Released 7 years ago this October
With Friends from the Orchestra
Marillion · 2019
79 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock
Orchestral arrangements intertwine with Marillion's signature progressive rock, creating an expansive soundscape rich in emotion and complexity.
Top tracks — play these first
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This Strange Engine — The track features intricate storytelling and dynamic shifts, embodying Marillion's artistic depth and showcasing their ability to engage listeners over an extended duration.
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Ocean Cloud — As one of the longest tracks, it offers an immersive journey through sound and narrative, highlighting the band's skill in crafting atmospheric experiences.
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Estonia Start here — This poignant piece captures emotional vulnerability through its lyrical themes and melodic structure, making it a standout representation of the band's lyrical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Marillion's blend of orchestral and rock elements, with strong arrangements but some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The album features orchestral arrangements that complement the band's progressive rock instrumentation, creating a layered soundscape.
- Each track is extended, with several exceeding eight minutes, allowing for intricate musical developments and thematic explorations.
- The live performance aspect is evident, with audience interaction and dynamic shifts in energy throughout the tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- gradual build to emotional climax
- lush orchestral arrangements throughout
- reflective moments for solitude
- immersive experience in two halves
- epic soundscapes for deep listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, standalone tracks
- seek immediate gratification from music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases Marillion's continued evolution and orchestral blending, celebrating their legacy.
- Themes
- orchestral nostalgia· progressive storytelling· emotional landscapes
- Career context
- With Friends from the Orchestra is Marillion's first live album since 2013's Sounds That Can't Be Made, showcasing their evolution as a band. At this point in their career, they had solidified their status as a key player in the neo-prog scene while continuing to explore orchestral elements in their music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Genesis· Yes· Porcupine Tree
Tracklist
- 1 Estonia Start here 7:57
- 2 A Collection 3:03
- 3 Fantastic Place 6:01
- 4 Beyond You 5:25
- 5 This Strange Engine 16:20
- 6 The Hollow Man 4:22
- 7 The Sky Above the Rain 10:33
- 8 Seasons End 8:00
- 9 Ocean Cloud 18:00
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Your Wilderness
The Pineapple Thief
Merges rich orchestration with emotional storytelling, capturing a similar nostalgic atmosphere.
Weather Systems
Anathema
Explores layered soundscapes and deep emotions, echoing the orchestral and thematic depth of Marillion.
Fear of a Blank Planet
Porcupine Tree
Combines progressive rock with lush arrangements, reflecting on modern existential themes akin to Marillion's work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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