What makes The Appointed Hour by Peter Hammill notable?

While not a commercial hit, 'The Appointed Hour' received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and musical complexity, further solidifying Hammill's reputation as a thoughtful songwriter. The album is often noted for its intimate production and has influenced subsequent artists in the progressive rock genre. Upon the release of 'The Appointed Hour' in 1999, Peter Hammill was already an established figure in progressive rock, having begun his career in the late 1960s with Van der Graaf Generator. This album followed a period of artistic exploration and marked a return to his solo work after several collaborative projects in the 1990s.