SEASONS END

This was always going to be a difficult album to rate. Having enjoyed the Fish encarnation of Marillion, I listened to this album with the hope that Marillion was going to continue long term. Steve Hogarth surprised me greatly. He had an excellent voice with a much broader vocal range than Fish. The album as a whole was a mixed bag with music left over from Fish sessions married to Hogarth lyrics. The music was still excellent although it seemed to have a much mellower edge to it. The lyrics seemed to fit most of the time and it has to be said that listening to the album 16 years on, like Clutching at Straws, it has not dated.

There are several stand out tracks on this album. The Space, Uninvited guest, Easter, Seasons End. Not essential but definately a great addition to any prog fans collection and a great introduction to Steve Hogarth's Marillion!