Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Mammoth in length and mammoth in sweep, this is undoubtedly lona's most ambitious and visionary album. Inspired by the book The Eye Of The Eagle, British CCM's most popular band have based several tracks round lines from the 8th century Irish hymn "Be Thou My Vision". The effect is at times stunning, as huge ethereal soundscapes - the foundation stone of which as always is Dave Bainbridge's haunting choice of keyboard washes - rise up from the hi fi speakers and Joanne Hogg is if possible even more spine-tingling than normal, her achingly tender voice gliding and soaring like a bird in flight. It's almost impossible to name favourite tracks though both "Wisdom" and "Everything Changes" have already received repeated plays. Troy Donockley's whistles and uilleann pipes are beautiful while Robert Fripp's guitar synth on "Divine Presence" and "The Search" adds another eerily beautiful dimension. A beautiful album.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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