So much to say about these guys, but I'll keep it short as possible. Pre-dated Dream Theater, and was a major influence on them. Their earlier stuff has their original singer John Arch, and started off like Iron Maiden but became very progressive and heavy by the 3rd album, then in the 90's they sort of streamlined their sound to the style you're hearing here. This singer (Ray Alder) joined in '88 and "The Ivory Gate of Dreams" is a 20+ minute epic from the first album with him that needs to be heard if you like the multi-part suites like 2112. The main mastermind of the band Jim Matheos, did two albums with the original singer Jon Arch, one in 2012 and one in 2019, and they are probably two of the best metal albums of the last decade. The production is amazing, probably more to your liking, and so is the production on the more recent FW albums. It was basically the current FW lineup who did the A/M records, except with Arch in place of Alder. Try "Prelude to Ruin" for a good example of their classic sound with the original singer. "Ivory Gate of Dreams" and "Heavenly Shades of Death" from their first album wioth this singer. "Stained Glass Sky" and "Kindred Spirits" are a couple a good samples of Arch/Matheos.
. . . Jim. This person just said what I would have with a NOVEL of a comment ;). As Jim may have forgotten, I'm a HUGE Fates Warning fan, as well-as "OSI" and "Arch/Matheos".
@FlashDitka-le5kj just curious what you thought of the last fw album released ...and then Jim's new band 1st record... im getting scared the ride may finally be over....would love to be wrong tho
While Parallels is considered "classic" Fates Warning, I highly recommend you explore the later albums. A few key tracks I would recommend are "Still Remains" from Disconnected (2000), "Wish" from FWX (2004) (possibly their greatest track of all), "And Yet It Moves" from Darkness in a Different Light (2013), "The Light and Shade of Things" from Theories of Flight (2016) and "The Longest Shadow of the Day" from Long Day Good Night (2020). There's a lot of depth there, and a lot to explore.
Oh man, this is one of my favorite Fates Warning songs! Parallels, Disconnected, Theories of Flight are my favorites, from which Theories of Flight hits me the hardest. Also couple songs from Spectre Within but it is completely different sounding Fates Warning album. I like my music proggy :D And the wow-factor you mentioned is pretty much how I feel about Fates Warning as well. The songs need more listening, they are not exactly huge bangers from the start.
Compared to contemporaries Queensryche and Dream Theater, I think Fates Warning are less flashy and more cerebral, and their songs tend to be more moody and melancholic but in a mature, not overly-dramatic way, especially the period that I think was their peak which was the No Exit/Perfect Symmetry/Parallels period. World class musicians like Queensryche and DT, but they call less attention to themselves, so can see why they wouldn't "Wow" on first listen. Parallels is in my top 5 albums of all time, love that album.
Nice reaction. FW are one of my favorite bands of all time. One of the ”big three” when it comes to progressive metal along with Dream Theater and Queensryche. Definately a band (and type of music) one has to listen to more than once to really enjoy. Metal greetings from Sweden!
Fates is one of my fave bands and is one of the giants of prog metal. They have a more song and groove oriented, atmospheric style than the instrumental prowess of Dream Theater. I have found that I enjoy them when I want something less frenetic. As others have said, give a listen to the album "A Pleasant Shade of Grey". It is essentially one song and is melancholy and moody. For a more up tempo side go for "One" or "Seven Stars".
That might be my favorite Fates Warning song. I love the jazziness of Mark Zonders' drums on those early albums with Ray Alder singing. If you want something a bit more "hooky", check out Seven Stars, from the "Theories of Flight" album. It's much more recent (2016) and has a much better production.. If you appreciate the singer, check out the band Redemption. I recommend the song "Sapphire". The main guy from that band, Nick Van Dyk, is a fantastic writer, and a damn good guitarist. Lots of emotion in his songs. Proggy AF. Seriously, you won't be left wanting.
@@mvunit3 thanks bud I got turned onto them when my friend and favorite record store employee Mike Patton and I tried out The Spectre Within. John Arch was the vocalist of course and they single handedly invented Prog Metal in 1985 in my opinion. I have it on cassette I think and Awaken The Guardian. I bought No Exit but thought Ray Alder sounded too much like Rob Halford of Judas Priest. So I dumped it but gave Perfect Symmetry a chance and fell in love with it buying the 3 disc special edition. I also bought Parallels and APSoG. I like them but I just stream the subsequent releases.
