Second Porcupine Tree DVD-A simply stunning

Artist: Porcupine Tree
Title: Deadwing
Format: DVD-Audio

5.1 Mix By Elliot Scheiner
Mastered by Darcy Proper

England's Porcupine Tree is one of those rare bands that cannot be "pigeon holed". Neither progressive rock or metal, they serve up a relentless combination of pounding rhythms, jack hammer guitars, and melodic, haunting vocal melodies and harmonies that are original, and yet at the same time hearken back to the sounds and styles of Rush, Yes, and more current artists like Nine Inch Nails. Their most recent release, and second on DVD-Audio is Deadwing, and it not only solidifies their position as one of the better bands in music, but as pioneers of surround sound, led by their leader, singer- guitarist Steve Wilson and the great surround guru, Elliot Scheiner.

The music:
With a number of tracks exceeding 10 minutes (which probably leads to the progressive rock tag they often have to bear), musically, Deadwing is stronger than it's predecessor, In Absentia, and more consistent. The title track (featuring an incredible "strangled cat" guitar solo by Adrian Belew) is a complex song propelled by the great drumming of Gavin Harrison.
The band knows how to use dynamics to build tension, bringing the song to a quiet halt part way through with an eerie break reminiscent of Dark Side era Pink Floyd, only to be torn apart by pounding drums and guitars once again. Shallow is a simpler riff-driven song with a lovely piano accompanied bridge. Other songs such as Lazarus and Glass Arm Shattering are some of the most beautifully arranged songs heard in years, with incredible melodies and backing vocals. Only Open Car fails to really get going musically.
Not much to dislike here at all.
Score: 9/10

The mix:
2 words....Elliot Scheiner! This man is simply THE best 5.1 mixer around. Here he offers up some stunning moments. During Deadwing, Steve Wilson's doubled vocals jump from front to rear and back during the chorus, creating a very spooky effect, and guitars come at you from all four speakers like a herd of elephants. Keyboard sounds and guitars pan around the room through out the disc. On Halo, Wilson's voice at one point hovers over the listeners head and flits around from left to right so quickly that it's dizzying! Glass Arm Shattering ends with the sound of a needle skipping at the end of a record, spinning around the room.
Simply perfect!
Score: 10/10

The sound:
While the disc at times has a slightly digital edge to it, mostly when there are very loud moments, the overall sound is strong, with nice deep bass and not overly aggressive on the top end.
Score: 8.5/10

Overall: 9/10

Porcupine Tree is said to be working on a concert DVD. This fan can hardly wait!