ROADRUNNER RECORDS ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE SIGNING OF STORM CORROSION…
Posted on February 7, 2012 STORM CORROSION is the long-discussed and highly anticipated collaboration between two of the current music scene’s most innovative and multi-talented artists; PORCUPINE TREE’s Steven Wilson and Mikael Åkerfeldt of OPETH. The pair have been friends since the late ‘90s, when Wilson co-produced Opeth’s revered ‘Blackwater Park’ album. Over the years, they’d often spoken of working on a project together, but it wasn’t until recently that they managed to make something happen, when Mikael flew over to visit Steve in the UK and they ended up in Wilson’s home studio throwing ideas around. That visit was the nascence of a whole self-titled album, written and produced by the pair and mixed by Wilson.
The sound of STORM CORROSION can best be described as enchanting, orchestral, ambient, epic (half the album’s tracks clock in around the 10 minute mark) and nothing short of surprising to the new ear. However, the musicians’ respective fanbases will be primed to appreciate the new output, with Wilson’s recent solo album, ‘Grace For Drowning’ and Opeth’s ‘Heritage’ having brought them to a logical place to understand STORM CORROSION. This eponymous collection is almost viewed as one side of a musical triangle.
Says Wilson; “If you'd asked me three months ago about the music, I would have said, 'Expect the last thing you would expect.' But actually, now that 'Heritage' and 'Grace Of Drowning' have come out, I don't think it's going to be that much of a shock to people, because it's almost like a third part of the trilogy, in a way. If anything, it's even more orchestral, even more stripped down, even more dark, twisted and melancholic… but it certainly feels like it comes from the same place as 'Heritage' and 'Grace For Drowning', which indeed it does because it was written during the same period.”
“Some of the music on this record I think is the most beautiful music I have participated on ever,” adds Åkerfeldt. “There's some magical sections on there. Musically I think we've created something earthy, a bit frightening, exhausting, profound and rather intense. All at the same time. I can safely say I don't know any other band or artist that sounds anything like STORM CORROSION. I guess that was also one of our goals, so to speak.”
Roadrunner’s Snr VP of A&R, Monte Conner welcomes STORM CORROSION to the Roadrunner family, commenting: “I am honoured to have the Roadrunner logo on the STORM CORROSION album. Steven Wilson and Mikael Åkerfeldt have demonstrated time and time again that they are two of the truest and most important artists working today, and it is not often that I get to work with musicians of this calibre. This album is a beautiful piece of work that will appeal to fans of Steven and Mikael’s past records, while at the same time exploring new avenues for both artists.
‘STORM CORROSION’ will hit record stores on 23rd April. Full release and format details will follow.
My 2 favorite albums of 2011 were Wilson's Grace For Drowning and Opeth's Heritage, so that leaves me incredibly excited to hear this album since Wilson indicates it's part of the "trilogy".
I'll buy anything these guys put out. Wilson and Akerfeldt are the two musicians that I most admire in the 21st century.
This certainly sounds interesting, but I'd like to hear a little before I commit.
Quote :
The sound of STORM CORROSION can best be described as enchanting, orchestral, ambient
Those are 3 words that I generally don't look for in the music I listen to. If I were compiling a top 20 list of adjectives to describe what I look for in music, those 3 wouldn't make the cut.
Still, being a Porcupine Tree fan and recognizing the genius of Mr. Wilson, I'll give it a shot. Nothing against them, but I still haven't fully embraced Opeth.
_________________ I used to be with it, but then they changed what "it" was. Now what I'm with isn't it, and what's it seems weird and scary to me, and it'll happen to you, too.
I doubt this will be a "rock record" in any way shape or form. I'm expecting a primarily fusion-oriented album. Wilson has stated that the album is very orchestral and they are long-form pieces of music (10 minutes plus). I'm guessing meditative should describe the overall vibe.
I doubt this will be a "rock record" in any way shape or form. I'm expecting a primarily fusion-oriented album. Wilson has stated that the album is very orchestral and they are long-form pieces of music (10 minutes plus). I'm guessing meditative should describe the overall vibe.
so fans of opiates and barbituates should be visiting the record store on the way home from the pharmacy.
I doubt this will be a "rock record" in any way shape or form. I'm expecting a primarily fusion-oriented album. Wilson has stated that the album is very orchestral and they are long-form pieces of music (10 minutes plus). I'm guessing meditative should describe the overall vibe.
I saw another interview where one of them said there is very little guitar on the album. A sh*t-ton of other instruments, but little in the way of distorted guitars. Mostly acoustic.
_________________ I used to be with it, but then they changed what "it" was. Now what I'm with isn't it, and what's it seems weird and scary to me, and it'll happen to you, too.
Wilson is looking in other directions away from heavy rock, he said that he thinks Porcupine Tree was relying on it too heavily over the past couple records. Probably one of the deciding factors for doing another solo album next instead of another PT record.
I'm happy to follow him wherever the journey leads.
