Insurgentes cover

Insurgentes

Steven Wilson · 2008

110 min · 20 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics that explore themes of isolation and self-discovery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Harmony Korine Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its ethereal qualities and reflective lyrics, highlighting Wilson's knack for blending melody with emotion.
  • →
    No Twilight Within the Courts of the Sun — This expansive composition showcases Wilson's signature progressive style, combining intricate arrangements with a poignant exploration of existential themes.
  • →
    Get All You Deserve — The track features a powerful vocal performance and dynamic instrumentation that emphasizes the album's themes of longing and internal conflict.

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 atmospheric elements with introspective lyrics, showcasing Wilson's unique compositional style.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, with extended instrumental sections that create a sense of exploration.
  • The album includes both vocal and instrumental pieces, with moments where vocals are layered over dense instrumentation, enhancing the emotional weight.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 resolution
  • atmospheric soundscapes for reflection
  • patient unfolding with wave-like pacing
  • immersive headphone detail exploration
  • thought-provoking themes for introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeks instant gratification
  • prefers standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Debut solo album that marked Wilson's transition to a prominent solo career.
Career context
Released in 2008, Insurgentes is Steven Wilson's debut solo album following his work with Porcupine Tree and Blackfield. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from group projects to a more personal artistic expression, showcasing his multifaceted talent as a composer and producer.
Stylistic neighbors
Porcupine Tree· Opeth· Anathema

Tracklist

  • 1 Harmony Korine Start here 5:07
  • 2 Abandoner 4:48
  • 3 Salvaging 8:17
  • 4 Veneno para las hadas 5:57
  • 5 No Twilight Within the Courts of the Sun 8:37
  • 6 Significant Other 4:31
  • 7 Only Child 4:24
  • 8 Twilight Coda 3:24
  • 9 Get All You Deserve 6:17
  • 10 Insurgentes 3:55
  • 11 Harmony Korine (5.1 mix) 5:07
  • 12 Abandoner (5.1 mix) 4:48
  • 13 Salvaging (5.1 mix) 8:17
  • 14 Veneno para las hadas (5.1 mix) 5:57
  • 15 No Twilight Within the Courts of the Sun (5.1 mix) 8:37
  • 16 Significant Other (5.1 mix) 4:31
  • 17 Only Child (5.1 mix) 4:24
  • 18 Twilight Coda (5.1 mix) 3:24
  • 19 Get All You Deserve (5.1 mix) 6:17
  • 20 Insurgentes (5.1 mix) 3:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata