Listening to Marillion: An Hour Before It's Dark, Part 1 - Reaction And Opinion

[@CinePhill]

So good! Listened about 6 times over the weekend. And FINALLY my 17 year old daughter listened off her own bat, after years of me playing bits and rattling on about them. She txt me all the way through saying Oh My God!!! This is brilliant Dad!! Even named her top three tracks and now wants to see them live. And like me had tears at the end of Care.

[@JimNewstead]

Oh man, Care got me. I wasn’t ready - emotionally mugged by a song!

[@CinePhill]

@@JimNewstead That’s a great way of putting it!! I work for the NHS so I don’t know…it felt both cathartic and an affirmation of what I go to work for.

[@gerhardschote8000]

@@JimNewstead Not possible to listen without tears in the eyes

[@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966]

Sorry did not realised you had heard Care.... Hope you had recycled tissues while you listen to that last bit of care!!!!

[@JimNewstead]

@@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966 not posted yet!

[@billmorgan306]

The lyrics to the song care ..are absolutely moving and anyone who has lost a loved one close to them will resonate to this song completely.. musically it's brilliant and emotional

[@JimNewstead]

I know. I wasn’t prepared for it. 😢

[@Jim-El]

Sublime.

[@craigpayne4100]

A fantastic album. I live inAustralia where Marillion does not seem to be big. But I am a huge fan of their work. This album is up there with Seasons End

[@thelokiduke4392]

Im a huge fan from Australia too! I only hope I will see them live up here!!!

[@michaelcrissman1607]

I was in Melbourne just before everything shut down. I live in Southern California.

[@fraukeroberts6590]

What an album 💞💞

[@JimNewstead]

Yes, yes it is!

[@mvwmark8955]

Had the headphones on, no distractions, album got to the end of Sierra Leone and i thought to myself, this could be their best album ever with still a multi part song to come……. Then the best song came on 😳😆 Masterpiece. Well done, chaps. 👍

[@joakim1600]

This album have been on repeat since launch. I'm a huge Marillion fan and this is a brilliant album and one of their finest work to date. I spend the weekend alone in our summerhouse to write an essay and listen to An hour before its dark was both inspiring and memorable.

[@arthurmol6875]

What a Masterpiece my favorites are on the moment The Crow...and Care

[@kevingreen3429]

Your last comments you made about the band and its fans are absolutely spot on jim, you will need to get out and see them live they are sensational. Crow and the Nightingale next ❤❤

[@maciejpiwowarczyk5496]

Spinning it for last 3 days and I am loving it.On same level as FEAR.Long live Marillion!:)

[@retrorambles517]

An hour before it's dark Fear Sounds that can't be made are the last three albums and also some of their best albums

[@sjord67]

I cant see the comparisons between FEAR and the new one. AHBID is in a different league. Best thing since maybe even as far back as Brave for me

[@maciejpiwowarczyk5496]

For me Fear is one of best post Fish era albums of Marillion, so new album is there too at the top with afraid of sunlight, season ends, Brave and Marbles. I am just happy they produce such a great albums after so many years!

[@freedomisslavery6840]

That isn't saying much really.

[@didididi71]

Thanks

[@JimNewstead]

No my friend, the thanks is to you! Thank you!

[@agr7879]

Yet another Marillion masterpiece. Can’t stop listening to it

[@davidgale7384]

Sound is just fine. Damn, I wish I still had a turntable.... Absolutely great music. Can't wait for side two.

[@arthurmol6875]

What a great reaction waiting for part 2

[@franckb8279]

This new album is gorgeous from start to finish. I listent to it in "boucle" for one week. It grows on me and it's so goooood. As always Marillion one of my favourite bands create a gem, a masterpiece, so happy to have the De luxe version with my name on it like I used to since Anoraknophobia. Marillion never missed.

[@robertwells3867]

I havnt got it...and happy to listen along.... This sounds so lush and the dynamics are sublime....

[@pauldavis645]

So wonderful to watch someone enjoy the album for what it is absolute perfection

[@claywalnum3143]

I haven't been much of a Marillion fan over the years. I questioned whether they should even be called prog. The times I dipped into their catalog, I never went back. BUT when I heard "Murder Machines," I was absolutely knocked out. Such a powerful track. I have now purchased the album and am loving it. Time to go back to the older albums and re-evaluate.