Nice in-depth interview with Steven Wilson here... http://www.innerviews.org/inner/wilson.html
Includes a little discussion of the Storm Corrosion project, these particular sections shed light on the idea behind the album...
"All I can say is (Storm Corrosion album) was a direct product of a couple of things. Number one, when Mikael and I get together, there is obviously an expectation that we will do a particular kind of record. In this case, there was an expectation that we would make a progressive metal album. We’re both bloody-minded enough to know that if that’s the expectation, then we’re going to do the opposite. Secondly, There was a feeling that we were collaborating on something new. There was no precedent because it was a brand new project. This was our first album and we could set the tone any way we like. There was no Storm Corrosion album before this one and that was totally liberating."
continued:
"There was also the sense that we could explore our more esoteric tastes in music. In Mikael’s case, that might be bands like Comus. In my case, that might be people like Scott Walker, Talk Talk and Steve Reich. We meet on a lot of those things anyway. It’s also very encouraging to be in the room with somebody with whom you feel you can suggest anything without them laughing you down or saying “You can’t do that. That’s ridiculous.” It was quite the contrary. We egged each other on. The more ridiculous, avant-garde or willfully obscure the idea, the more the other person would encourage the other. That’s a wonderfully creative situation to be in."
When asked if they would tour to support the album, Wilson responded:
"No. It would be tough to pull off. It might be the kind of thing that works in seated theaters, maybe, together with a string quartet."
This sounds very interesting to me. I think these two gentlemen are two of the most talented musicians currently working and to have them collaborate on a project might just cause the musical planets to align! I like that they have decided to create music that is completely different from what either of them write in their respective careers. And a tour with Mikael and Steven and a string quartet would be AWESOME!
This sounds very interesting to me. I think these two gentlemen are two of the most talented musicians currently working and to have them collaborate on a project might just cause the musical planets to align! I like that they have decided to create music that is completely different from what either of them write in their respective careers. And a tour with Mikael and Steven and a string quartet would be AWESOME!
I agree with everything you said. I'm really looking forward to hearing what they have in store for us.
Whoa!! That's some freaky stuff. The song and video are gonna haunt my dreams.
Very cool.
_________________ I used to be with it, but then they changed what "it" was. Now what I'm with isn't it, and what's it seems weird and scary to me, and it'll happen to you, too.
Last edited by MetalGuy71 on Tue Apr 24, 2012 12:02 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Correcting a spelling error, ok!! Geez!)
I don't think there will be "heavy" in the traditional sense, they avoided distorted guitars on purpose. However, I anticipate there being some very intense moments.
I don't think there will be "heavy" in the traditional sense, they avoided distorted guitars on purpose. However, I anticipate there being some very intense moments.
It's a great song, outstanding production too.
I've gotten the impression that this album is purposely going in a direction that is far from both Opeth and Porcupine Tree. People are going to either love it or hate it, no in-between. These guys are doing this for themselves. Fans are welcme to come along for the ride if they want. If they don't, they don't.
I've got reservations about it myself, but I did like that first single.
_________________ I used to be with it, but then they changed what "it" was. Now what I'm with isn't it, and what's it seems weird and scary to me, and it'll happen to you, too.
These guys are doing this for themselves. Fans are welcme to come along for the ride if they want. If they don't, they don't.
That's one of the main reasons I admire both of these musicians, they do whatever they want, fan expectations be damned.
They have both stated that it would have been too easy (and boring) to do a "prog metal" album together. So they saw Storm Corrosion as the vehicle where they could draw on their more eclectic musical tastes and just create whatever art they came up with, with no reservations.
These guys are doing this for themselves. Fans are welcme to come along for the ride if they want. If they don't, they don't.
That's one of the main reasons I admire both of these musicians, they do whatever they want, fan expectations be damned.
They have both stated that it would have been too easy (and boring) to do a "prog metal" album together. So they saw Storm Corrosion as the vehicle where they could draw on their more eclectic musical tastes and just create whatever art they came up with, with no reservations.
It's like when Kevin Moore left DT. I'm sure we all thought that he would put out a keyboard infested shred album. Instead, he came out with just the opposite... A Peter Gabriel-sounding, song oriented, atmospheric album that found it's own fanbase. Dead Air For Radios is a GREAT album!!!!!
Wow. Just wow. The music is haunting, beautiful, and very far removed from either band, though to be fair, Akerfeldt and Wilson have been telling us that all along. The visual concept of that video is incredible! Disturbing to say the least, but gorgeous in its own way. Is it possible for animation to be darker than Tim Burton? Can't wait to hear the whole album now.
Musically it's related to both Wilson's Grace For Drowning and Opeth's Heritage. All three albums were written/recorded close together, but they all have their distinct sound. Wilson describes them as three sides to a musical pyramid.
The main difference in instrumentation on Storm Corrosion is the lack of drums.
Subject: Storm Corrosion news 
Tue Feb 07, 2012 11:43 am
