Porcupine Tree

Introduction

Procupine Tree is a British rock band, who blended styles from progressive, psychedelic and even alternative rock. Founded in 1990 by band-leader Steven Wilson (vocals/guitars), they are considered today as one of the most important bands in the refounding of progressive rock in the last decade.


Initial/psychedelic rock years

In the beginning, it was only Steven Wilson who mixed some ideas he had with a few friends, and recorded an album called “On the Sunday of Life”, almost just joking with the idea. Unexpected from him, the album had a little success and people began to demand some shows of the band (which was inexistent at that time). In the next years he contacted bassist Colin Edwin, keyboardist Richard Barbieri and drummer Chris Maitland. The success came with the 1996 album “Signify”, which demonstrated the peak of the psychedelic style of the band, which began to be known outside Europe.


Alternative rock years

The next album “Stupid Dream” marked a change in the style of the band, in an intent of make a more commercial kind of music. With the following release “Lightbulb Sun” the band mixed the new alternative style with experimental influences. In late 2001, drummer Chris Maitland quits and was replaced by Gavin Harrison.


Progressive rock/metal years

Another radical change of style was marked with the 2002 album “In Absentia” which was more metal-ish than any of the previous releases. The band stayed in the same in the same direction in the 2005 album “Deadwing” and the 2007 “Fear of a Blank Planet”, which finally meant the commercial success for the band. In 2009 the band released “The Incident”, which was even more commercially successful than “Fear of A Blank Planet”.


Hiatus

Since late 2010, the band is on hiatus because of soloist career of Steven Wilson. Plans for a reunion aren’t made yet.