One of the most anticipated bands in whole Ilosaarirock has most definetely been Porcupine Tree. The band started its recording career in the beginning of the 90s, and has since achieved solid cult reputation. Their latest album, Fear of a Blank Planet, is frequented by prog rock legends Robert Fripp and Alex Lifeson.

Porcupine Tree’s sound has gradually taken a more heavier direction, and Saturday’s gig could easily be described as progressive metal. Trolls and faeries remain absent from the band’s musical catalogue, the subject matters are of a more darker nature. The videos displayed on the screens at YleX Stage depicted well the bleakness of Porcupine Tree’s world. Abandoned suburbs, pills, passive teenagers sitting in front of a computer and, every now and then, vandalising television sets, waving guns and burning cars.

The singer Steve Wilson offered his regrets that it took so long for them to come to Finland. Although the action on stage was mostly calm and composed, the soon-to-be-middle-aged musicians played their parts with guaranteed professionalism. My own impressions of the show varied from slightly dragging parts to moments of pure exhilaration when the band blasted one of their many killer riffs on the air. The audience was clearly on the verge of nirvana and recompensated the band with an euphoric reception.

Text: Mikko Kupari
Translation: Jari Rytkönen

Photo: Minna Pahkin

Tämä artikkeli on julkaistu sunnuntaina 15. heinäkuuta 2007 kello 17.08 ja sen aiheena onIn English.