What makes Rats Return by Porcupine Tree notable?

The album received positive acclaim from critics, with many highlighting its seamless blend of styles and emotional weight. It debuted at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart, marking a successful return that reinvigorated interest in the band and introduced them to a new generation of listeners. Rats Return marks Porcupine Tree's first studio album in over a decade, following the band's hiatus after 2009's The Incident. Released on June 17, 2022, it represents a significant comeback for the band, re-establishing their presence in the progressive rock scene and showcasing their evolved sound while retaining the complex arrangements fans expect.

How many songs are on Rats Return?

Rats Return has 3 tracks, running approximately 18 minutes.

Rats Return

Porcupine Tree · 2022

18 min · 3 tracks · progressive metal

A return to form that blends intricate compositions with atmospheric soundscapes and lyrical depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rats Return — The title track serves as an encapsulation of the album's themes, featuring intricate guitar work and haunting melodies that reflect both tension and resolution.
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Of the New Day — This track stands out for its uplifting yet introspective lyrics, paired with dynamic instrumentation that showcases the band's ability to merge hopefulness with complexity.
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Harridan — With its extended runtime and progressive structure, this track exemplifies Porcupine Tree's knack for building atmospheric intensity while exploring darker lyrical themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong performances, though its short length limits overall cohesion.

What we noticed

Each of the three tracks incorporates extended instrumental sections, allowing for atmospheric build-ups and dynamic shifts in intensity.
Lyrically, the songs explore themes of renewal and introspection, with a focus on vivid imagery that complements the music's emotional tone.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a long hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
Themes: return from hiatus· atmospheric tension· dark lyrical exploration
Career context: Rats Return marks Porcupine Tree's first studio album in over a decade, following the band's hiatus after 2009's The Incident. Released on June 17, 2022, it represents a significant comeback for the band, re-establishing their presence in the progressive rock scene and showcasing their evolved sound while retaining the complex arrangements fans expect.
Stylistic neighbors: Opeth· Dream Theater· Steven Wilson