‘In Absentia’ was the band’s seventh studio album, first released in 2002, and was the first in a run of 3 albums that for many represent the pinnacle of the band’s artistic achievements. It was something of a breakthrough for the band, selling three times more than previous releases. Following on from 2000’s ‘Lightbulb Sun’ it had a distinctly heavier tone, partly due to the addition of legendary drummer Gavin Harrison, and was also their first for major label Lava / Atlantic Records. ‘In Absentia’ features many of Porcupine Tree’s most loved songs including “Trains”, “The Sound of Muzak” and “Blackest Eyes”. While not a formal concept album, many of the songs have common themes related to serial killers, youthful innocence gone wrong, and observations of the modern world, setting a template for many of Wilson’s future songs.

It follows the release of Steven Wilson’s fifth solo album, ‘To The Bone’, which soared to the UK Album Charts at #3 and to #2 in the German album charts. Meanwhile Gavin Harrison is enjoying success touring the world with both King Crimson and The Pineapple Thief after performing on the latter’s latest album ‘Your Wilderness’ and ex-PT keyboardist Richard Barbieri recently released his third and most ambitious solo album ‘Planets + Persona’ on Kscope.