Octane Twisted cover

Octane Twisted

Porcupine Tree · 2012

128 min · 21 tracks · progressive metal

A sprawling journey of atmospheric soundscapes and intricate melodies that blend elements of progressive rock and metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Arriving Somewhere but Not Here — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of tension and release, showcasing dynamic shifts and profound lyrical depth that resonate throughout the live performance.
  • →
    Hatesong Start here — With its haunting melodies and intense build-up, this track captures the emotional core of the album while illustrating the band's prowess in creating immersive soundscapes.
  • →
    The Incident — As the title track from their preceding studio album, it serves as a centerpiece for the concert experience, encapsulating themes of disconnection and existential exploration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album captures a dynamic live performance with strong compositions and cohesive soundscapes.

What we noticed

  • The album features a continuous flow of music with transitions between tracks that maintain an atmospheric consistency.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and exploration of soundscapes.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • dynamic progression with peaks
  • atmospheric soundscapes for exploration
  • patient listening for deep immersion
  • wave-like pacing with intensity
  • long-form tracks that unfold

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A live album that showcases the band's sound but not their most recognized work.
Themes
immersive soundscapes· live concert intensity
Career context
Released in 2012, Octane Twisted is a live album capturing Porcupine Tree's performance during their tour for The Incident, which had come out three years earlier. This album represents a transitional phase for the band, showcasing their complex compositions and expansive sound as they prepared for an eventual hiatus following it.
Stylistic neighbors
Opeth· Dream Theater· Steven Wilson

Tracklist

Disc 2

  • 1 Hatesong Start here 9:57
  • 2 Russia on Ice / The Pills I’m Taking 15:02
  • 3 Stars Die 5:57
  • 4 Bonnie the Cat 6:11
  • 5 Even Less 14:28
  • 6 Dislocated Day 7:05
  • 7 Arriving Somewhere but Not Here 12:59

Disc 3

  • 1 Occam’s Razor 2:19
  • 2 The Blind House 5:54
  • 3 Great Expectations 1:27
  • 4 Kneel and Disconnect 2:02
  • 5 Drawing The Line 4:43
  • 6 The Incident 5:19
  • 7 Your Unpleasant Family 1:50
  • 8 The Yellow Windows of the Evening Train 2:01
  • 9 Time Flies 11:59
  • 10 Degree Zero of Liberty 1:45
  • 11 Octane Twisted 5:03
  • 12 The Seance 2:39
  • 13 Circle of Manias 2:30
  • 14 I Drive the Hearse 7:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata