Another Realm by Iona

Another Realm is a 2011 double studio album by Iona, the British band who blend Celtic folk, prog rock, and Christian themes. It is their first double studio record, spanning over ninety minutes of new music. The title points beyond the visible, toward the spiritual world the band have always painted. I was drawn to its scale and its courage, the willingness to take long, winding journeys.

Why listen?

The sound is rich and shifting, from soft whistle and pipe to roaring guitar and full band. Joanne Hogg's voice glides over textures that change without warning. The production is wide and detailed, made for headphones and long listening. There is a clear pilgrim's journey across the two discs, through wells, clouds, and angels. It asks for patience, and it gives a great deal back.

Favourite song: The Ancient Wells

A long, building piece that moves from a quiet stream to a great swell, full of pipe and guitar. It shows the band's range in one track.

That the ancient wells will be opened again
That Your river will flow and this land will be cleansed
That Your kingdom will come, we'll have heaven on earth
And revival will fall, and we'll witness Your glory in this land

The way the song travels through several moods without losing its thread makes the long form feel earned rather than indulgent. It reminds me of a full day's walk through changing country, moor to forest to ridge, all one road. The track trusts the listener to stay the course, and the reward is the whole landscape, not a single view.

Key takeaway

Another Realm is a long, sweeping record for patient listeners who love Celtic and progressive music. A warm recommendation.

Tracklist

• As It Was
• The Ancient Wells
• Another Realm
• Clouds
• An Atmosphere of Miracles
• Let Your Glory Fall
• Ruach
• Speak to Me
• And the Angels Dance
• Foreign Soil
• Let the Waters Flow
• Saviour
• The Fearless Ones
• White Horse
• As It Shall Be

Details

Listen on

• Apple Music
• Amazon
• Spotify

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