[@JimNewstead]

Like any band there are highs and lows in their catalogue. I don't know most of their material yet, but there are some stand out records they have done. Marbles is a high water mark

[@MrChippiechappie]

If you think murder machines is better than tracks like Neverland, sugar mice, ocean closed, splintering heart, invisible man etc then you need your ears cleaning out. This album is so boring it nearly put me to sleep. The only saving grace on this turd of an an album is the closing track care and I would put that in their top 15 to 20 tracks either. Listen to white paper or the new kings from fear both of those songs piss all over anything on this album and this is the best they can come up with after 6 years turgid tunes banging on about bloody climate change, Convid and gender identity politics ohhhh God!

[@GeeVanderplas]

Perhaps not prog in the sense that they don't sound like Yes or Genesis. But they are surely progressive, always reinventing themselves, trying new things, pushing the boundaries of what prog, pop or rock songs can be. That's what the original prog bands were all about, and as far as I'm concerned Marillion keep that tradition going.

[@veritas1414]

Great reaction Jim, glad you enjoyed yourself.

[@stephenhaunch3468]

Nice one Jim. If your feeling emotional, I think the best is to come.

[@SebGeddy]

So glad you react to Marillion again, Jim. They're one of my favorite bands ever. They released 3 masterpieces in a row in the past 10 years. I have my own vinyl copy of this one 😉

[@MARBLES81]

The album is absolutely stunning. Just brilliant

[@simonbondsfield4249]

So glad you like it so far. And the best is yet to come 👍

[@robertheckman8013]

Can't wait to hear/see Marillion live on Cruise to the Edge during the first week of May!

[@palantir135]

Hadn’t heard it yet. Indeed, it sounds gorgeous but it sounds more angry than I’m used to. There’s enough misery around to be angry at/fearful of these days. Afraid of sunlight, is still my favorite album with this singer though. I’m curious if side two can change that. Ayreon is a similar ‘band’ considering it not been well known by the main public but is has a worldwide fanbase. From the same composer, Arjen Lucassen, another project Star One has a new album and it’s on number one in the Netherlands and several top ten charts in Europe.

[@JimNewstead]

Side 2 and Side 3. Side 3….. well, let’s just say I’ve never been emotionally mugged by a song before!

[@StockportJambo]

@@JimNewstead I bet I can guess which one, too.

[@stephenhillier3522]

Really enjoyed that. Sort of regretting buying the CD rather than the vinyl, no matter how stupid, since I have nothing to play vinyl nowadays. Come to think of it, not sure I have much to play CDs on either. My equally Marillion mad friend's car maybe? Undoubtedly it's great, but is it as great as Marbles or FEAR? Not sure yet, need to give it a few more listens. It has a huge emotional impact, but that's not new. Some of the music reminds me of FEAR and Sounds That Can't Be Made, plus a mixture of other earlier stuff, so it hasn't really made a mark of it's own yet for me.

[@ickelpete]

It is a great album looking forward to part 2

[@ronouwe93]

Well alright then, I’ll listen to this beautiful album again 😅

[@JimNewstead]

It is, as you say, beautiful.

[@marclovato9797]

Hello Jim. I'm a very long time Marillion fan. Seen them several times on stage. Incredible experiences...I've got the tickets for October in Dijon... Yesssss Pendragon...do you know this great band with the postiv energy of Clive Nolan...? It would be great to listen their work on you line... Greetings from Lorraine...

[@booshting3520]

Its a good one. Love the 5.1 surround. I held together all the way to the final track and that one made me shed a tear. Great band. You have to see them live

[@JimNewstead]

I’m sure I will one day!

[@thijs941]

Aaagh still waiting for mine! Really want to do my first listen from my vinyl, so I'm leaving this video quickly! Curious for your opinion though, so I'll be back in a few days! :D

[@GeeVanderplas]

Still waiting for mine too but I caved and listened to the download... Great stuff so far!

[@JimNewstead]

See you soon!

[@thijs941]

@@GeeVanderplas Hahah no I can do this!! I think. Maybe. We'll see. Happy to see the great reactions so far though, doesn't make it any easier haha

[@thijs941]

@@JimNewstead Sure thing!

