SEASONS END

I've always ignored this album, thinking that Marillion's life was over when Fish left that band. I was very much mistaken - it was somewhat like when Gabriel left Genesis. The band carried on in good form, and this album is surprisingly good, even on the first listen. OK, so it's not a masterpiece like Script For a Jester's Tear, but otherwise a very solid, melodic, atmosferic piece of work. The gorgeous title track in particular is a great piece of music, regardless of the musical style. So is the irresistible Hooks In You and Easter. There is no filler material on this album at all, it's very solid throughout. The sound is more streamlined, but just as full of emotion as the older Maillion material. And the instantly recognizable Marillion trademark sound is still very much present. I would call this style of music Art Rock rather than Neo-Prog or Progressive Rock.