The Book of Kells

Album Review

This is the second release by the Christian progressive rock band Iona. Like their first release, and now to a greater degree, Iona's music is quite challenging to listen to. With multi-layered instrumentation, forever changing moods, and lyrics that require constant attention, this music is not easily digested. And this 72-minute album, centered on The Book of Kells, necessitates a thorough listen if one desires to understand and appreciate its concept in total. There's plenty to keep one's interest too, like Joanne Hogg's angelic voice, David Bainbridge's skillful guitar work, or the hypnotic flutes, whistles, and Irish pipes. However, inherent with such lengthy albums is the presence of filler material, so if you're in search of inspirational or passionate rock & roll, most of The Book of Kells will undoubtedly fall into the filler category. Actually, this music seems like it's intended for a mystical motion picture soundtrack. In a way, it all ready is. Given the deep thought and consideration required to understand this album fully, it does serve as a soundtrack for the mind's eye.