THE ROAD OF BONES

IQ are band I have had a firm interest in over the past few years. Having a slight firm interest in Neo Prog, along with Marillion, IQ are probably one of my most favourable bands still carrying the Neo prog sound. Their last album "Frequency" was a critically praised album and got a lot of praise, and it deserved it. And this album got the same praise...and it deserved it...well kind of.

One criticism I would have with this album is summed up in IQ's overall sound. The band's sound is really pushed by Peter Nichols' vocals and the keyboards. Drums and bass do play a small role but the guitars only come in now and then to add a few chugs now and then. In fact sometimes the guitar riffs on this album sound very similar to each other. I do think "Frequency" was a slightly more cohesive and enjoyable album, but this one isn't too bad to be honest. If I was to best describe these guys impact, I would say they are like a mellower and less heavier Threshold, both in style and presentation. But at least these guys are sticking to their guns.

The bands sound is very unique. In fact out of all the neo prog bands, IQ's sound is probably one of the most distinct, but it is also one of the most consistent Neo prog sounds, which means the band can be a slightly bit repetitive. But it doesn't mean the band can't excite and entice. One of the biggest baits for the band is the voice of Peter Nichols. Very noticeable and enjoyable in tone, he reminds me of a lower Tobias Sammet (from Edguy fame) with slight tributes to Fish and Steve Hogarth now and then.

The opening track "From The Outside In" is a great intro to the album. Probably one of the band's heaviest songs in their repertoire. In fact I would even say this is a progressive metal song. Great intro with some pretty head banging riff and a pretty good chorus too.

The title track is probably one of my personal favorites on the album. Starting off almost like a ballad the song has some nice melodies and moving segments before exploding into a rather heavy climax.

The album's longest track "Without Walls" is a good example of how to make a long epic song. Full of interesting moments showing off the bands versatility with a lot of different dynamic changes throughout. The end has a pretty great climax showing off the bands more experimental side with some nosey crescendos.

The albums shortest song "Ocean" is more of a ballad. The amazing keyboard work on this song is the real highlight. Some nice melodies and some cool twists and turns throughout too.

The final track "Until The End" is probably one of the darkest tracks on the album. Full of discords thrown in now and again, it goes through a good amount of emotional moments with a great finale too.

In conclusion, this album is a brilliant follow up to "Frequency." The bands sound hasn't changed too much over the years, but this album is one of their heaviest and shows off the bands direction towards a more metal sound. Overall it bodes well with the bands sound and is a push in the right direction.

7.9/10

Genres: Progressive Rock, Neo Prog, Progressive Metal, Hard Rock, Art Rock

Country of origin: England

Year of release: 2014