@@shyshift - I'm pretty much a FW fanboy (see my comment to Jim) :p. I have them on Lp up to Perfect Symmetry (had a 1st print of "Parallels" on Lp, but a move cracked the vinyl in 2), and have all their CD's, including the special editions. Including Arch/Matheos, OSI and 2 Jim Matheos albums. And Ray Alder with Prog Metal band "Redemption". I like "No Exit", as a matter of fact, that is what got me into the band, it was a few years later that I got into the John Arch era, it was like discovering "Rainbow" after the Dio era, and going backwards in their catalogue. Recently I bought the Anniversary LIVE shows of "Awaken the Guardian" (before Arch and Matheos formed Arch/Matheos) on double LP, and a gorgeous Book-bound CD and DVD set, with pics from 3 special shows. I think our friend Jim and you, need to experience "The Ivory Gate of Dreams" from No Exit, not many Metal bands at that time did conceptual EPIC pieces like that back then in 1988. As you said, FW as-well as Queensryche, are the Fathers of Prog Metal and set a course for things to come :). Have seen them on 5 Tours, but HOPE to see them also go on Tour for their last 2 albums, and it be a miracle if they did a small tour for Arch/Matheos "Winter Ethereal"! You'll be hearing more about Fates Warning (and Rainbow) from me, hopefully very soon (hint hint :p).
I'm not a fan of metal, but I quite enjoyed this. I do appreciate both Scorpions Wind of Change and Metallica's Nothing Else Matters. This reminds me of both.
If you haven’t already Jim, you should really listen to their last 2 albums, “Long Day Goodnight” 2020, and Theories of Flight” 2016. Really solid production, brings it all to a modern stage, showcasing the bands true talents, yet retains all of their roots. Sonically thick and rich, everything stands out, and both albums immensely improve upon what the early production was lacking. “Long Day Goodnight” is amazing start to finish, and I wish they would actually tour it. Unfortunately, it came out during the pandemic. Check em both out!!
I'm not sure but i think i bought this on hearing it in a music store in Boston Summer '89. Now i haven't listened through for a while (and will soon) but i recall it has an impact from the songs in sequence. I think regretnis the emotion it plays to.
Hi Jim, It takes Fates Warning for me to come out of hiding :p. THIS is one of my FAVORITE Bands, in my Top 5 to be exact (you may remember them featured in my "essay"/blog). You were one of the few to react to FW at that time too. There is a "niche" of International fans out there who are hard core, so its always a treat to see more reactions to this great band. You picked a fan fave at Live shows as people sing along to the "Whoaaa ohhh ohhhhhh" part. There are soo many tracks to request from various era's of the band. This is when Ray Alder's voice was at its peak, it has matured since about 3 albums after. They have "13" albums to their credit (their latest debuted in Nov. of 2020) and have been around since 1982 (1st release in 1984). As JayTor2112 stated, they started with vocalist "John Arch", who was a VERY different and unique vocalist. He started out as an obvious Bruce Dickenson devotee, but came into his own on sadly, his last, but most ICONIC album (their 3rd) "Awaken the Guardian", where this showed FW changing their musical direction, with various tempo-changes (and also John being a master wordsmith), a direction without a name back then in 1986. Since then, Ray Alder has been the voice of the band, that started with "No Exit" in 1988, it would be a treat to see a reaction to the EPIC "The Ivory Gate of Dreams" which took-up the whole side (B) of the Lp. John had retired from the biz, but was called-out by fans for decades to come back, which he did in 2003 with a solo Ep called "Twist of Fate" which Jim Matheos (co-founder of Fates) plays guitar, and Mike Portnoy on drums, for the 2 tracks on the album. In 2012 *Arch/Matheos* was created and released "Sympathetic Resonance" where it sounded like if FW kept John for their newer era. He has practically not lost his voice after all these years of NOT singing (it included the contemporary line-up of FW as well). They released a 2nd album in 2019 "Winter Ethereal", which features current and past members (see the FW "Parallels" album) as well-as guests. Another side band with 2 former members of Dream Theater (Portnoy and original keyboardist "Kevin Moore") join Jim Matheos for what Portnoy once described; "Radiohead meets Dream Theater": *OSI.* They have 4 albums with various guests as well (Gavin Harrison takes over drum duties on their 3rd album). And Ray Alder takes on vocal duties (while still with FW) for the Prog Metal band *Redemption* for 7 of their albums (on their debut as a "guest"). They have a rich history, dabbling in various styles. THIS era of FW I look at, much like Rush's 80's/90's era of albums, as more direct-song oriented, as they (FW) did the _complex/technical_ direction already, that other bands would do coming on the scene after. They would become atmospheric, darker, moodier, and I believe _before_ TOOL debuted. And then the combination of that era and their 90's tone of the technical meets esoteric, for the last 3 albums. Here is some history: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fates_Warning And for a sampling of their catalogue, History (see 1st video) and more, for you and your fans: ruclips.net/p/PL2DU3TBNutEdLLxfBF-5k3GgR0HKe6jmG I hope you get to do some "Albums", *Awaken the Guardian* would be a great start, and maybe "A Pleasant Shade of Gray" (when they begin down that "moody" path) along with "Arch/Matheos" and "OSI". I apologize for being away, I will be going back into your vids to watch MANY of your Album Reactions as you have touched on some of my favorite bands/musicians, and albums I should have gotten into ("Olias of Sunhillow" for one!). Thank you soo much for taking a 2nd look at Fates Warning, they never really have gotten the credit they deserve, maybe because they were/are not afraid to experiment with their sound, almost each album sounds different than the one before. As was said by Mike Portnoy, at the time he was with Dream Theater; In the liner notes to the 2005 expanded edition of Awaken the Guardian: "Very often fans and critics credit Dream Theater for creating a whole new genre of progressive metal music in the late '80s/early '90s, but the truth is Fates Warning were doing it years before us".
Haha! I am NOT a fan of Cradle of Filth. I'm into Extreme Metal genres, but VERY picky. Can't stand the vocals (and most of the subject matter). I probably have bands that I'm into that would make that statement hypocritical though :p.
It's not an 80's production. This is their 5th album, and 3rd with vocalist Ray Alder. The earlier releases are different. Parallels was produced by Terry Brown, who produced almost every Rush record, so that's why the sound is so clean, crisp and warm.
Fates Warning came on my radar soon after Queensryche . They are solid , but never hit me the way Queensryche did. Of the big "3" , they always seemed the most mainstream. DT are very technical, but for me didn't hit "me"personally. I have friends that LOVE them . Not for me though. Of the "3", I'm a Queensryche guy( probably because they evolved album after album) , and my highest recommendation for them after Mindcrime ( which you did) is Rage For Order , an album YEARS ahead of it's time. Keyboards, synth guitars, unconventional, driving, yet full of the whole emotional pallet....it's a masterpiece.
Yes indeed. It came out around '86 , so it will seem of it's time production wise, but the experimentation with keyboards, synths and such was considered sacrilege at the time. The record company insisted on the " glam" look for the cover, but they quickly abandoned it. Very gothic, so it fits the feeling of the album though.... And I stand by this , in the 80's , there was Bruce , Ronnie , Rob , and absolutely on the same level , and on his own level to boot, was Geoff Tate. Pay attention to everything he does, even background and deep in the mix. Really nobody else in metal did what he did . Added a whole other level of drama, but also nuance. His classic training, and prog influence (big Yes fan) shine through. A generational talent that he could combine all of it. Not just range or power, but a complete artist. That's saying a lot, because I LOVE those other guys, being a proper Brittish invasion metalhead.
I very much agree with your opinion here. I don't have anything bad to say about the band, but I never found a reason to dig into their library. Good music, but it doesn't grab me.
Jim me 'ol mucker. Thanks for giving Fate's Warning another chance. They are an acquired taste. I would like to again recommend giving 24/7 Spyz a go. Songs such as 'Purple' or 'My Desire' --- Oliver Klozov aka Hugh Jass aka Lou Bricant aka Drew Peacock
SPYZ DOPE!!! I love those guys. They have such a wide range of styles on their early albums. I listen to "Harder Than You" and "Gumbo Millennium" regularly.
