This Strange Engine cover

This Strange Engine

Marillion · 1997

73 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock · art rock · neo-prog

A sprawling suite of emotive melodies and intricate arrangements that reflect personal and universal themes.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • gradual build to emotional climax
  • reflective moments of introspection
  • long-form immersive listening experience
  • evocative melodies for deep thought
  • sweeping narratives across tracks

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short, standalone songs
  • need instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1997, 'This Strange Engine' was Marillion's first studio album after a significant lineup change, marking a transition towards a more mature sound. It followed the band's previous album, 'Brave,' which had solidified their status in the progressive rock scene. The band was navigating the increasing influence of digital production while maintaining their signature storytelling style.
Stylistic neighbors
Genesis· Yes· Porcupine Tree

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Man of a Thousand Faces 7:31
  • 2 One Fine Day 5:26
  • 3 80 Days 4:55
  • 4 Estonia 7:54
  • 5 Memory of Water 3:01
  • 6 An Accidental Man 6:03
  • 7 Hope for the Future 5:10
  • 8 This Strange Engine 15:41
  • 9 Estonia (Positive Light remix) 11:49
  • 10 80 Days (acoustic) 5:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata