IQ
„Dominion“
Numbered, limited red transparent Vinyl. Melodic Neo Progressive Rock. 2025.

I've been a fan of IQ for over 40 years, at least during the Peter Nicholls era. Without meaning to offend the other musicians in the band, without the signature lyrics, the theatrical stage presence, and Nicholls's bright voice, IQ wouldn't work. So what if I find myself missing the evolution of one of my all-time favorite bands? And can't join in the general praise? So, I'll focus on the essentials and the positives first. After five years, a new studio album was released in 2025, this time also on vinyl. The record sounds clean (check) and is well-produced (check). And yet, there's a small catch: with a playing time of over 26 minutes, side A can't be released without some minor compromises in sound quality. The cover reflects the darker content and is part of the overall composition, as is usually the case with IQ (check). And even though I find it difficult to discern a common thread in Peter's cryptic lyrics, this "concept album" is probably about independence. Peter Nicholls sings as always, and I like that; the band is experienced in their craft. The foundation is solid.

A glance at the tracklist of this single LP, with its 23-minute opener, promises some fine prog. "The Unknown Door" seems to have everything a prog fan could want. And yet, to me, it feels arbitrary, interchangeable, and somehow tacked on. Too epically broad, too bombastic. "One Of Us," on the other hand, comes across as quite poppy and cheerful, but it connects side A well with the epic opening of side B. And "No Dominion" sounds like IQ, but this time not arbitrarily. Perhaps I like it better because not every single prog element was used here. I'm always looking for the heart of an album, and this song isn't it. "Far From Here" could also pass for the heart, because it feels cohesive, unlike "The Unknown Door." And yet, it sounds too typically IQ. I miss the substance, the development. However, IQ has its signature sound and sticks to it. Can the closing track be enjoyable? "Neverland" reinforces for me the realization that IQ hasn't developed any further. As a result, little of this album sticks with me, while "Subteranea," "Ever," and "The Road Of Bones" are firmly established in my brain.

Conclusion. 

Technically sound. No development. Generic. For me, it's not a concept album; it lacks transitions to the other songs and a real sense of cohesion. Each song stands on its own. Nevertheless, IQ still delivers a decent album, unlike some other bands.

What do I really think:

I feel disappointed and reach for "Ever," which, strangely enough, feels unfair. And I realize that my expectations were wrong. I can't and shouldn't keep expecting "Ever" and "Subteranea." "Dominion" isn't IQ's best album, but it's far from their worst.

Bass Guitar, Pedalboard [Bass Pedals], Backing Vocals – Tim Esau
Drums, Percussion – Paul Cook
Guitar [Guitars], Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Michael Holmes 
Keyboards – Neil Durant
Lead Vocals [Lead Vocal], Backing Vocals – Peter Nicholls
Songwriter [All Songs Written By] – Holmes*, Nicholls*

The photos are all from my LP. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.

No AI was used in the making of this Review.
©04.06.2026