The peace and serenity of Iona, in 5.1 surround
By JOHN ‘BO BO’ BOLLENBERG and JOHN COLLINGE, Progression Editor

Song as a springboard for religious expression can be a thorny subject when shifted from sanctuary to street corner, especially among members of the fiercely dedicated (and strongly opinionated) progressive music community.

Mixing adventurous music with ancient dogma is a precarious path to critical acceptance, let alone a reliable recording contract. In the case of British band Iona, however, Christian mysticism complements a sound every bit as engagingly ethereal as what ‘70s forebears Yes conjured during the first wave of new age spirituality. (more…)