IQ
„The Road Of Bones“
3-LP Set, Red-Smoked Vinyl, 2024 (2014). Neo-Prog.

When the English neo-prog band IQ announced a limited vinyl edition of their album "The Road Of Bones" (2014) in 2024, I had to get a copy. Besides "The Road Of Bones," there are six other songs that didn't make it onto the album. I've been following IQ for over 40 years, but only the period with singer Peter Nicholls, who rejoined the band permanently in 1990. Without unfairly calling the other musicians mere supporting players, it is Peter Nicholls, with his stage presence, who is the face of the band. Anyone who has the chance to experience IQ live should definitely go.

In an interview, Peter Nicholls explained how he came up with the idea for this album. The title, "The Road of Bones," originated during a flight when he was leafing through an in-flight magazine and spotted a photograph of a statue. This statue commemorated deceased political prisoners who, in the 1930s, were forced to work under appalling conditions on the R504 highway in Russia on the orders of Joseph Stalin. The road is 2,032 kilometers long, thousands of forced laborers died during its construction, and the statue was erected in their honor. Today, the road is marketed as a tourist attraction under the name "The Road of Bones." While the songs are lyrically connected, this is not a concept album. Some reviewers have failed to grasp this and perceive the album as fragmented.

The opener, "From The Outside In," showcases IQ's move towards a more opulent sound. Because Peter Nicholls sees himself as an actor and writes strongly song-oriented lyrics, we feel more like we're in a musical or a film. This comes across even more strongly live than on this studio album. Fine neo-prog right from the start.
The title track starts off calmly and transitions into a dark, bombastic prog song. Here we follow a psychopathic serial killer. That concludes side A.
Side B contains the heart of the album, and at 19:16 it's also the longest track. "Without Walls" offers quiet passages, heavier riffs than we're used to from IQ, epic keyboards, and typical, melodic neo-prog. For me, it's the strongest song.

On side C, we find "Ocean," the least prog-oriented song. If it has to be pop, then let it be like this. After all that dark prog, perhaps a small ray of sunshine? Because with "Until The End," the next initially gloomy track rolls in. Probably the most prog-oriented, typical IQ song, which later becomes brighter and more optimistic. A worthy conclusion to the album.
Sides D, E, and F then deliver the material that didn't make it onto the actual album. Except for "Knucklehead," it's already clear to me why these all-around good tracks aren't included. Even though this isn't a concept album, these songs, in terms of their style, sound too much like typical, standalone IQ tracks. While "The Road Of Bones" would have been enough for me, I don't want to miss out on the extra tracks now.

Paul Cook – Drums, Percussions
Tim Essau – Bass
Neil Durant – Keyboards
Michael Holmes – Guitar
Peter Nicholls – Vocals

Conclusion. A musical step forward for IQ. Even though IQ is evolving in small steps, I like this band's style and sound. Neo-prog, not just for prog fans.

What do I really think:

Typical IQ style, albeit more epic and expansive. I appreciate that IQ are forging their own path. "The Road Of Bones," whether a standard CD or, as in this case, a limited-edition vinyl release, belongs in every music collection and can be listened to again and again. Perfectly arranged by outstanding musicians. The records are flawless.

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.
©04.05.2026