[@chockaday1]

Just love seeing your reaction - replicates my own.

[@carstenhorn5075]

Nice to see you immerse yourself in the music and enjoy it. I have stopped trying to understand why Marillion don’t get the recognicion they deserve a long time ago. Murder machines have everything that makes a huge hit in my opinion. What a fantastic song! It’ my favourite song from the album

[@didididi71]

It takes at least 3 runs in total but after that I absolutely can't put a song on top... Care is amazing but Siera Leone's atmosphere is amazing and the power of RTGene and BHOY is amazing and the chorus of murder machines is like that captivating... I'm closing here, sorry

[@chilliwilliams2525]

I listened yesterday, damn good album,Care is the stand out track for me.

[@MrChippiechappie]

It's the only stand out.

[@franckbizouard3357]

This album is marvelous! Without doubt, one of their best and I'm a huge fan, seen them many many times live. Really the more I listen to it the more I rank it higher and higher in their discography. In my top 5 Marilllion's album now.

[@tonyfurminger8308]

Reprograme The Gene is such a good song, but I can't wait to see what you think of Care, Jim

[@aldisley6565]

Watching Jim, and his reaction and I realise that is exactly what I look like with my headphones on ;-)

[@RogerRam68]

I love how you get it like I do...P.S love the hoodie

[@NE0TIMELESS]

Thank you Jim for this fantastic review to the new album, i have my tickets to the sweden marillion starting friday 20th may, will be 3 magical nights i believe cheers.

[@henriquemaio2358]

Estava eu nos mares pescando... tinha na altura 23 anos ..no descanso metia sempre a cassete...marilion ...dos primeiros álbuns... era sempre a bombar..... demais fechava os olhos...e viajava

[@gustavojuarez3845]

Another MARILLION MASTERPICE!!!

[@IamMarqaos]

This is their greatest album. I could not love it more. Frankly it’s my favorite album off all time.

[@timkirby5179]

I Adore Brave but this come close. So close I think it would depend on my mood at the time of listen which I prefer. :)

[@paulmcmillan5941]

Hello Jim, just on the clumsy lyric about testing positive etc. I saw an interview with Steve Hogarth this morning which said the idea for the song was about killing a relationship by the act of putting your arms around that of another, hence the she, he put his arms around her.... this is where the pandemic crept into the song was around cells of a virus which have nothing to do but grow and multiply until it kills you which makes the virus a murder machine. When it's viewed from this context I think it's quite cleaver! 👍 great review and looking forward to part 2!

[@retrorambles517]

Think I've seen that Rolling stone Germany I think

[@kdetroch]

in 1999 in Belgium the future is bright the fugurs is Oranng was well known as well as 3rd mobile operator 🙂

[@Forest_Fifer]

Was at the Marillion Weekend last week in Leicester, they played the album in full on the Saturday night and it was an almost spiritual experience.

[@jcarlosfig]

Jim must listen Care. The coronation of this album. SUPERB

[@JimNewstead]

Coming in the next day or two

[@jcarlosfig]

@@JimNewstead See you later. Big hug

[@gabiesiren]

Hello Jim, this is the first video that I watched but I didn't dare to comment then, because, sometimes, the youtuber you're watching is extremely busy and couldn't care less about comments, but since you're a nice guy who cares about people, I started with this video because I wanted a third opinion about this album. I love it ,but my american friend Pete hated it, so I was wondering what other people thought about it. I enjoy it very much now !

[@gabiesiren]

I have to say that the sound quality of your recordings, records and cd's is a absolutely magical and perfect. I even bought new headphones just to listen to the music you're sharing

[@JimNewstead]

Thanks Gabie, I’ve tried very hard to present the sound in the best possible way I can. The videos are in HD, and the vinyl is being played on a decent turntable with a very good cartridge through a little pre-amp. The CD is just a straight rip into the computer, so there’s nothing special about the DAC used. Glad it’s sounding good!

[@medusaplanete]

haaaaa! marillion will be marrillion...love them since day 1

[@amidwest5847]

Sierra Leone is my favorite. I think H's voice is best on this one. The juxtaposition of pensive hesitation and powerful declaration.

