UK Progressive Rock legends Marillion is more notably famous for their early era fronted by lead vocalist Fish from 1981 – 1988 which produced produced the commercial breakthrough album, Misplaced Childhood in 1985. After Fish’s departure in 1988, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Steve “H” Hogarth stepped in and, in my opinion, saw Marillion putting out their best material with albums like Seasons End, Holidays in Eden, and the critically acclaimed Brave. Marillion’s 2016 release F.E.A.R (Fuck Everybody and Run) was the album that made me become a huge fan so to hear the news about the release of An Hour Before It’s Dark in 2022 had me super pumped.
Stated by Marillion‘s most recent press release:
“An Hour Before It’s Dark” – Whether it’s the last hour you were allowed to play outside as a child before you had to go home, a reference to the fight against time in relation to the climate crisis or the last minutes in a person’s life, Marillion once again put their finger on the pulse of time. Be it social, political, or personal issues, Marillion have never minced words and have always found a way to combine them with their own unique sound, known for incredible songwriting, melodies and top-notch musicianship, while swimming against the tide, not bending to norms and limitations.
The first single “Be Hard On Yourself” is an epic 9 minute suite of 3 parts that will open of An Hour Before It’s Dark and it continues on in the traditional nature of Marillion’s deep cutting, emotional, and at times unsettling vibe. “H” continues to prove himself as one of the greatest vocalist/songwriters out there today in progressive music and the power and nature of this song is one that will have the listener feeling and experiencing as opposed to just listening. Feeling and experiencing what? Give the a listen and you tell me…
Vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Steve “H” Hogarth had this to say about AN Hour Before It’s Dark: “Despite the seemingly bleak contemplations across this album – the virus, our mortality, medical science, care, AND Leonard Cohen (ha ha) – the overall feeling of the music is surprisingly upbeat. I think the band are as on form as they ever were really, and the addition of Choir Noir has added another new soul and colour to things”
Marillion are currently on the road with the “Light At The End Of The Tunnel” tour in the UK, which will be followed by several Marillion weekends until summer 2022 and a major European tour in autumn 2022.
Pre-order An Hour Before It’s Dark here: https://marillion.ear-music.net/
About The Author
