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",
The Island
Iona Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A day is dawning on the Island
See the boats are leaving
With their treasure from the Island
Sail against the spirits of the age
Write across the page of history
Through the veil of darkness time will tell
The power of The Word to set you free
Break the chains on this land
Free the spirit of man
Break the chains on this land
Free the spirit of man
See the sun is rising
And the light it is revealing
Hearts that join in union
Hands that join in healing
Sail across the waters that divide
Write across the page of history
Move into a land that cannot hide
From the power of the Holy Trinity
Break the chains on this land
Free the spirit of man
Break the chains on this land
Free the spirit of man
The song 'The Island' by Iona is a powerful and uplifting anthem that speaks to the listener about breaking the chains on a land and freeing the spirit of humanity. The lyrics in the first stanza speak to the fact that a new day is dawning and that boats are leaving the Island with their treasures. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for people leaving behind their past and seeking new opportunities, new lands, new adventures. The second part of the stanza speaks to the idea of overcoming obstacles and sailing against the spirits of the age. This can be interpreted as resisting the pressures of conformity and following one's own path, even if it means going against the norms of society. The line "through the veil of darkness time will tell, the power of the Word to set you free" speaks to the idea of finding hope and inspiration in difficult times, and seeking solace and guidance from one's faith or spirituality.
The second stanza of the song speaks to the idea of joining hands and hearts in union, and breaking down barriers that divide people. The line "move into a land that cannot hide from the power of the Holy Trinity" speaks to the idea of moving forward with faith and conviction, and not being afraid to embrace one's spirituality in difficult or trying times. The overall message of the song is one of hope and unity, and it encourages the listener to have faith in their own path, and to be brave in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
See the sun is rising
The beginning of a new day, a new start.
A day is dawning on the Island
New opportunities are arising for the inhabitants of the Island.
See the boats are leaving
Others are taking away resources from the Island.
With their treasure from the Island
The resources that are being taken away are valuable to those who take them.
Sail against the spirits of the age
Go against the norms of society and traditional beliefs.
Write across the page of history
Leave a mark in history, make a difference.
Through the veil of darkness time will tell
Only with time will the true impact of one's actions be known.
The power of The Word to set you free
The power of words and communication can bring about change and freedom.
Break the chains on this land
Break the boundaries and limitations of the society in which one lives.
Free the spirit of man
Allow individuals to be free and flourish.
See the sun is rising
Another opportunity for change and growth arises.
And the light it is revealing
The light represents clarity, truth and enlightenment.
Hearts that join in union
People coming together, united in a common cause or belief.
Hands that join in healing
Working together to repair and heal the damage that has been done.
Sail across the waters that divide
Cross barriers that separate people and communities.
Move into a land that cannot hide
Moving into a place where issues cannot be swept under the rug or ignored.
From the power of the Holy Trinity
The power of faith, belief and strength in a higher power.
Break the chains on this land
Repeated for emphasis of the importance of dismantling the limitations of society.
Free the spirit of man
Individual freedom and liberation is vital to true progress and growth.
Writer(s): Joanne Hogg
Contributed by Mila I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
The Laughing Lion
I really enjoy these tours on the scottish coasts. I would never get to see these islands if it not for your videos exploring them. I enjoyed the ferry ride over, the view spot at 6:39, the abbey, and the beach walks. The island experience is well worth the trip. ππ17
unowho travel channel
Thank you, you'd love it here and your filming would be great in some of the Scotland Cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow for example!
Donna's Adventures
This was a very enjoyable travel vlog. Loved the views of the landscape - the brilliant sky, the ocean. So amazing to explore!
unowho travel channel
Thanks Donna, very kind, regards, Simon and Elaine
trvln_thru
This looked like a fun hike with lovely views. But I probably would have enjoyed the abbey the most. Looks like such a great historical building. Loved the beach footage too. Thanks for taking us along!
SunFlower Slots
Beautiful nature and landscapes in Scottish Island. Really enjoyed watching. Hope you both doing well and have a wonderful holidays Simon π
unowho travel channel
Thank you so much, kind regards, Simon
Discover Montenegro
What a lovely island, looks so peaceful, and slow paced. Lovely video again, thank you for sharing this lovely Scottish island π€ π₯°
unowho travel channel
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you for commenting, regards, Simon
Discover Montenegro
@unowho travel channel β€β€β€