IQ Ever

Even IQ's most dedicated fans don't expect the group to top its third-period crowning achievement, Subterranea, but does Dark Matter ever get close! This album makes The Seventh House (IQ's previous album, released three years earlier) appear very, very average. The melodies are catchier and more moving, the writing stronger, the arrangements more varied. The album's strength mostly resides in the 24-minute closing epic, "Harvest of Souls," surely IQ's best epic song, arguably their best song, period. After the oblique meanders of the cluttered "The Narrow Margin" (from Subterranea, that album's weaker point), "Harvest of Souls" offers a much clearer structure, a generous number of memorable themes, and a dark political subtext referring to American politics post-9/11.

On June 12, 1993, IQ performed a concert at the Stadthalle in Kleve, Germany, to mark the release of Ever, the band's first studio album in four years (and its first with original singer Peter Nicholls since 1985). The show was recorded and filmed, and released in April 1996 as a two-CD. Forever Live is IQ's first "real" live album, since 1985's Living Proof was released without the band's consent (and with poor sound quality), while J'Ai Pollette d'Arnu only contained a few live tracks. On this double album, one finds excellent sound, very strong musicianship, and a generous set list. New songs from Ever are beside old favorites from the first two LPs and even songs from the band's two albums with singer Paul Menel…

On June 12, 1993, IQ performed a concert at the Stadthalle in Kleve, Germany, to mark the release of Ever, the band's first studio album in four years (and its first with original singer Peter Nicholls since 1985). Finally the classic video tape of the Ever-album release show is now available on DVD. Including lots of bonus materials like: Scenes from the day, Encore and Intermission, Early Versions, Photo Gallery…