Welcome to IQ's visionary world. A medley of intense emotions and majestic reflections that dives deep into the listener's temperament and becomes the most pleasant torturer your soul ever had...
Should I speak about Progressive Rock? No. I prefer the term ''Atmospheric Rock'', though this is one of the few times that the word meets it's exact meaning and it doesn't represent decadent bands with sexually disorientated members wearing kitsch so-called Gothic clothes and bad taste make up.
What a great band...I remember myself during the listening session trying to figure out how to write down efficiently all those great feelings that penetrated me while being a ''victim'' of Dark Matter. I suppose the same ones that haunt Pink Floyd's, Marillion's and Yes' stunning, ageless music. It was one of those times that I really lost sense of time and space and let my imagination to be a pray of the British quintet's brilliant tone colors.
Pessimistic at times, uplifting at others; IQ's music still remains 'food for thought' and it will surely trouble you before it hands over its breath-taking glamour. Repetitive listening, discerning apprehension and appetite for good music would be your needful equipment before entering this musical adventure.
There are no highlights in this album because each song in it will touch you for different reasons. The writer's sympathy goes to You Never Will, a hymn to despair. A song that literally tore my heart apart and though unbearably mournful, I keep listening to it again and again...
A stunning album following those of Tile's and Marillion's, which were released earlier this year and left similar impressions. It will surely hold a position in my top10 list for 2004's releases, and possibly a very high one. Go get this album, your soul needs it.