ION VEIN - Ion Vein
September 3, 2014, 9 years ago
(Mortal Music)
Chicago prog/power metal band, Ion Vein, has been around in one form or another since 1994. However, numerous lineup changes and record label troubles has plagued the band from reaching its full potential. An eight-year hiatus preceded their comeback album, 2011’s three-song digital EP IV v 1.0, followed by 2012’s IV v2.0. The songs that made up these two releases are included here, remixed and remastered. The 12 songs are ambitious compositions with expansive melodies, creating a certain familiarity. The band displays a superb mix of thrash, power and prog metal sensibilities, taking its musical cue from Nevermore, Fates Warning, Iced Earth and Flotsam & Jetsam, to name a few. In fact, Scott Featherstone’s vocal delivery is a cross between Eric A.K. and Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust. The swirling, thrashy guitar riffs of CD-opener “Fools Parade” immediately sets the tone with its furious pace. The guitar work of Chris Lotesto is pretty stellar with his emotive leads, which actually serves a purpose leading into the verses. However, “Alone” drags a bit, lacking the same impact that the other tracks possess. But the rest of the tracks possess a fiery nature, ending with the electrifying “Twist Of Fate.” Ion Vein has managed to persevere after all these years and their self titled album deserves the attention from fans of power/prog metal.
