STEVEN WILSON Schallplatten & CDs

Notes: Steven Wilson releases his eighth studio album, The Overview, on Fiction Records. Two tracks, 42 minutes, wildly ambitious and brilliantly audacious in equal measure, the album features endlessly engaging conceptual lyrics that move seamlessly between the cosmic and the quotidian, set to genre-defying, ultra melodic music... it promises to be an utterly unique release in 2025.

Blu-ray (region ABC)

Review: English musician Steven Wilson, known primarily as the founding member of the band Porcupine Tree, shares the mint vinyl gatefold edition of his latest album: a literal musical overview of the prog rock genre which made him famous. Composed of just two wildly ambitious 20-minute suites, 'Objects Outlive Us' and 'The Overview', Wilson's distinctively guitar-led, lurchy solos and gargantuan progressive highs aim to evoke the so-called "overview effect", whereby astronauts seeing the Earth from space undergo a transformative cognitive shift, experiencing an overwhelming appreciation of beauty and an increased sense of connection to other people. Through such themes of magnitude and cosmic expanse, Wilson takes a valiant arm to the bridge here, facing the universe's cold indifference as an avenue to radical empathy.

Review: Live performance from English singer and guitarist Steven Wilson recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2018. The performance includes tracks such as 'Nowhere Now', 'Refuge' and 'Sleep Together'.

Region Code: Region B

Review: Former Porcupine Tree founder member Steven Wilson has packed a lot into his career since the early 1990s - not least being a leading light of the post-progressive movement - but until last year he had never written or recorded a Christmas song. He was challenged to do that by a friend and, with a little help from collaborator Randy McStine, conjured up 'December Skies' - a suitably nostalgic, dreamy, progressive rock-tinged affair that touches on some of the usual Christmas single tropes while steadfastly refusing to revert to cliches. It has a pleasingly timeless feel, sounding like a largely cheese-free echo of the mid 1970s. On this limited-edition 'deluxe' CD single, you get both vocal and instrumental versions and a trio of Christmas cards based on the song's animated video.

Review: Steven Wilson's The Raven That Refused to Sing is a haunting and poignant exploration of life, death and the ghosts that haunt us. Each track on the album delves into different aspects of the human experience, weaving together intricate narratives that captivate and haunt the listener. 'Luminol' sets the stage with its portrayal of a lone musician, a living ghost trapped in a cycle of repetition and anonymity. The song's atmospheric instrumentation and evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of existential longing and despair. 'Drive Home' delves into themes of love and loss, exploring the aftermath of a tragic car accident and the lingering presence of a ghostly figure. The song's melancholic melody and haunting vocals convey a sense of unresolved grief and yearning. Another highlight is 'The Holy Drinker', which speaks to the dark underbelly of addiction and obsession, portraying a character trapped in a cycle of self-destruction and spiritual decay. The song's relentless rhythm and searing lyrics create a sense of unease and foreboding. A masterful exploration of the human condition, offering a deeply moving, thought provoking listening experience.