ANOTHER REALM

This latest release from Iona is special. Whilst Iona have been around for 30 years they have found it hard to get noticed outside the noticeably insular Christian music scene. This is strange since their Christianity is not 'in your face' in the way that one finds with Neil Morse's releases such as Testimony. Of courser Neil was 'famous' first with Spocks Beard to perhaps its not surprising that he has a higher profile amongst progressive music fans ......

........Which brings me to my main point here - this is an album that deserves to be heard by a wider audience. For those that don't know this music that is progressive utilizing the expected instrumentation together with more traditional Scottish and Irish instruments such as uilleann pipes, low whistles and tin whistles. Together they offer a broad pallet from which Iona paint a delicate yet very powerful soundscape.

All of their releases are finely crafted affairs; but this one stands out as the bright jewel in the crown. Fans of symphonic prog will not be disappointed. And in case you were wondering, these are incredibly accomplished musicians playing at a level up their with the very best. I realize I haven't really described the music.... it's full of light and shade ethereal, delicate, powerful, bombastic, meditative, passionate, ..... OK, I think you get the idea ...just get the album and you can do the track by track review yourself.

Iona has been overlooked by the prog community - if it's because of their faith.... well, like I said they don't bash you over the head with it - I can't say that I'm aware of it listening to this album (or their earlier records). I think this album may only be available from the band's website - if so it deserves a wider release! This is a band that should be heard by a wider audience