[@MaraxisArcanist]

I went and did some surface-level exploring of Marillion after your last video of them. I found some tracks enjoyable and others I didn't care for much. Nothing I'd spend a great deal of time with, to be honest. So far I like this album more than the other stuff I listened to. I'm still struggling a bit with when I would put on music like this. It almost feels like "soundtrack" music, if that makes any sense. Is it fair to say this isn't really casual listening music? Like you need to be focused on it and doing nothing else at the time? Maybe I'm just not attuned to them enough yet. Still enjoying your sharing of them, regardless.

[@GeeVanderplas]

In my experience, and I say this as a massive fan, the albums usually need a couple of dedicated listenings to fully get absorbed. Usually a couple of tracks that jump out and the rest will reveal themselves on repeat. Another way to really get into a album is to see them live, I struggled with Fear a lot, but witnessing the whole thing live really made it come alive. There's always gonna be songs and even albums that don't click, but usually it pays of to stick with an album for a while!

[@MaraxisArcanist]

@@GeeVanderplas That's probably fair. There's a number of bands I really like, but it took work to get there. Some things click with me right away but the ones I have to put effort into tend to stick with me longer.

[@BehonestBestitchedup]

You put Marillion on at midnight when your sat in your undies in front of a roaring fire with a whiskey or 4. Slainte Mhath!

[@MaraxisArcanist]

@@BehonestBestitchedup That's probably what I'm doing wrong! 😁

[@retrorambles517]

My favourites are An hour after dark Fear Sounds that can't be made A script for a jester's tear

[@ocean686]

Continuing with the heavy prog theme in Fear this is brilliant, contemporary and pertinent. but for me, lacks the variation of changes in atmosphere shown in Marbles (and others), so is fairly one dimensional. Still, a brill album which I hope to see performed live later this year. Keep up the good work guys!

[@lalski08]

Got my signed cd a coupla days ago, been a fan since '79...Eat my shorts lol

[@TheProgCorner]

It’s awesome!!!

[@WACONimages]

Really like this album! Normally I prefer the epic very long larger than life Marillion songs but this albums hits you straight in the face. Love the more up tempo approach and a bit shorter songs. Never though so before. Also their live show Oct 2022 in Utrecht, Netherlands was awesome! Same hitting you in the face from start concert.

[@stuartraybould6433]

Just sounds like Marillion, a bit too wordy, where are the guitar solos, not enough music. I'll end up getting it, as I have all their albums but other things will be before this, like the Robert Fripp Exposed box. I'm sure it'll grow on me when I get around to getting it but nothing they have done since Marbles as really blown me away and this sounds more of the same.

[@MrChippiechappie]

It's just plain boring nothing on this does anything for me. I didn't like fear at first but it grew on me after a few listens. I can't see this one doing the same. Fear had wipe paper which is right up there with their very best songs there is nothing anywhere close on this to that and the subject matter and sentiment of the lyrics I just don't agree with. The pandemic was a massive scam and over reaction to a virus with a 99% survival rate. Climate change is bullshit just like gender identity politics there two sexes male and female that's it.

[@mikewebster8385]

agreed (apart from Sky above the Rain)

[@medusaplanete]

It's time for a new album now ! please please please! :D

[@richardrawles6789]

The best complete album they've done since Marbles IMHO. Parts of Something Else, Sounds, HITR and FEAR stood out but on this one it all works. I totally agree with you Jim side 4 is just unnecessary padding.

[@iantrott9152]

So pleased you like “side one” :)

[@pasit1738]

I thinks this is one of those records, which need time to crow into you. It doesn't reveal all it's glory on the first listening, but it won't wear out fast either. But this the sounds are absolutely brilliant right away. I really love Pete's bass work.

[@JimNewstead]

It gets better with every listen, that’s for sure.

[@sidecardog5244]

Sound is very good…preamp or record?

[@JimNewstead]

Both I think. The preamp has made a massive difference to the depth/quality of the sound. I would never have believed it could make such a difference. But you can't polish a turd, the source material has to be good to start off with!

[@sidecardog5244]

You haven’t seen my collection of chrome plated polished turds.