If you want like to explore some more Fstes, in my humble opinion you should listen to Fates Warning's A Pleasant Shade of Grey Album first. The entire Album. Because it's an Concept Album separated in 12 Parts. So in Realty it is one long Song. And it is the second best Concept Album of all time in my opinion. Right after Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime. And I'm not alone with that. Great Vocal's. One of the best played Drums I've ever listened to. Mark Zonder is a Beast on Drums. A Genius. Truly a Masterpiece of Progressive Metal. So please don't miss it. And don't forget to listen to it until it really end's! It worth it!🥰 Oh! There's Kevin Moore (ex Dreamtheater) on Keyboards!! Which brings us directly to the Band called: O S I(Office of strategic Influence). Side project by Kevin Moore and Jim Matheos. And with some very very interesting Guest Star's on each Album. Who,? Now... I guess this is your part to find out... ^^
I only know the game The 11th hour; the sequel to The 7th guest. A very mellow start; I like it. Then the heavy part starts. Still nice. Indeed, sounds American; they always try to sing on the top of their voice. A bit below is often better imho. Singer reminds me a bit of Geoff Tate of Queensrÿche but Geoff sings better (in the higher notes). Musically it’s good; the singer makes me a bit tired.
I think I've got an new Idea. A Reaction Video to the Original Song AND the Cover Song. In just only one Video. At the same Time! Nobody ever did this before! So you can be the first! Something you can only find here.... That would be amazing to watch. Good,or bad Idea??
You need to listen to the Gods of progressive metal Fates Warning,, Queensryche,, and Dreamtheater they set the bar so high no one can touch them maybe TnT ,, Steelheart qnd Firehouse
If you asked me... Ranking Fates Warning Albums? 1.) A Pleasant Shade of Grey 2.) FWX 3.) Disconnected 4.) Still Life 5.) Inside Out 6.) Parallels 7.) No Exit 8.) The Light and Shade of Things (SONG) I broke up with this Band as Mark Zonder left the Band. It is not the same anymore without this Genius. And all 4 Albums before No Exit are boring. To much Iron Maiden influence, ya know... Sounding all so old and disgusting. With another Vocalist on it... Their first Vocalist : John Arch.
If you haven't followed their musical evolution since 1984, then it's not going to resonate with you. You are now an older, white British guy, with a lot of ingrained preferences. Personally, I don't care if you like it. They are my favorite band since 88. If you have the ear to at least appreciate the songwriting and musical brilliance, then great.
Sorry to hear about you being dissed by Airbag. My all-time favorite Fates Warning is from the Disconnected album. The monster song is Still Remains. But a great entire album to do would be Pleasant Shade of Gray
Look man don't compare them to others they are one of the progressive metal best of the best Queensryche, Fates Warning, and Dreamtheater not even the great iron maiden can touch these guys sorry
So much to say about these guys, but I'll keep it short as possible. Pre-dated Dream Theater, and was a major influence on them. Their earlier stuff has their original singer John Arch, and started off like Iron Maiden but became very progressive and heavy by the 3rd album, then in the 90's they sort of streamlined their sound to the style you're hearing here.
This singer (Ray Alder) joined in '88 and "The Ivory Gate of Dreams" is a 20+ minute epic from the first album with him that needs to be heard if you like the multi-part suites like 2112. The main mastermind of the band Jim Matheos, did two albums with the original singer Jon Arch, one in 2012 and one in 2019, and they are probably two of the best metal albums of the last decade. The production is amazing, probably more to your liking, and so is the production on the more recent FW albums. It was basically the current FW lineup who did the A/M records, except with Arch in place of Alder.
Try "Prelude to Ruin" for a good example of their classic sound with the original singer. "Ivory Gate of Dreams" and "Heavenly Shades of Death" from their first album wioth this singer.
"Stained Glass Sky" and "Kindred Spirits" are a couple a good samples of Arch/Matheos.
. . . Jim.
This person just said what I would have with a NOVEL of a comment ;).
As Jim may have forgotten, I'm a HUGE Fates Warning fan, as well-as "OSI" and "Arch/Matheos".
Well said my friend! I've been listening to Fates since 87-88 and never tire of their sound!
@FlashDitka-le5kj just curious what you thought of the last fw album released ...and then Jim's new band 1st record... im getting scared the ride may finally be over....would love to be wrong tho
While Parallels is considered "classic" Fates Warning, I highly recommend you explore the later albums. A few key tracks I would recommend are "Still Remains" from Disconnected (2000), "Wish" from FWX (2004) (possibly their greatest track of all), "And Yet It Moves" from Darkness in a Different Light (2013), "The Light and Shade of Things" from Theories of Flight (2016) and "The Longest Shadow of the Day" from Long Day Good Night (2020). There's a lot of depth there, and a lot to explore.
"Light and Shade of Things" LIVE is gorgeous! Great as a studio track too.
Still Remains or One
Don't forget Ghosts of Home
YESSS. well done. Most underrated band of our time. Thanks for shining some light in their direction.
Fates Warning is my all-time favorite band. This was a good introduction, if there ever was one, from 1991's Parallels. Top notch musicians.
Oh man, this is one of my favorite Fates Warning songs!
Parallels, Disconnected, Theories of Flight are my favorites, from which Theories of Flight hits me the hardest. Also couple songs from Spectre Within but it is completely different sounding Fates Warning album. I like my music proggy :D
And the wow-factor you mentioned is pretty much how I feel about Fates Warning as well. The songs need more listening, they are not exactly huge bangers from the start.
Compared to contemporaries Queensryche and Dream Theater, I think Fates Warning are less flashy and more cerebral, and their songs tend to be more moody and melancholic but in a mature, not overly-dramatic way, especially the period that I think was their peak which was the No Exit/Perfect Symmetry/Parallels period. World class musicians like Queensryche and DT, but they call less attention to themselves, so can see why they wouldn't "Wow" on first listen. Parallels is in my top 5 albums of all time, love that album.
Excellent description.
Beautiful way to sum these legends
Just one of the few albums I keep going back to. Parallels, Perfect Symmetry, Operation: Mindcrime... 🖤
Check out the their album 'Pleasant Shade of Gray'. Great concept album produced by Terry Brown.
APSoG is completely fantastic! I was fortunate enough to see them on that tour, when they did the entire thing live. It was so good!
Nice reaction. FW are one of my favorite bands of all time. One of the ”big three” when it comes to progressive metal along with Dream Theater and Queensryche. Definately a band (and type of music) one has to listen to more than once to really enjoy.
Metal greetings from Sweden!
Greetings back! 👋
As mentioned a CLASSIC! 1991🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽 takes me back to 10th grade!!!
Fates is one of my fave bands and is one of the giants of prog metal. They have a more song and groove oriented, atmospheric style than the instrumental prowess of Dream Theater. I have found that I enjoy them when I want something less frenetic.
As others have said, give a listen to the album "A Pleasant Shade of Grey". It is essentially one song and is melancholy and moody.
For a more up tempo side go for "One" or "Seven Stars".
That might be my favorite Fates Warning song. I love the jazziness of Mark Zonders' drums on those early albums with Ray Alder singing.
If you want something a bit more "hooky", check out Seven Stars, from the "Theories of Flight" album. It's much more recent (2016) and has a much better production..
If you appreciate the singer, check out the band Redemption. I recommend the song "Sapphire". The main guy from that band, Nick Van Dyk, is a fantastic writer, and a damn good guitarist. Lots of emotion in his songs. Proggy AF. Seriously, you won't be left wanting.
This was produced by Terry Brown, who produced two Rush albums...
7:05 yeah that sounds like Qüeensryche in 1986 and in Empire album.
ray alder the vocals for fates warning. has a side band called redemption. there real good i recommend you check them out.
The Light and Shade of Things.... I've listened to that forever.
Albums out 30 years. Welcome to the party !!
What do you all think of Night On Brocken?
I'm less of a John Arch fan era than Ray Adler. John's voice kind of annoys me at times. It's a shame as the music is cool.
Worst album of Fates Warning even though Iron Maiden is my fav band ever. Hahaha
Fates are the best band in all the universes... ;)
Perfect Symmetry(1989) is phenomenal and my favorite.
A Pleasant Shade Of Gray(1997) is one long song and considered their best.
Good to see you here Rand! And being a fellow FW fan :).
@@mvunit3 thanks bud I got turned onto them when my friend and favorite record store employee Mike Patton and I tried out The Spectre Within. John Arch was the vocalist of course and they single handedly invented Prog Metal in 1985 in my opinion. I have it on cassette I think and Awaken The Guardian. I bought No Exit but thought Ray Alder sounded too much like Rob Halford of Judas Priest. So I dumped it but gave Perfect Symmetry a chance and fell in love with it buying the 3 disc special edition. I also bought Parallels and APSoG. I like them but I just stream the subsequent releases.
@@shyshift - I'm pretty much a FW fanboy (see my comment to Jim) :p. I have them on Lp up to Perfect Symmetry (had a 1st print of "Parallels" on Lp, but a move cracked the vinyl in 2), and have all their CD's, including the special editions. Including Arch/Matheos, OSI and 2 Jim Matheos albums. And Ray Alder with Prog Metal band "Redemption". I like "No Exit", as a matter of fact, that is what got me into the band, it was a few years later that I got into the John Arch era, it was like discovering "Rainbow" after the Dio era, and going backwards in their catalogue.
Recently I bought the Anniversary LIVE shows of "Awaken the Guardian" (before Arch and Matheos formed Arch/Matheos) on double LP, and a gorgeous Book-bound CD and DVD set, with pics from 3 special shows.
I think our friend Jim and you, need to experience "The Ivory Gate of Dreams" from No Exit, not many Metal bands at that time did conceptual EPIC pieces like that back then in 1988. As you said, FW as-well as Queensryche, are the Fathers of Prog Metal and set a course for things to come :).
Have seen them on 5 Tours, but HOPE to see them also go on Tour for their last 2 albums, and it be a miracle if they did a small tour for Arch/Matheos "Winter Ethereal"!
You'll be hearing more about Fates Warning (and Rainbow) from me, hopefully very soon (hint hint :p).
I'm not a fan of metal, but I quite enjoyed this. I do appreciate both Scorpions Wind of Change and Metallica's Nothing Else Matters. This reminds me of both.
If you haven’t already Jim, you should really listen to their last 2 albums, “Long Day Goodnight” 2020, and Theories of Flight” 2016. Really solid production, brings it all to a modern stage, showcasing the bands true talents, yet retains all of their roots. Sonically thick and rich, everything stands out, and both albums immensely improve upon what the early production was lacking. “Long Day Goodnight” is amazing start to finish, and I wish they would actually tour it. Unfortunately, it came out during the pandemic. Check em both out!!
FATES WARNING IS FROM THE GREAT STATE OF CONNECTICUT!!!! THEY STARTED IN NEWINGTON CT!!!
Jim, fates warning is a fabulous band give them a chance.
I’ve heard this same piece now about 5 times, in post production, editing and watching once uploaded. It’s better each time!
my favorite part was the long extended close up of dude drinking from his mug
a pleasant shade of Grey all parts please
check out "Magellan - Magna Carta", a nice early prog metal epic
Listen to inside out the entire album is a masterpiece
I'm not sure but i think i bought this on hearing it in a music store in Boston Summer '89. Now i haven't listened through for a while (and will soon) but i recall it has an impact from the songs in sequence. I think regretnis the emotion it plays to.
Hi Jim,
It takes Fates Warning for me to come out of hiding :p.
THIS is one of my FAVORITE Bands, in my Top 5 to be exact (you may remember them featured in my "essay"/blog). You were one of the few to react to FW at that time too. There is a "niche" of International fans out there who are hard core, so its always a treat to see more reactions to this great band.
You picked a fan fave at Live shows as people sing along to the "Whoaaa ohhh ohhhhhh" part.
There are soo many tracks to request from various era's of the band. This is when Ray Alder's voice was at its peak, it has matured since about 3 albums after. They have "13" albums to their credit (their latest debuted in Nov. of 2020) and have been around since 1982 (1st release in 1984). As JayTor2112 stated, they started with vocalist "John Arch", who was a VERY different and unique vocalist. He started out as an obvious Bruce Dickenson devotee, but came into his own on sadly, his last, but most ICONIC album (their 3rd) "Awaken the Guardian", where this showed FW changing their musical direction, with various tempo-changes (and also John being a master wordsmith), a direction without a name back then in 1986. Since then, Ray Alder has been the voice of the band, that started with "No Exit" in 1988, it would be a treat to see a reaction to the EPIC "The Ivory Gate of Dreams" which took-up the whole side (B) of the Lp.
