Today marks the 10TH ANNIVERSARY of the Reigning Memories album release featuring the original line-up of Russ Klimczak (vox), Chris Lotesto (gtr), John Malufka (gtr), Brian Gordon (bass), and Scott Lang (drums) on our label, Majesphere Records. It was later re-released in 2005 by the now defunct UK label, Now & Then Records, to the European and Asian markets.

To commemorate this special day, we are offering a $10 deal for the CD/t-shirt (size L only and limited quantity) and $5 for the CD plus shipping. Please email if you're interested.

From Chris: "My how time flies, it's crazy to think it's been 10 years already but we can all look back and appreciate what a special time it was for the band and for this album, we're all very proud of it! Please let us know your favorite song off the record and/or your favorite reigning memory from that album cycle...cheers, friends!"

Here is one of our favorite album reviews:

Why are independent releases so damn good?
February 11, 2004
By Murat Batmaz
5 out of 5

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 incredibly amazing sophomore album Reining Memories, are still going as an indepedent band. Hopefully the success of this CD is going to get them signed. If it doesn't happen, we must do our best to support them keep going and making killer music.

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.

We're happy to announce that our first show in support of IV v2.0 will be headlining the legendary METRO in Chicago for Rebel Radio's annual Scott Davidson Birthday Jam! This will be a great show and our first time in a long time getting a full stage to perform so help us celebrate the release of IV v2.0 in style!

Also appearing are Rival, Dizmal Daze, Wrath, and Vulgar so bring the flyer to get in free before 9pm ($6 after) and let's make this a night to remember! Oh, this is an 18 and over show so too so for all of you under 21ers out there waiting to see us, come on out!

Mortal Music is pleased to announce that Chicago-based metallers ION VEIN's IV v2.0 is the next release in its DR (digital release) series and is available now via iTunes.