[@ForTheLoveOfYngwie]

Some great stuff. The keyboards may be best ever. A few tracks aren't up to the peaks IMO but the highs are very high.

[@MrChippiechappie]

Best keyboards ever don't think so? And there are no highs on this turd.

[@jmurray2018]

This doesn’t sound like any Marillion album I’ve heard so far (all on this channel) it’s still sounds like the U2 band. It’s gonna take me a while on how I feel about this album. The intro song is awesome and I like the last part of reprogram the gene that was really awesome. I think Murder machines is. The best song on this side… I’m not sure how anyone would call this album bland-this is a awesome album I’m sure if it was a U2 album it would get more attention yep this still make me think of the U2 sound. This is going on my increasing Marillion playlist.

[@rbastias100]

the speed is fast!!! need adjust!!! Look the strobo light of your turntable.

[@JimNewstead]

Speed is fine…. The camera frame rate is different from the speed of the strobe so it looks like it’s too fast/too slow.

[@torch8760]

I can’t decide if it’s brilliant or lazy yet. Need to live with it some more.

[@JimNewstead]

It’s certainly not lazy!

[@torch8760]

@@JimNewstead I have really thought on this for months and I believe it IS lazy. Let me explain. The band’s process for quite a while now is to record a ton of jams and then Michael Hunter snips the best bits together - and that’s what I finally realized was bothering me. It’s La y songwriting composition bc they’ve basically stopped writing bridges and connecting one part to the next. Ever since Sounds That Can’t Be Made they have relied more and more on buildups, hard stops, then starting a new part. That’s what I was reacting to - lazy overall composition. That combined with H ‘s increasing repetitive use of the same phrases over and over in choruses really feels like these shortcuts undercut the beautiful orchestration otherwise. It’s when getting more apparent album by album lately and it hit a zenith on this one.

[@gavinferguson]

it must be my ears but again H's diction again makes it difficult to hear the words even with head phones on but man the music is magestic as usual.

[@JimNewstead]

It’s hard sometimes.

[@MrChippiechappie]

I just wish this guy would sing properly like he used instead of this irritating warbling that he keeps doing. He has done it on the last two albums now.

[@gavinferguson]

@@JimNewstead i listened again last night and its almost as the vocals are to far back in the mix and H's words get lost.. i so want to love all of this album thanks for the play through..

[@digibirder]

Marillion don't "play the game". The play the music in their hearts.

[@paulf2557]

Half time Jim. So....Strap in, get ready, foot down, push the button - and reach the even better side two - and eventually the brilliant opus "Care". Your reaction will be priceless I can tell. Great first half reaction anyway.

[@JimNewstead]

I wasn't emotionally prepared for Care.

[@StockportJambo]

This the warm up IMO. Care is the best track on a fantastic Marillion album. It's not even close.

[@pl5914]

To your question: I am sure it is the singing (not the music), that doesn't make them mainstream. Same for Rush imho. Not everyone's cup of tea (I include myself here unfortunately).

[@JimNewstead]

It took me some time to fully embrace H's vocals, but I'm happy to say I'm there now!

[@barneyrubble9309]

its not a bad album by any means but i have over the last few albums found myself yelling at the hifi for 'H' to just STFU and let the band do their thing...his constant wittering over the band really grates with me at times, and dont get me started on the whispering and mumbling . I even wonder if he gates paid by the word 🙂 Id really like the band to rain 'H' in sometimes and make the tracks more succinct in their storey telling. Just cos you can do a track of 12 mins with 3 movements doesn't mean you have to..Take Easter or Seasons End...both stellar storey telling and all the better impact for being to the point and no fluff...'H' is a great lyricist but would be even better if forced to be more concise. Having said all that, "Care" is quite the track.

[@martintaffaro301]

Wait until you get to CARE!

[@JimNewstead]

I got there…. You have to wait to see it!

[@arthurmol6875]

Care is also my favorite

[@BehonestBestitchedup]

Marillion were bigger than Coldplay in 1984! I think they like the intimacy of loyalty. This album is sensational. Id been in tears for 20 minutes when you nearly welled up lol its 3 sides btw. I was surprised too when I put side 4 on!

[@JimNewstead]

Not sure about side 4!

