Label: Majesphere Records
Category: Music
Average customer rating:
Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 1
UPC: 690757030124
EAN: 0690757030124
ASIN: B0000DZFL4
Release Date: 2003-09-16
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Label: Majesphere Records Category: Music Average customer rating:
Media: Audio CD Number Of Discs: 1 UPC: 690757030124 EAN: 0690757030124 ASIN: B0000DZFL4 Release Date: 2003-09-16 |
Reigning Memories
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Why are independent releases so damn good?.......2004-02-12
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 excellent producer Neil Kernon, who formerly produced albums of Judas Priest, Queensryche, Nevermore, and Spiral Architect just 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. I cannot stress enough how much I love this album. It is... AMAZING!
What does Ion Vein sound like? They are a very talented heavy metal band strictly rooted in the mid-80's prog metal and borrow influences from early Queensryche, Fates Warning, Crimson Glory regarding their song structures. Musically they also share common 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 insanely catchy melodies. The intricate playing is absolutely stunning. Vocalist Russ Klimczak is simply 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 and every song with tons of emotion and pours out his heart every time. Drummer Scott Lang does 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. Believe me, if their new album had been Reigning Memories instead of Tribe, they would now be the most idolized band ever. It's a shame that this Chicage, IL based band might go unnoticed for a few more years... but I am sure: sooner or later they will be discovered. Because they're way too good to get lost amongst the thousands of crappy bands out there. They will stand out somehow. Mark my words.
The lyrics reflect a dark and quite introspective look at life and it is quite easy to relate to them. The "Adrian's Ladder" trilogy towards 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 killer songs on this CD. Do yourself and this band a favour - BUY this CD. You will be thankful forever.
Music Album:
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