I can't believe such a great band is still not signed to a decent label that
could support them and promote them a little better. There are so many average
bands out there with great contracts, yet all they do is put out mediocre
material at best. On the other hand, there are bands like Ion Vein who, despite
their amazing sophomore album Reigning Memories, are still going as an independent
band.
After appearing on various tribute albums for bands such as Queensryche, King
Diamond, Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, and Dio, Ion Vein finally released their
first album Beyond Tomorrow, which was a very good release but failed to bring
them much critical acclaim. Now with Reigning Memories and the addition
of producer Neil Kernon who formerly produced albums by Judas Priest, Queensryche, Nevermore and Spiral Architect to name a few, they have
returned with a killer album: Reigning Memories. It's been 4 years since
the debut came out but the long wait was definitely worth it.
What does Ion Vein sound like? They are a talented heavy metal band
strictly rooted in the mid-80's prog metal and borrow influences from early
Queensryche, Fates Warning and Crimson Glory regarding their song structures.
Musically they also share characteristics with bands like Iron Maiden
(the fiery double guitar work), Nevermore (the overall dark feel), mid-90's era
Iced Earth (the heavy rhythm work). Remember The Warning-era Queensryche? Try to
think of them with a perfect production, more twisted prog structures, a less
high-pitched singer, and a more competitive drummer and bassist. Guitarists
Chris Lotesto and John Malufka are a great duo playing powerful riffs, haunting
guitar solos, and very catchy melodies. The intricate playing is stunning. Vocalist Russ Klimczak is a fantastic singer. While he has a
voice all his own, he strangely reminds me of one of my favourite prog metal
singers Keith Sudano from Eternity X. Not necessarily in tone but dynamics.
Geoff Tate and Ray Alder also come to mind at times, though Russ' voice doesn't
really sound like anyone else's I've heard recently. He delivers each song with tons of emotion and pours out his heart every time. Drummer Scott Lang
provides some of the most interesting fills and rolls and the perfect production
with the crisp sound just makes things better. Bassist Brian Gordon is listed as
an additional musician in the booklet as he was no longer a member when this was
recorded. Chris Lotesto also plays the keyboards, although there isn't much of it on
this 64-minute disc.
This is foremost a pure heavy metal album with subtle
progressive overtones. The music simply echoes the glory days of Queensryche
when they were one of the most unique bands on the planet. It's a shame that this
Chicago-based band might
go unnoticed for a few more years, but I'm sure they'll be discovered sooner or later.
The lyrics reflect a dark and introspective look at life and it is
easy to relate to them. The "Adrian's Ladder" trilogy toward the end is
very moving and epic in feel and masterfully crafted. After the short
instrumental intro, "Another Life" provides a perfect introduction to the band's
sound. The twin guitar work is jaw-dropping and the vocals send shivers down
your spine. The catchy yet unpredictable writing of "The Power of You", the
killer vocal harmonizing of "Faith and Majesty" (thus the Keith Sudano
resemblance), the saxophone-supported acoustic ballad "Twilight Garden" and the
insanely unusual and technical prog masterpiece "Reigning Memories" are just
some of the great songs on this CD. Do yourself and this band a favor - buy this CD. You will be thankful forever.
Track Listing:
Awakening 0:54
Another Life 6:00
Spiral Maze 5:46
The Power of You 5:13
Faith and Majesty 4:57
Edge of Forever 5:55
Twilight Garden 4:35
Reigning Memories 8:38
Adrian's Ladder Trilogy
Part I - From Inside the Mirror 6:23
Part II - Timeless 1:34
Part III - Every time it Rains 5:09
The Future is Now 9:13
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