DARK MATTER

Just a minute before putting "Dark Matter" on my cd player, I thought "the same thing again", because I have (had?) some prejudices about neo progressive, particularly about IQ. But is never too late to recognize silly mistakes, and now I'm enjoying this wonderful stuff.

OK, it is the same band sounding obviously inspired in GENESIS/ MARILLION, but compositions are in a very high level (much better than "The Seventh House", my former favorite IQ album). And, in "Dark Matter", keyboards have a very important role, like never before.

After the first four tracks with the typical IQ signature, but melodical and atmospherically better achieved, "Harvest of Souls" appears. This is the longest theme in the extense IQ discography and, IMHO, the best. Emotive, plenty of variations and classic prog keyboards invading the listener. Too beautiful, it's one of these suites that every progressive fan wants to hear again and again. Too "Genesianish"? Perhaps, and welcome.

Highly recommended album, even for those who dislike neo cliches. Surely, it will be one of the best 2004 records (probably the number one).