Porcupine Tree - Deadwing

Porcupine Tree's timeless masterpiece, “Deadwing,” has made a triumphant return in March with a lavish 3CD + Blu-ray deluxe edition. Certainly, the ultimate offering for fans, the hardcover book deluxe edition showcases the most comprehensive collection of the album and its related material to date.

Originally released in 2005 as the band's eighth studio album, Deadwing arrived on the scene as a follow-up to the acclaimed “In Absentia,” solidifying the band’s reputation as one of the most innovative forces in the neo-progressive music scene. With its unforgettable singles "Shallow" and "Lazarus," Deadwing quickly became a cornerstone of the group's illustrious discography.

What sets Deadwing apart from its predecessors is its fascinating origin story. Crafted around a script co-written by front man Steven Wilson and director Mike Bennion, roughly half of the album's tracks were initially conceived as part of a film score. However, when the movie failed to materialize, Wilson ingeniously repurposed these compositions, collaborating with his bandmates to create an entirely new Porcupine Tree album that showcased their unparalleled creativity.

This 3CD + Blu-ray deluxe edition comes packaged in a 108-page hardcover book, reminiscent of the band's previous reissue of In Absentia. Within its pages, fans are treated to a captivating journey through the band's history, expertly chronicled by esteemed writer Stephen Humphries. Additionally, the book features a treasure trove of rare photographs from acclaimed photographer Lasse Hoile and the band's personal archives, providing an intimate glimpse into the Porcupine Tree's captivating world.

Still, I am certain readers are primarily here for the music, and this edition contains four discs that unveil an abundance of musical treasures. Disc one presents Steven Wilson's 2018 remaster of the original album mix that reveals sonic landscapes that resonates with newfound clarity and power. Disc two delves into the B-sides and additional tracks, offering fans a deeper exploration of the album's rich musical tapestry. Disc three is a true gem for enthusiasts, delivering over 70 minutes of Deadwing demos that provide an open window into the band's creative process, including several unreleased tracks that didn't make the final album.

Naturally, the crown jewel of this deluxe edition lies in the Blu-ray disc, which boasts a wealth of audio and visual delights. The previously released immersive 5.1 surround sound mix of the Deadwing album, skillfully crafted by acclaimed sound engineers Elliot Scheiner and Steven Wilson, is presented in 48kHz / 24-bit lossless format. The Blu-ray also features a brand-new and captivating "making of" documentary titled "Never Stop the Car on a Drive in the Dark," granting fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the album's creation. Additionally, the Blu-ray presents the mesmerizing "Lazarus" promotional video, as well as the Deadwing album and B-sides in pristine 96kHz / 24-bit LPCM stereo.But that's not all, the Blu-ray treats fans to an extraordinary 77-minute Rockpalast performance from Germany in 2005, capturing Porcupine Tree at the height of their powers. This mesmerizing live experience is sure to transport fans back in time, reliving the band's electric stage presence and raw energy.

With such an awe-inspiring array of audio and visual content, the Deadwing Book deluxe edition represents the ultimate collector’s edition for Porcupine Tree aficionados. It encapsulates the band's artistic zenith, a period marked by a triumvirate of albums; In Absentia, Deadwing, and its subsequent release, Fear of a Blank Planet, each that helped cement Porcupine Tree's legacy as visionary trailblazers.

Released March 10, 2023.

 

 Format Info

Hard Cover Book Edition with 3CD + 1 Blu-ray including 48kHz / 24-bit 5.1 surround and 96kHz / 24-bit LPCM 2.0 stereo mixes.  Also available on vinyl and via streaming platforms.

 

 

 Get your copy here:

 

 Share this Article with your Friends

Pin It

Get the latest in Universal Player technology

Reavon UBR-X200 universal audiophile disc playerPlay literally any media type and disc format through this multi-channel universal 4K Ultra HD player .

Reavon UBR-X200 Universal Player

Blu-Ray

DVD-Audio

Super Audio CD

Compact Disc

FLAC

Apple Lossless