Artist:  Ion Vein 

Date: 9 March 2001  

MM - Introduce the band to us.
Russ Klimczak - lead vocals
John Malufka - guitar
Scott Lang - drums and percussion
Chris Lotesto - guitar/keys/backing vocals
Jonathon Quigley - bass/backing vocals

MM - Where did the name Ion Vein come from?
A former bandmate was trying to come up with a name that was represented what our music was all about and he came up with Ion Vein.  I'll leave the meaning up to the readers. :)

MM - Where do you call home?
Chicago, Illinois

MM - When was the band formed and how did you all meet?
The concept for this band began in 1989 when I heard Fates Warning and discovered the progressive side of metal.  After my band Latent Fury dissolved, I came together with Russ and Scott in the beginning of 1996 and we searched endlessly for the final two pieces of the puzzle.

John joined in early 1997 and former bassist, Brian Gordon, joined in Sept of 1997 and Ion Vein was officially born.  Russ and John were long-time friends and band mates. Actually, the three of us went to high school together. Scott and Brian both answered our ad in a local music paper. Brian left the band in March of 2000 and Jonathon answered our ad in July of 2000.

MM - How would you best describe you music and who would it appeal to?
Our music is melodic and powerful with progressive elements mixed in that make it interesting. The music is very song oriented so it appeals to everyone from the average Joe to the serious musician.

MM - Next year you will be playing the Prog/Power USA festival, tell us a bit about it and how you feel to be taking part.
Well, we just played Prog/Power USA and it was awesome! We were very honoured to be a part of such a great event. We had no idea how great this would turn out but we knew that the promoter was very determined to put on a great show so we were psyched. It was a great weekend of some of the most talented bands and the best fans in the world.

MM - The band did a cover of Queensryches 'Take hold of the Flame' for a tribute album, how did you get involved in that?
A magazine writer put us in contact with Dwell Records when they were looking for a band to be on their second Iron Maiden tribute. They liked us a lot, put us on the Maiden album and the asked us to be a part of their Ozzy, Dio, King Diamond and Queensryche tributes.  We had a good time doing the songs and they turned out quite well. We get a lot of compliments on them.

MM - Is there any other bands that you would like to do a cover version of?
I don't know, maybe Fates Warning or Rush.

MM - The band was voted 'Best Metal Band of 1999' by Suburban Nitelife Magazine. How has the Rock media in general taken to the band?
The rock media has been quite supportive of the band, I really can't thank them enough for giving us the attention and for all the positive things they have said.  We have worked very hard to get noticed and it's paid off in many ways. We thank you and everyone tremendously!

MM - Your debut CD 'Beyond Tomorrow' was released earlier this year, tell us about it and where can it be obtained?
Actually, it was released in 1999 so we're a bit overdue for the new one!  We're happy with the way it turned out although you always wish you could do certain things better or different. The album has received great reviews from around the world and has done quite well. We have a distribution deal in Illinois so you can get it at Best Buy, Tower and most cool stores, it's available through most of the online or catalogue metal music vendors or you can order it through our website at www.ionvein.com.  There are a lot of ways to get it so there are no excuses for not having it. :-)

MM - Do you think the new album will be ready by February in time for the Prog/Rock festival?
We were hoping that it would be but we take a long time to write because we really tear things apart to make sure a song is the best it can be.   We're planning on entering the studio in April and we'll set a release date from there. A lot of factors will play into the release of the new album so I can't really give a firm date now. Let's just say spring 2001.

MM - Who writes the songs for the band, is it one particular persons talent or more of a collective thing?
It's a collective thing which is part of why it takes so long to write but also why are songs sound so different from each other. Everyone has creative input so that gives our songs a lot of different flavours. I think that approach works out very well.

MM - Do you have any plans to tour outside the USA?
Not right now but we would like to after the new album is released. There has been great support from Europe, South America and other markets and we would like to get out there and play for those fans.

MM - How would you best describe the mood of the band right now?
The mood of the band is very positive right now. We are very excited about the new material and getting the new cd done. This new album will be so much more than the first and will take us to the next level so we can't wait to get it done.

MM - Lastly, is there anything you would like to share with your fans out there?
We just want to thank everyone for reading this and for their continued support for Ion Vein, we really appreciate it! Please visit ionvein.com for all the latest news, reviews, sound clips etc. and we can't wait to get the new album out to you.

 

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