DARK MATTER

I have been a neo-prog fan for over fifteen years now, following bands like Marillion, Pendragon and Arena and subsequent side-projects, but though I knew the name IQ, I never bothered to search hard and buy any of their albums. What a mistake that was. Because of this late interest in this band Dark Matter was the first album I bought, and the rest of them followed shortly (7 to go for completement :-).)

IQ produces a sound that totally encompasses the neo-prog sound as I know and love it. Symphonic keyboards together with good drum rhythms and driving bass-play laying a foundation on which the music develops, interweaving melodie-lines with extended guitar and keyboard solo's, and a great voice.

1. Sacred Sound (11:40) An atmospheric keyboard opens the song, which then kicks into gear with a pulsing beat and great melodie line Nicholls Voice being an extra musical instrument (don't mind the lyrics, just the voice!!!). a very powerfull song with some tempo and atmospere changes. Love this song, it's totally uplifting, with some great keyboard passages. 2. Red Dust Shadow (5:53) This starts with an accoustic guitar sound, acompagnied by the ever present synth of Martin Orford, again beautifully sung. The song get's heavier as it develops. 3. You Never Will (4:54) A very heavy bass line sets the tone for this song, Great melody lines overflow, with a great sing-a-long chorus, a live favourite for sure. 4. Born Brilliant (5:20) A Floydian opening, with a driving bass-line and superb vocals, it's impossible to not get excited when you hear this song. Brilliant

5. Harvest of Souls (24:29) The best song from this album, opens as a soft ballad, with accoustic guitars and distant keyboards, with Nicholls on top of his form. Alternating slow melodic pieces and heavy rock structures, with some great solo's and some astonishing bass-play. Really a great song, it should be played at the highest of possible volume.

This album was my introduction (together with some downloads) to IQ. And it is a wonderfull album, rich in atmosphere melodies and textures. I'm sold to this band. Highly recommended to all who enjoy melodic progressive rock music.

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