"In Absentia" is the seventh studio album by British progressive rock band Porcupine Tree, released on September 24, 2002. This album marked a significant transition for the band, featuring new drummer Gavin Harrison and shifting towards a more progressive metal sound, moving away from their earlier psychedelic and alternative rock influences. It was also their first release with a major record label, Lava Records.
The album received critical and commercial acclaim, often regarded as the band's crowning achievement, and it sold three times more copies than any of their previous albums, solidifying their status in the progressive rock scene.
In Absentia is the seventh studio album by British progressive rock band Porcupine Tree, released on September 24, 2002. This album marked a pivotal shift in the band's sound towards progressive metal, driven by several key changes and influences.
Initially, Porcupine Tree had a psychedelic rock style under Delerium Records, but by the late 1990s, they began adopting a more commercial sound with shorter songs after signing to Kscope/Snapper Records. As they transitioned to Lava Records in 2001, they decided to explore heavier musical themes. Frontman Steven Wilson, influenced by heavy metal and extreme bands like Opeth and Meshuggah, sought to integrate a more aggressive sound into the band's music.
The lineup change, particularly the arrival of drummer Gavin Harrison, also contributed to this evolution. Harrison's technical prowess and contemporary style brought a new dynamic to the band's compositions, which had been primarily written prior to his joining.
Lyrically, while In Absentia isn't a formal concept album, it explores dark themes such as serial killers, societal alienation, and lost innocence. Wilson described the title as a metaphor for a "black hole" in the soul, reflecting a deeper psychological exploration of its subjects. Overall, the album represents a significant moment in Porcupine Tree's career, showcasing their growth and the merging of progressive rock with heavier metal influences.
