After singer Steven Hogarth's ingression to Marillion, the inevitability of a change in sound and approach was fairly evident. The lineup change not only brought a new facet to the band musically, but radically altered the band's attitude and goals. Marillion headed in a more melodic and atmospheric direction with its sound, concentrating on making every segment of every song an indescribably emotional landscape, while parting from the sole basis of Hogarth's lyrics. In Holidays In Eden, his voice is drenched with emotion throughout the album, so that the listener receives a little extra-push in the process of becoming one with the band's emotions. Not an easy task, but when one doubts that many singers can achieve half the feeling that a band's vocalist transmits through his lyrics it becomes easier, doesn't it?

Holidays In Eden is basically a walk through the same ballpark that Seasons End was in, although most of its tracks are considerably more intense, as the band aimed to create layers of sound with huge atmospheric essence, instead of just being guided by a series of licks or instrumental lines. If anything, Marillion was moving away from its old prog sound and creating something fresh; a formula with a more mature approach to songwriting at times; one hinting strongly at commercial pop rock at others, although not deprived of meticulous arrangement and exploration. Oddly enough, these characteristics were disliked by a large part of Marillion's legion of diehard fans, who were blinded by the past and remained obstinate because of Fish's departure from the band, which prevented them from appreciating any new Marillion material…Go figure!

A truly great achievement in defining its newly found musical direction, Holidays In Eden showed a band fully capable of withstanding change and adapting to new times and trends. If life is moderately fair, an album resounding with such moving songs and crafty ambience will not be lost amongst the host of mediocre music that plagues the world; the result of a world that no longer appreciates the beauty of grand composition of which Marillion is undoubtedly a master.

-by Javier Elizondo

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