They are contemporaries of fellow Celtic artists Enya and Clannad; however, Iona's works are also influenced heavily by jazz-fusion, prog-rock and ancient Christian themes.
For Iona's 1990 debut album, the band added: drummer Terl Bryant, bassist Nick Beggs (former bassist of Kajagoogoo) and several studio musicians -- Fiona Davidson (Celtic harp), Peter Whitfield (strings), Troy Donockley (Uillean pipes) and Frank Van Essen (tuned percussion). The self-titled album received very little press, even in their home country, though a Dutch network compiled a documentary based on Iona, the band and the island.
Two years later, Iona returned with "Book of Kells", and the album was praised by North American critics
as well as those of the British Isles. David Fitzgerald left in 1992 to pursue a degree in music and, as a result, Iona lost much of its jazz influences by the following year's Beyond These Shores. The group made up for Fitzgerald's absence, however, by inviting Robert Fripp to guest on the album. Both albums also featured former Kajagoogoo bassist/stickist Nick Beggs. A contract with England's Alliance Music led to "Journey into the Morn"; the album was released in 1996 in the U.S. and Canada, and was listed among the top five folk albums in Q Magazine's Year End Review. "Heaven's Bright Sun", a live album, came the following year, then "Woven Cord" in 2000, and "Open Sky" in 2001.
Their latest release, new to 2007, is called "The Circling Hour".
iona has been a Leipzig, Germany based postrock-band from 2005-2010 that now reemerges as The Yuki Rush. https://ionanoise.bandcamp.com/album/a-noise
There is also a Romanian experimental / hip hop band who also go by the name "Iona",
Chi-Rho
Iona Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The song "Chi-Rho" by Iona explores the depths and mysteries of the Christian faith through the use of colours and imagery. The first verse describes the colours green and red as representative of the tree of life and the wounds of Christ, respectively. The chorus then makes reference to the concept of Christ as the creator of all things and the fullness of the Godhead being present in him. In the second verse, gold is used as a symbol for Christ's throne while white represents purity. The colours flow together to create the mystery of the Chi-Rho, a symbol consisting of the letters X and P that are used to represent the name of Christ in Greek.
The use of colours throughout the song creates a vivid and poetic portrayal of the Christian faith, with each colour representing a different aspect of Christ's divinity and sacrifice. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the importance of Christ's role as the creator and saviour of all things. The use of the Chi-Rho as a central theme ties the song together, emphasizing the unity and complexity of Christ's identity.
Overall, "Chi-Rho" is a powerful and moving song that beautifully encapsulates the mysteries and depths of the Christian faith. The use of colours, imagery, and symbols creates a rich and complex tapestry of sound that is both haunting and uplifting, inviting listeners to reflect on the boundless grace and beauty of Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
Colour of green
Green represents the vine, the leaves, and the branches of the tree of life.
For the leaves and the branches
Green represents the leaves and the branches of the tree of life.
Colour of red
Red represents the wounds that are deeper than what we can know, symbolizing the depth of Christ's sacrifice.
Red for the wounds
Red represents the wounds that Christ endured and the depth of His sacrifice.
That are deeper than I can know
The wounds of Jesus are so profound that they are beyond human understanding.
How deep the flow
The depth of Christ's sacrifice is immeasurable and incomprehensible.
By Him all things, were created
All things were created by Christ.
And the fullness, of the Godhead
The complete essence of God resides in Christ.
Is in Him Chi-Rho
The symbol Chi-Rho represents Christ, who embodies the fullness of the Godhead.
Colour of gold
Gold symbolizes royalty, representing Christ's throne and the light that is blazing from His face.
Gold for a throne
Gold symbolizes the royalty of Christ and His throne.
For the light that is blazing
Gold represents the light that is shining from the face of Christ.
Colourless white
White symbolizes purity and the flow of all colors, representing the mystery of Chi-Rho.
White as snow, the colours flow
White represents purity, and all colors flow from this purity, representing the mystery of Chi-Rho.
By Him all things, were created
Christ is the creator of all things.
In Him, Chi-Rho
Christ embodies the essence of the Chi-Rho symbol, representing the fullness of God within Him.
Contributed by Zoe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Missi Brooke
This is such an underrated and incredibly talented band. My all time favorite Celtic Christian music! Chi rho is still in 2020 one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I love the band Iona. If I have a child, I'm going to name my first born daughter Iona after the band because this band is so special. I'm heartbroken I didn't get a chance to see them live in concert. Iona is a treasure I will always cherish! God bless them! 🕊️🙏😇🌼
cganderson25
This music brings warm feelings to my heart. I always come back to it every time I'm feeling down or lonely the lyrics are encouraging and the sound is intoxicating
Emma Hiscox
So powerful when played at High Volume. Just whack that dial up. Saw Iona live twice back in the 90's. Incredible sound. 🙌🙌
Lanie Light
For real. This music is to be played LoooOOoooOooOuuUuuuD!
Jason Goodwin
There are people who make noise, and then there are musicians who know how to make art out of sound. The latter applies to Iona.
Lanie Light
Very beautiful and innovative music. I love your music!! Love the Mix result! Very powerful.
James G
I love this song. I remember listening to this when I started college in 2012. It was a source of encouragement!
Douglas Dubhglas Zaffa
Great! One of my favorites!
Thanks for post!
Graham McCallum
Magic !
Gaston Garcia
Best song ever