd Culling' marks Porcupine Tree's first release in over a decade since 'The Incident' in 2009. This album comes during a period of resurgence for the band, following their reunion announcement in 2021, emphasizing their enduring influence in the progressive rock genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Opeth· Dream Theater· Steven Wilson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Herd Culling (edit) 3:32
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
In Cauda Venenum
Opeth
Shares complex arrangements and a dark atmosphere, exploring themes of existential dread.
Wasteland
Riverside
Combines progressive elements with a haunting ambiance, reflecting on societal anxieties post-pandemic.
The Bedlam in Goliath
The Mars Volta
Features intricate compositions and a psychedelic sound that evokes similar emotional intensity.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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