The Incident cover

The Incident

Porcupine Tree · 2009

75 min · 18 tracks · progressive metal · progressive rock · psychedelic rock

A sprawling concept album that weaves intricate melodies with heavy riffs and atmospheric passages.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic flow with emotional peaks
  • immersive journey through varied moods
  • reflective moments for deep listening
  • wave-like pacing with surprises
  • for late-night introspection

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Considered a culmination of their progressive sound and ambitious structure.
Career context
Released on September 15, 2009, 'The Incident' marked Porcupine Tree's tenth studio album and is considered a culmination of their progressive sound. Following their acclaimed 2007 album 'Fear of a Blank Planet', this record showcased their innovative approach to songwriting by presenting a continuous piece split into multiple tracks, further solidifying their place in the progressive rock genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Opeth· Dream Theater· Steven Wilson
If this clicks, go next to
Anesthetize — Continues the atmospheric and heavy sound with a live feel, expanding on themes from The Incident.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Ghost Reveries by Opeth — Merges heavy riffs with atmospheric melodies, echoing a similar progressive and conceptual depth.
Second Life Syndrome by Riverside — Shares a narrative-driven approach with intricate compositions and a blend of heavy and ambient textures.
Lateralus by Tool — Explores complex song structures and philosophical themes, creating a cohesive listening experience like 'The Incident'.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "The Blind House".

  • 1 Occam’s Razor 1:55
  • 2 The Blind House Start here 5:47
  • 3 Great Expectations 1:26
  • 4 Kneel and Disconnect 2:03
  • 5 Drawing the Line 4:43
  • 6 The Incident 5:20
  • 7 Your Unpleasant Family 1:48
  • 8 The Yellow Windows of the Evening Train 2:00
  • 9 Time Flies 11:40
  • 10 Degree Zero of Liberty 1:45
  • 11 Octane Twisted 5:03
  • 12 The Séance 2:39
  • 13 Circle of Manias 2:18
  • 14 I Drive the Hearse 6:41
  • 15 Flicker 3:42
  • 16 Bonnie the Cat 5:45
  • 17 Black Dahlia 3:40
  • 18 Remember Me Lover 7:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata