Is In Absentia a good place to start with Porcupine Tree?

Yes, In Absentia is recommended as a starting point for new Porcupine Tree listeners. A haunting blend of progressive rock intricacies and heavy metal intensity, exploring themes of isolation and introspection. In Absentia marked a significant turning point for Porcupine Tree as their sixth studio album, following the critically acclaimed record Lightbulb Sun (2000). At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from cult status to mainstream recognition, aided by growing interest in the progressive rock genre. The album showcased their ability to merge melodic sensibilities with heavy, complex arrangements.

Who is In Absentia for?

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

How many songs are on In Absentia?

In Absentia has 12 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

In Absentia

Porcupine Tree · 2002

68 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal · progressive rock · psychedelic rock

A haunting blend of progressive rock intricacies and heavy metal intensity, exploring themes of isolation and introspection.

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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 — This album marked a significant turning point, gaining wider recognition for the band.
Themes: modern cultural critique· loss and nostalgia· despair in solitude
Career context: In Absentia marked a significant turning point for Porcupine Tree as their sixth studio album, following the critically acclaimed record Lightbulb Sun (2000). At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from cult status to mainstream recognition, aided by growing interest in the progressive rock genre. The album showcased their ability to merge melodic sensibilities with heavy, complex arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors: Opeth· Dream Theater· Steven Wilson
If this clicks, go next to: Deadwing — Continues the heavy themes and sonic complexity, expanding on the sound of In Absentia.
Sounds like this from elsewhere: Blackwater Park by Opeth — Shares a haunting blend of progressive rock and metal with deep themes of isolation and introspection.

Lateralus by Tool — Explores complex arrangements and existential themes, merging heavy instrumentation with introspective lyrics.

A Natural Disaster by Anathema — Captures a similar emotional depth and thematic exploration of despair and nostalgia through atmospheric soundscapes.

New to Porcupine Tree? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Blackest Eyes".

1 Blackest Eyes Start here 4:23
2 Trains 5:56
3 Lips of Ashes 4:39
4 The Sound of Muzak 4:59
5 Gravity Eyelids 7:56
6 Wedding Nails 6:33
7 Prodigal 5:32
8 .3 5:25
9 The Creator Has a Mastertape 5:21
10 Heartattack in a Layby 4:15
11 Strip the Soul 7:21
12 Collapse the Light Into Earth 5:53

What to play next

This album is considered a Breakthrough in Porcupine Tree's catalog. This album marked a significant turning point, gaining wider recognition for the band.

Listen next

Deadwing

2005

Continues the heavy themes and sonic complexity, expanding on the sound of In Absentia.

Go back to

Lightbulb Sun

2000

Introduces a more melodic approach while maintaining introspective themes.

Full Porcupine Tree discography Where to start with Porcupine Tree Artists like Porcupine Tree

progressive metal progressive rock psychedelic rock

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