Active for over 20 years but with a sparse release history, Chicago's Ion Vein released their third full-length, a self-titled affair, in the summer of 2014 after a couple of digital-only EP teasers. If you've heard either EP you know what to expect. If not, we're talking muscular U.S. Heavy/Power Metal with fat riffs, rugged vocals and a keyboard-free listening experience. The production on Ion Vein is thick and full, giving the guitars ample space to roll around your living room (car, eardrums if you're using headphones, etc.) and the vocals are full of slightly drunken swagger and bombast. Like so much stuff today this is very well played but ultimately kind of faceless so nothing really sticks even after multiple spins. It is the kind of stuff that if it was playing in between sets at a live show you'd make a mental note to look up the band then promptly forget to do so once the next act comes on. Being a little generic these days is hardly a crime and if you are a fan of bands like Jag Panzer or Armored Saint, Ion Vein is going to be more than worth a little of your time.