[@BehonestBestitchedup]

@@JimNewstead Its good Jim, but instead pull a right and play Hallsands by Kaprekars Constant. (any band that has an ex Vander Graaf Generator member playing 2 saxophones at the same time is well worth a punt!)You can drink the coffee I bought you during it.😁

[@aldisley6565]

I think it's fair to say that the lyrics are based on Covid Pre vaccine when hugging someone literally killed them with respect to the no vaccine lyric.

[@JimNewstead]

Oh it is, but just feels a clumsy word in this song. I don’t suppose there’s any other word that would work!

[@MrChippiechappie]

They don't mention about the ammount of people these experimental vaccines have killed and maimed do they? Or the damage the lockdowns have caused oh no. That would be speaking truth wouldn't it. They're just spewing the pandemic bs.

[@paulcassam3644]

Please do Script for a Jester's Tear. I would love that.

[@paulcassam3644]

I'd buy you 1 coffees if you do Script for a Jester's Tear. Promise.

[@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966]

I think I have listen to it 7 times..... Wait till you hear Care..... Have a hanky when you get to no.iv!! Couldn't agree more about why the band were neer picked up apart from Kayleigh.... However big things come is signed small things! Been a fan since 1985 I noticed them with Kayleigh. Then my brother threw a cassette saying thatI would hate them because Kayleigh got to no2 in the charts (probably would have made no.1 but that was the few weeks where the Bradford City fc fire so it was a charity record, and rightly was no.1.) Anyway the cassette Script for a Jesters Tear. And my journey began. Tell you what a big hearted fans we are... I am disabled and with ourmoney no way was I ever going to a convention.... the fans who have got a vo fund me..... And raised enough money for me and my husband who looks after me to go to Leicster weekend! My gods what are they like... I love them all There is a brill interview with h, can't find it but its brill.

[@MisterWondrous]

Love the epic sound. Sounds like a soundtrack to an epic movie. Is it? I am a virgin. Well, not a virgin, but a whore, musically, but a virgin to Marillion. I've never had that much. Few hundred maybe. Why look? Good thing we go by other things. Music, friends, family, tongues, adenoids... I am livebogging this, and so far no other band or voice jumps to mind. Wondrously original. The voice and lyrics are elysian. Just honey, mellifluous honey, sipped by my whoring ears. Fascinating to see that these blokes are neighbors of yours, over in Æglesburgh, where I have some ancient kin. I suspect the place lent itself to the grandeur of their music. Their name, Marillion, for some odd reason, kept me from diving into them, so I suspect that may be the case for others. Unifaun might have been a better name. Or Queen Crimson...although they are no Justice Beaver, or Justin Beaster, or whatever that boy calls themself. Have the band pop over for a chat! Let's all be friends. Peace.

[@JimNewstead]

It is true, they hail from Aylesbury just down the road from me. Small world, eh? I think they have more important people to talk to than me. And my little studio isn't big enough to fit them in. I did think about reaching out to them and having a chat on their turf, but figured they'd be so busy with "proper" journalists and rehearsals that I'd be a very long way down the pecking order. For now, I'm just happy to be discovering their music, and for once, hearing it first at the same time as everyone else!

[@chadmitchell7648]

@@JimNewstead Never can tell, Jim, it'd be worth asking. I think they'd be fascinated and likely amused with your 're-discovery' of them. Drop Lucy Jordache a line.

[@momusass]

Hi Jim, in this video you look pretty much like me? Brilliant album, isn`t it?

[@lalski08]

subbed

[@JimNewstead]

Thanks!

[@RoadTrippin66]

The music is absolutely fantastic, 10/10, the only thing i found annoying was somebody seemed to be mumbling words all the way through it and couldn't really understand what they were saying

[@Gerardjhughes]

Get the box of tissues out Jim for care

[@JimNewstead]

You should have told me before I listened to it!

[@markjacobsen8335]

That album cover looks like the Walmart logo and the old animated NBC peacock had a baby.

