An Hour Before It's Dark cover

An Hour Before It's Dark

Marillion · 2022

219 min · 42 tracks · progressive rock

A layered exploration of existential themes, blending intricate arrangements with Marillion's signature emotive storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Be Hard on Yourself (I) The Tear in the Big Picture Start here — This track opens the album with a reflective plea for self-acceptance, setting the thematic tone for the collection. Its intricate instrumentation pairs well with poignant lyrics that encapsulate the album’s overarching exploration of personal struggle and growth.
  • →
    Murder Machines — As a highlight of the album, this track combines driving rhythms with haunting melodies, effectively portraying societal fears through vivid imagery. The contrast between its energetic instrumentation and dark lyrical content exemplifies Marillion's ability to tackle complex themes musically.
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    The Crow and the Nightingale — This song stands out for its poetic storytelling and emotional depth, juxtaposing nature's beauty with human conflict. Its orchestral arrangement enhances the narrative, showcasing Marillion's skill in merging progressive rock with ethereal elements.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration with resolution
  • contemplative afternoon listening sessions
  • patient unfolding of themes
  • wave-like pacing that captivates
  • introspective reflections on society

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking immediate gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows the band's continued evolution and commercial success in their later career.
Themes
societal pressures· personal resilience· disillusioned value· nightingale symbolism
Career context
Released on March 4, 2022, 'An Hour Before It's Dark' is Marillion's 20th studio album, coming six years after their previous work, 'F.E.A.R.' This album showcases the band's continued evolution in sound and lyrical depth, positioning them firmly within the neo-prog genre while maintaining relevance in the contemporary music scene. It reflects both a maturation of their artistic voice and a response to ongoing global uncertainties.
Stylistic neighbors
Genesis· Yes· Porcupine Tree
New to Marillion? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 18 Care (IV) Angels on Earth / Murder Machines (12″ remix) 15:03

Disc 2

  • 1 Be Hard on Yourself (I) The Tear in the Big Picture Start here 3:52
  • 2 Be Hard on Yourself (II) Lust for Luxury 2:07
  • 3 Be Hard on Yourself (III) You Can Learn 3:28
  • 4 Reprogram the Gene (I) Invincible 3:31
  • 5 Reprogram the Gene (II) Trouble‐Free Life 2:00
  • 6 Reprogram the Gene (III) A Cure for Us? 1:29
  • 7 Only a Kiss 0:39
  • 8 Murder Machines 4:20
  • 9 The Crow and the Nightingale 6:35
  • 10 Sierra Leone (I) Chance in a Million 1:32
  • 11 Sierra Leone (II) The White Sand 0:53
  • 12 Sierra Leone (III) The Diamond 3:29
  • 13 Sierra Leone (IV) The Blue Warm Air 2:23
  • 14 Sierra Leone (V) More Than Treasure 2:34
  • 15 Care (I) Maintenance Drugs 4:37
  • 16 Care (II) An Hour Before It’s Dark 2:27
  • 17 Care (III) Every Cell 3:18
  • 18 Care (IV) Angels on Earth 4:56
  • 19 Be Hard on Yourself (I) The Tear in the Big Picture (5.1 mix) 3:52
  • 20 Be Hard on Yourself (II) Lust for Luxury (5.1 mix) 2:07
  • 21 Be Hard on Yourself (III) You Can Learn (5.1 mix) 3:29
  • 22 Reprogram the Gene (I) Invincible (5.1 mix) 3:32
  • 23 Reprogram the Gene (II) Trouble‐Free Life (5.1 mix) 2:01
  • 24 Reprogram the Gene (III) A Cure for Us? (5.1 mix) 1:29
  • 25 Only a Kiss (5.1 mix) 0:39
  • 26 Murder Machines (5.1 mix) 4:21
  • 27 The Crow and the Nightingale (5.1 mix) 6:35
  • 28 Sierra Leone (I) Chance in a Million (5.1 mix) 1:33
  • 29 Sierra Leone (II) The White Sand (5.1 mix) 0:53
  • 30 Sierra Leone (III) The Diamond (5.1 mix) 3:30
  • 31 Sierra Leone (IV) The Blue Warm Air (5.1 mix) 2:24
  • 32 Sierra Leone (V) More Than Treasure (5.1 mix) 2:35
  • 33 Care (I) Maintenance Drugs (5.1 mix) 4:37
  • 34 Care (II) An Hour Before It’s Dark (5.1 mix) 2:28
  • 35 Care (III) Every Cell (5.1 mix) 3:19
  • 36 Care (IV) Angels on Earth (5.1 mix) 4:56
  • 37 Murder Machines Promo Film 4:55
  • 38 Murder Machines Promo Film (5.1 mix)
  • 39 Murder Machines (12″ remix) 6:26
  • 40 Murder Machines (12″ remix) (5.1 mix)
  • 41 ‘An Hour Before It’s Dark’ Making of Documentary Film 1:24:57

What to play next

Sounds That Can't Be Made
Listen next

Sounds That Can't Be Made

2012

Continues the exploration of complex arrangements and emotive storytelling.
Fuck Everyone and Run (F E A R)
Go back to

Fuck Everyone and Run (F E A R)

2016

Sets a thematic foundation with its introspective lyrics and layered sound.
Full Marillion discography Where to start with Marillion Artists like Marillion
art rock neo-prog progressive rock

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata