Problems with the original master tapes helped turn ION VEIN’s debut-album restoration into a recording reunion. The Chicago progressive power metal band have presented “Beyond Tomorrow 2025,” a newly recorded title track and the second single from Beyond Tomorrow – 25th Anniversary Edition, arriving November 20, 2026, through Majesphere Records.
Following “Static Vision,” the single spotlights one of three songs completely re-recorded by the reunited lineup because of the tapes’ condition. The musicians worked with Jim Morris of Morrisound Studios on the new mix. CMM GmbH’s announcement describes the sessions as a return to material the five players had originally developed together, bringing them back together for the first time in more than two decades.
Guitarist Chris Lotesto and vocalist Russ Klimczak had discussed revisiting the debut for years. Its original production had been constrained by the young band’s finances, and they hoped a new mix would give the recordings greater depth. Their initial plan was to prepare the project quietly, surprise the other members and bring the album to vinyl for the first time, supplemented by archival live recordings.
Missing master tapes changed that approach and required the rest of the band to become involved earlier than intended. The resulting project included fresh performances of songs from the debut, with its title track selected for a central role.
“Beyond Tomorrow” was conceived to emphasize the more expansive side of ION VEIN’s music. Its lyrics encourage pursuing personal goals, overcoming obstacles and looking beyond previous achievements. The announcement includes the lines, “Fight to see the world beyond your dreams / Live to see the world beyond tomorrow.” In the band’s early concerts, the song was a fan favorite and frequently closed the set.
The original recording also carries a less elaborate piece of equipment in its history: a Casio toy keyboard. Lotesto bought it for the introduction “Horizons,” then used it on “Beyond Tomorrow” both in the studio and onstage. It remained with the band for five to six years and also featured on “The Bridge Of Dawn.”
Morris’s involvement connected the anniversary work with another part of the group’s musical background. ION VEIN had admired his recordings with SAVATAGE, CRIMSON GLORY and ICED EARTH. When Lotesto contacted Morrisound about remixing the debut, he learned that Morris already knew the band and owned a copy of Beyond Tomorrow.
The press release names IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, FATES WARNING, SAVATAGE and QUEENSRŸCHE among ION VEIN’s influences. Their debut combined melodic vocals and heavy guitars with increasingly complex arrangements. Lotesto supplied the principal songwriting, while the final arrangements took shape collectively in rehearsal.
Lotesto founded ION VEIN in Chicago in 1995, following his time in LATENT FURY from 1989 to 1994. By late 1997, the lineup featured Klimczak on vocals, Lotesto and John Malufka on guitars, Brian Gordon on bass and Scott Lang on drums. The five first performed together in Chicago in November 1997 and played Baltimore’s Powermad Festival in August 1998.
Beyond Tomorrow was released in February 1999 on the band’s own Majesphere Records. Reigning Memories followed in 2003, with the self-titled ION VEIN arriving in 2014. After promoting the third album, the band entered a hiatus of about ten years.
Their subsequent history included shared stages with ARMORED SAINT, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, ICED EARTH, NEVERMORE, ANGRA, OVERKILL, METAL CHURCH, SYMPHONY X and FATES WARNING, alongside appearances on tribute albums honoring IRON MAIDEN, DIO, OZZY OSBOURNE, KING DIAMOND and QUEENSRŸCHE.
The announcement lists October 21 for the digital single without specifying a year. The anniversary album’s November 20, 2026 release date is separately confirmed.