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",
Clouds
Iona Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Have you observed the skies?
There are storm clouds gathering all around the globe
Aesculatus, cumulus and noctiluminescent
Cirrus and stratos flung across the sky
Oh there is something stirring in the heavenlies
There are clouds forming patterns
Clouds without names
Clouds that bring change...
And there's a battle that we do not see
The spirits of the age against the angels of our King
And there's a kingdom that will come to pass
Heaven here on earth and a glory that will last for evermore....for evermore
Oh, have you felt the wind
That comes to blow the chaff away?
There are storm clouds gathering all around the globe
And oh, have you felt the rain
That comes to purify those who remain?
Oh there is something stirring in the heavenlies
And there are sounds forming patterns
Like nothing ever heard before
A sound that will come
Leading us on...
And there's a battle that we do not see
The spirits of the age against the angels of our King
And there's a kingdom that will come to pass
Heaven here on earth and a glory that will last
Yes there's a kingdom that will come to pass
Heaven here on earth and a glory that will last for evermore... for evermore...
Looking to the skies...
Waiting for the sound...
Looking to the skies...
Waiting for the sound
The song "Clouds" by Iona is a powerful and prophetic piece that encourages the listener to take notice of the world around them. The opening lyrics invite the listener to observe the skies and pay attention to the different types of clouds present. The use of scientific terms such as "Aesculatus, cumulus and noctiluminescent, Cirrus and stratos" enriches the imagery of the song, making the listener feel as though they are witnessing something great and significant.
As the song progresses, Iona introduces the idea that the cloud formations are not just a natural occurrence but rather a sign of something greater happening in the spiritual realm. The song suggests that there is a battle being waged between the "spirits of the age" and "the angels of our King". This reference to spiritual warfare adds a layer of depth to the song and encourages the listener to pay attention to the unseen realm.
The final verse of the song highlights the hope and promise of a coming Kingdom. The lyrics, "Heaven here on earth and a glory that will last for evermore" emphasize the idea that the clouds and the spiritual battles are leading up to something greater. The song uses powerful imagery and evocative language to create a sense of urgency and anticipation in the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, have you seen the clouds?
Have you observed the beauty of the clouds?
Have you observed the skies?
Have you looked up at the sky lately?
There are storm clouds gathering all around the globe
There are signs of unrest all over the world
Aesculatus, cumulus and noctiluminescent
Different types of clouds are forming in the sky
Cirrus and stratos flung across the sky
Clouds of different shapes and sizes are moving in the sky
Oh there is something stirring in the heavenlies
There is a spiritual movement happening beyond our own world
There are clouds forming patterns
Clouds are coming together in a unique way
Like nothing ever seen before
It's an unprecedented phenomenon
Clouds without names
The clouds are so unique, they don't have a name yet
Clouds that bring change...
These clouds may signify a change in the world
And there's a battle that we do not see
There is a spiritual war happening beyond our understanding
The spirits of the age against the angels of our King
There are dark forces fighting against the forces of good
And there's a kingdom that will come to pass
There is a spiritual kingdom that will be established
Heaven here on earth and a glory that will last for evermore....for evermore
The world will be transformed, and it will last forever
Oh, have you felt the wind
Have you felt the power of the wind recently?
That comes to blow the chaff away?
It's a wind that comes to get rid of the unwanted parts
And oh, have you felt the rain
Have you experienced the freshness of the rain?
That comes to purify those who remain?
The rain is symbolic of purification of the soul
And there are sounds forming patterns
There are unique sounds registering in our world
Like nothing ever heard before
These sounds are unfamiliar
A sound that will come
These sounds may signify something big is coming
Leading us on...
These sounds may be guiding us to something profound
Looking to the skies...
We look up at the skies with anticipation
Waiting for the sound...
We wait for the big sound that signifies something important
Contributed by Carter K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Scott Blondin
One of my favorite Iona songs.
Cliff Jennings
So beautiful, so infused with hidden truth.
soloartistism
I'm not religious. I just love the music of Iona.
Rob Blanck
I'm sure that those who love their music, however do not share their faith in Christ, share in that which inspires Iona. Isn't that the point of the great commandment? If we who hold faith, followed that example, there'd be less of the faith-less. LIVE OUT LOUD, LIKE THE CLIMAX OF SO MANY IONA SONGS!!
terry morrow
Jesus reaches out to ALL, Jesus loves YOU. He died for the world to KNOW Him. Knowing is personal, ask Him to reveal Himself to you, it is that simple. Love to
you ALL :-)))
awaitthegroom
Loved Ionas music for many years and have met them- such a shame they have gone with the Latter rain heresy in this album- Iona and Columba yes but glory gold? no thanks
Astronomy79
What do you mean?