User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 93
  2. Negative: 4 out of 93
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  1. Jan 29, 2021
    10
    Outstanding, unbelievably amazing album! This truly is prog heaven. Steven Wilson's best work.
  2. Jan 24, 2014
    10
    Steven Wilson has once again created a beautiful combination of pure sound, with funky tunes such as those in Luminol to 8 minutes of pure emotional anguish in The Raven That Refused To Sing. He has blended the mellotron well with his more classical array of music on this record. Some may say that this is a typical Steven Wilson record but this has the makings of something even better.Steven Wilson has once again created a beautiful combination of pure sound, with funky tunes such as those in Luminol to 8 minutes of pure emotional anguish in The Raven That Refused To Sing. He has blended the mellotron well with his more classical array of music on this record. Some may say that this is a typical Steven Wilson record but this has the makings of something even better. This is a soulful album that provides you with just enough of everything. Expand
  3. Oct 14, 2013
    10
    Way past the electric prog-rock experiments with Porcupine Tree, in this record Steve Wilson achieves a timeless record: artful, precise, melodic and more full of sentiment than any other previous Wilson effort. Sharply mixed by Alan Parsons and beautifully executed by some of the most talented and expressive musicians out there, this collection of songs exudes perfection and shines theWay past the electric prog-rock experiments with Porcupine Tree, in this record Steve Wilson achieves a timeless record: artful, precise, melodic and more full of sentiment than any other previous Wilson effort. Sharply mixed by Alan Parsons and beautifully executed by some of the most talented and expressive musicians out there, this collection of songs exudes perfection and shines the most in their quietest, softest moments like the middle section in Luminol or The Watchmaker. Expand
  4. Oct 11, 2013
    10
    This is an instant classic. A standard of excellence and precision. A masterpiece only matched by other classics, only SW can create this quality nowadays.
  5. May 27, 2013
    10
    A remarkable record that should easily the "best of 2013" list in most music goers. Steven Wilson has truly outdone himself here. Highly recommend it!
  6. Apr 27, 2013
    10
    There must be something really amazing (and great for music) if this is not the best album of 2013. Themed (ghosts) album, almost classic progressive compositions (most of the tracks with multiple "movements" and so), extraordinary performances (great musicians), but most important: this album is made with intelligence, soulfulness and love for music by Wilson & Co. If you can, try theThere must be something really amazing (and great for music) if this is not the best album of 2013. Themed (ghosts) album, almost classic progressive compositions (most of the tracks with multiple "movements" and so), extraordinary performances (great musicians), but most important: this album is made with intelligence, soulfulness and love for music by Wilson & Co. If you can, try the HD/Blu-Ray version. My personal favorite: The Watchmaker. Expand
  7. Mar 14, 2013
    10
    Steven Wilson a creative genius. he's so prolifically talented I just listen in awe... between his solo work and Porcupine Tree exploits howvis he not a household name? It is no surprise that he has created another master work. Pure genius.
  8. Mar 3, 2013
    10
    Love this album, an instant classic. On the surface a collection of songs based on ghost stories and tales of the supernatural, but beneath that really these are stories about humanity, with a depth of emotion not found on many albums these days. The musical performances are amazing, complementing the stories/lyrics perfectly, without veering off into excessive progressive rockLove this album, an instant classic. On the surface a collection of songs based on ghost stories and tales of the supernatural, but beneath that really these are stories about humanity, with a depth of emotion not found on many albums these days. The musical performances are amazing, complementing the stories/lyrics perfectly, without veering off into excessive progressive rock "noodling". Highly recommended! Collapse
  9. Mar 1, 2013
    10
    The man did it again. The album is full of emotion, you can basically just listen to it all day long, and you will always find something new, that you did not notice before. I liked Grace for Drowning a lot, but this is just better. I do not know how Steven does it, he always comes with something, that is pushing the boundaries of rock/ progressive rock music, he is shaping the world inThe man did it again. The album is full of emotion, you can basically just listen to it all day long, and you will always find something new, that you did not notice before. I liked Grace for Drowning a lot, but this is just better. I do not know how Steven does it, he always comes with something, that is pushing the boundaries of rock/ progressive rock music, he is shaping the world in his own way, and that is what it makes him a true artist. A master of his art. Thank you Steven 10/10 Expand
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Clash Music
    Jun 6, 2013
    90
    Sad, weird, beautiful, fiercesome; music to move and excite. [Apr 2013, p.97]
  2. Jun 4, 2013
    60
    Despite the eclectic background material, it feels like a consolidation rather than a development.
  3. Q Magazine
    Apr 10, 2013
    80
    Wilson never forgets the melodies or real sentiment. [May 2013, p.113]