Tonight - STEVEN WILSON, GHOST B.C. in Minneapolis

One my biggest disappointments is now not being able to attend tonight's solo performance from Steven Wilson at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis due to my post-surgical state. Metal fans may be familiar with Steven's exceptional production and performance work on Opeth's groundbreaking (and best) albums, Blackwater Park, Deliverance, and Damnation, as well as serving as producer or engineer for other artists such as Anathema. This eventually led to the Storm Corrosion project with Opeth guitarist/vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt released in 2012. Steven is also the brains behind progressive rock titans Porcupine Tree, whose Deadwing album would probably land on my desert island list. I've seen both of Porcupine Tree's shows at the Fine Line, once on the In Absentia tour with Opeth in 2003 and again in 2005 on the Deadwing tour, and they were nothing short of stunning. Steven's current tour with his solo band is to promote his excellent third solo album, The Raven That Refused To Sing, that was released earlier this year. His solo albums don't rise to the godliness level of Porcupine Tree, but it should nevertheless be an amazing show. If you are a progressive rock fan, drop whatever you are doing and get down to the Fine Line tonight. This is an 18+ show that starts at 8:30; tickets are $22.50 at the door.

Check out the official video for "The Raven That Refused To Sing" by Steven Wilson.

Just down the street from the Fine Line at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis is the return of the mysterious Ghost B.C. with Ides Of Gemini. I reviewed the latest Ghost B.C. album Infestissumam here (6/10). It should be an interesting show, and I'd bet that songs from the new album will sound much better live. This is a 16+ show that starts at 8:30; tickets are $20 at the door.

Here's a live version of "Year Zero" by Ghost B.C., though all the pre-recorded vocals are pretty lame.