[@JimNewstead]

I don’t know either of those! 😂

[@markjacobsen8335]

@@JimNewstead Well, you've got a good combo there on that album cover! 😂 Google "Walmart logo" and then watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHm3eI2noKpnq7M

[@jmurray2018]

Btw not sure what elbow is I’ve heard of cold play they sound like complain play the guy has a dreadful voice and it sounds like he’s really unhappily whining all the time. So yep cold play for me they’re a don’t play

[@tanis7050]

Love the music but i never can't stand the voice of Steve Hogarth, I've been trying since Fish left... sorry for me.

[@ABigStep2k24]

The worst thing I've heard from them. Two listens, already done with it.

[@JimNewstead]

Each to their own 😁

[@lucasjankowski7117]

For me it's a huge dissapointment after FEAR. Lyrics-wise AHBiD is very strong and deals with important social and ecological issues, but music-wise it brings not much new and sounds somehow bland. FEAR sounded very fresh and was rich in new, interesting sonic ladnscapes. Musically it set the bar so high that AHBiD often sounds to me just like a much weaker version of FEAR (or recycled unused ideas from FEAR) - some passages even sound almost like auto-plagiarism from FEAR (especially parts of Be Hard on Yourself and Sierra Leone). Any other Marillion LP sonically doesn't resemble its predecessor as much as AHBiD resembles FEAR.

[@blakhaus5808]

Dull preachy depressing effort from my favorite band. Where is Rothery?

[@MrChippiechappie]

I totally agree with you this album is so boring it almost put me to sleep. And yes not one decent solo from Rothery he was a bit AWOL on Fear as well. He must be running out of ideas like Hogart is for lyrics I mean climate change, Convid and gender identity politics pass me the bucket. We hear enough of this crap on tv and radio and in the papers every day without your favourite bands ramming down your throat. Leave politics to the politicians. Don't do it again Marillion please!

[@JimNewstead]

Sorry you didn't enjoy the album. Especially sorry as they are your favourite band.

[@Forest_Fifer]

@@MrChippiechappie if you think political material is new for mariliion then you can't have been listening to them in 1983 or 84.

[@SebGeddy]

Why isn't Marillion up there with Coldplay? Hum, maybe because they're million times better than them? Just my guess 😉. As for Elbow, I appreciate the comparison, great band

[@cristianrodrigomedinacarra2356]

Unfortunatelly I don't agree that it is the best album by marillion H era. In my opinion is more of the same, good lyrics nice production and sound.It is like continuing with fear, melancolic ,dark, some melodies are very much alike previous work. Sorry.

[@tomschmidt7853]

Some times to much Mainstream ,thats not Marillion

[@rikardbrenkle7769]

Spotlight Ukraina war plz

[@JimNewstead]

Yes. I must

[@freedomisslavery6840]

@@JimNewstead lol why? You do album reviews not politics.

[@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966]

I adore reprogaming the gene.

[@freedomisslavery6840]

Pretty average and samey to my ears, sounds identical to 99% of their other musical output over the past 15 years. 'Brave' is the last great Marillion album for me.

[@JimNewstead]

Each to their own of course. I’m being consumed by this record.

[@rogerhennie8939]

Check out Fish’s latest albums. I Like him solo better than Marillion.

[@JimNewstead]

I have it. It is brilliant.

[@brianwise299]

Um okay… As Marillion fans we will most likely love the album. What the hell are you contributing? Watching you bop your head around to an album you would obviously love anyway! The production on Fugazi was incredible on vinyl when it was originally released. They have always done that. What’s the point of your video??? You offer nothing

[@JimNewstead]

There is nothing in my video for you Brian. I didn’t make this to upset you. You can move along knowing you never need see another. For others it provides inclusion, solidarity, appreciation, community, love and sharing. In a time where more and more of us are isolated from friends (me included) and in some cases human contact entirely, a chance to share a moment with someone else is exactly what is needed. I’m glad you enjoyed the record, isn’t it brilliant?

[@billnole2188]

I'm so glad that Marillion changed the game plan, they were in the doldrums from after Marbles (2004) until maybe FEAR (2016). I was almost afraid to pick up FEAR without listening after being bitten by mediocre albums. This new album is back to the style I enjoyed from Holidays in Eden (1991) through Marbles. This is enjoyable! Thanks Jim.

[@MrChippiechappie]

What are you listening to? It's nothing like Holidays in Eden. That album is great this most certainly is not.