Every once in a while a CD comes out that just grips me. My wife doesn’t like it because she tires of the same music more quickly than I do, but since this one arrived a couple of weeks ago, it’s all I want to listen to.
Here in the “Christian ghetto” your options are limited. You have your standard K-Love stuff, your heavier Skillet-y type music, and a bunch of “we have a great worship team at our church so we’re putting out a CD” stuff. It’s all good, but there is better out there.
Enter the UK/Irish band Iona, which happens to be my favorite band. Years ago, their CD “Journey into the Morn” got me started exploring Celtic Christianity, which led me to take several missions trips to Ireland. Their music possesses a depth, color, texture, and richness that is hard to find in any progressive rock. Though not labeled a “worship band” you can’t help but encounter the presence of God at one of their concerts and it’s not unusual to see people kneeling, weeping, or dancing while the band plays.
In terms of sheer musical ability, Iona is amazing. I want to keep this post short so I’ll just say I’ve never heard another band come close to the musical ability of Iona. It’s downright inspiring! As somewhat of a musician myself, they make me want to grow in my isntrument.
Their latest CD, “Another Realm” has grabbed me by the ear and won’t let go. It’s worshipful, prophetic, and a cry out to God for His Kingdom here on earth. I’ve been walking with Jesus since 1982 and I’ve honestly never heard anything like it. I’ve spent many hours walking around my neighborhood listening to “The Ancient Wells” and praying for revival. We even plan on singing a couple of the songs at our church (as soon as I can figure out how to get permission, of course). You really don’t listen to this CD, you experience it.
In short, amazing talent + God’s anointing = an incredible CD. Get it!
Here’s their website, currently the only place you can buy the CD or purchase songs by download.
By the way, this is not an endorsed post. I just love sharing things that are awesome!
Hi Lee, thanks for the great review of Another Realm! Totally agree with your comment, “we have a great worship team at our church so we’re putting out a CD.” Classic. -Tim (Iona webmaster)
Thanks Tim!
Sounds incredible! I will check it out.
You won’t regret it Rachel. Great stuff!
Hi Lee, I just found your blog! Love it and your heart for Ireland! A missions trip going out from our church just came back from Ireland. Do you know about Samuel Chestnutt? I doubt it, but he’s one of the movers and shakers for the gospel in Ireland.
That music also sounds great.
Thanks Ruthiey! I’ve never heard of Samuel. Perhaps I’ll have the honor to meet him someday. I spend most of my time in the northeast counties of the Republic while I’m in Ireland.
So Lee, I came by to see if you had already written up the Twittequette blog entry we batted around on Twitter. But instead I find one of my favorite bands has a new album out! Made my day…almost. I have their Open Sky album at work and listen frequently while I’m doing repetitive tasks. Great review!
Thanks Mark! Iona has long been a favorite of mine. Hopefully we’ll be able to bring them here in 2012!