ANOTHER REALM

Having listened to the album for a couple of times I have very mixed feelings. The music is indeed again very Iona, with weird breaks, absolutely stunning instrumental passages, beautiful singing (as always!) by Joanna Hogg and diverse atmospheres. So there seems to be little to complain about. Yet there is and it spoiled my enthusiasm enormously. As we all know Iona is a Christian band and it suits me fine because they were not so overtly Christian as, let's say, Neal Morse. But they break with that tradition on this record. Really all lyrics are drenched in Christianity and that irritates me deeply, especially since the lyrics are in fact quite poor. Therefore it is quite difficult to listen to these discs instead of an enjoyment. And therefore it is a deep disappointment for me which was even more deepened by their live show in Holland this spring. I was witnessing a Christian service instead of a musical event. I really don't mind when lyrics are based on Christianity or whatever religion as religions are part of life (at least for many people). But this is far too much for me.

Hopefully their next effort, which will take some time as this wonderful band is not very prolific, will show music and lyrics more in balance.

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