"Anesthetize" is both a celebrated live concert film and a standout track by the British progressive rock band Porcupine Tree. The live film, released in May 2010, captures the band at their creative peak during two shows at 013 in Tilburg, Netherlands, recorded in October 2008 at the end of the Fear of a Blank Planet tour. The film was directed by Lasse Hoile and is available in DVD, Blu-ray, and audio CD formats123.
The Song: "Anesthetize"
- Album: Fear of a Blank Planet (2007)
- Length: Approximately 17 minutes
- Genre: Progressive rock, progressive metal
"Anesthetize" is widely regarded as one of Porcupine Tree’s most ambitious and powerful compositions. The song is a multi-part epic, showcasing the band’s signature blend of atmospheric soundscapes, heavy riffs, and intricate musicianship. It features dynamic shifts between contemplative, melodic passages and intense, heavy sections, with lyrics that explore themes of alienation, numbness, and the effects of modern life and medication on the psyche.
Lyrical Themes
- Emotional Numbness: The lyrics reflect the experience of emotional detachment, often interpreted as a commentary on depression and the numbing effects of antidepressant medication.
- Modern Disconnection: The song addresses how technology, media, and pharmaceuticals can distance individuals from authentic feeling and connection.
- Ambiguity and Reflection: The narrative is open to interpretation, with some listeners seeing it as a meditation on youth, mental health, and existential ennui.
The Live Film: Anesthetize
- Release Date: May 20, 2010 (Blu-ray on June 15, 2010)
- Director: Lasse Hoile
- Length: 130 minutes (concert film)
- Venue: 013, Tilburg, Netherlands
- Features: Complete performance of Fear of a Blank Planet, plus fan favorites like "Halo" and "Sever".
Band Lineup
- Steven Wilson: Vocals, guitar, principal songwriter
- Richard Barbieri: Keyboards, synthesizers
- Colin Edwin: Bass
- Gavin Harrison: Drums, percussion
- John Wesley: Guitar, backing vocals (live member)
Reception
- The Anesthetize DVD/Blu-ray has been praised for its high production values, powerful performances, and immersive sound mixing by Steven Wilson.
- It was named "DVD Release of the Year" by Classic Rock magazine and ranked as the #2 "Top DVD/Video of All-Time" on Prog Archives as of November 2017.
- Critics highlighted the band’s technical precision and emotional depth, with particular praise for the musicianship of drummer Gavin Harrison and the atmospheric visuals.
Tracklist Highlights
The concert film and audio include:
- Complete performance of Fear of a Blank Planet
- "Anesthetize"
- "Halo"
- "Sever"
- Additional tracks from the band’s catalog, including selections from the Nil Recurring EP
Packaging and Editions
- Special Editions: Deluxe editions include a cloth-bound hardback book with concert photography, two audio CDs, and a DVD/Blu-ray of the concert. Limited editions feature different cover colors and are highly sought after by collectors.
- Standard Editions: Retail versions are available in both Blu-ray and DVD formats.
Legacy
"Anesthetize" stands as a defining work in Porcupine Tree’s discography, both as a song and a live document. It captures the band’s ability to blend progressive complexity with emotional resonance, making it a touchstone for fans of modern progressive rock135.