John had retired from the biz, but was called-out by fans for decades to come back, which he did in 2003 with a solo Ep called "Twist of Fate" which Jim Matheos (co-founder of Fates) plays guitar, and Mike Portnoy on drums, for the 2 tracks on the album.
In 2012 *Arch/Matheos* was created and released "Sympathetic Resonance" where it sounded like if FW kept John for their newer era. He has practically not lost his voice after all these years of NOT singing (it included the contemporary line-up of FW as well). They released a 2nd album in 2019 "Winter Ethereal", which features current and past members (see the FW "Parallels" album) as well-as guests.
Another side band with 2 former members of Dream Theater (Portnoy and original keyboardist "Kevin Moore") join Jim Matheos for what Portnoy once described; "Radiohead meets Dream Theater": *OSI.*
They have 4 albums with various guests as well (Gavin Harrison takes over drum duties on their 3rd album). And Ray Alder takes on vocal duties (while still with FW) for the Prog Metal band *Redemption* for 7 of their albums (on their debut as a "guest").
They have a rich history, dabbling in various styles. THIS era of FW I look at, much like Rush's 80's/90's era of albums, as more direct-song oriented, as they (FW) did the _complex/technical_ direction already, that other bands would do coming on the scene after. They would become atmospheric, darker, moodier, and I believe _before_ TOOL debuted. And then the combination of that era and their 90's tone of the technical meets esoteric, for the last 3 albums. Here is some history: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fates_Warning
And for a sampling of their catalogue, History (see 1st video) and more, for you and your fans:
ruclips.net/p/PL2DU3TBNutEdLLxfBF-5k3GgR0HKe6jmG
I hope you get to do some "Albums", *Awaken the Guardian* would be a great start, and maybe "A Pleasant Shade of Gray" (when they begin down that "moody" path) along with "Arch/Matheos" and "OSI".
I apologize for being away, I will be going back into your vids to watch MANY of your Album Reactions as you have touched on some of my favorite bands/musicians, and albums I should have gotten into ("Olias of Sunhillow" for one!).
Thank you soo much for taking a 2nd look at Fates Warning, they never really have gotten the credit they deserve, maybe because they were/are not afraid to experiment with their sound, almost each album sounds different than the one before. As was said by Mike Portnoy, at the time he was with Dream Theater; In the liner notes to the 2005 expanded edition of Awaken the Guardian:
"Very often fans and critics credit Dream Theater for creating a whole new genre of progressive metal music in the late '80s/early '90s, but the truth is Fates Warning were doing it years before us".
Haha! I am NOT a fan of Cradle of Filth. I'm into Extreme Metal genres, but VERY picky. Can't stand the vocals (and most of the subject matter). I probably have bands that I'm into that would make that statement hypocritical though :p.
One of the best and most under rated bands. Check out some earlier stuff with the original singer. Awaken the Guardian is incredible.
Terry Brown of Rush fame on production. He made some good albums.
It's not an 80's production. This is their 5th album, and 3rd with vocalist Ray Alder. The earlier releases are different. Parallels was produced by Terry Brown, who produced almost every Rush record, so that's why the sound is so clean, crisp and warm.
Fates Warning came on my radar soon after Queensryche . They are solid , but never hit me the way Queensryche did. Of the big "3" , they always seemed the most mainstream. DT are very technical, but for me didn't hit "me"personally. I have friends that LOVE them . Not for me though. Of the "3", I'm a Queensryche guy( probably because they evolved album after album) , and my highest recommendation for them after Mindcrime ( which you did) is Rage For Order , an album YEARS ahead of it's time. Keyboards, synth guitars, unconventional, driving, yet full of the whole emotional pallet....it's a masterpiece.
Worth investigating I think! 👍🏼
Yes indeed. It came out around '86 , so it will seem of it's time production wise, but the experimentation with keyboards, synths and such was considered sacrilege at the time. The record company insisted on the " glam" look for the cover, but they quickly abandoned it. Very gothic, so it fits the feeling of the album though....
And I stand by this , in the 80's , there was Bruce , Ronnie , Rob , and absolutely on the same level , and on his own level to boot, was Geoff Tate. Pay attention to everything he does, even background and deep in the mix. Really nobody else in metal did what he did . Added a whole other level of drama, but also nuance. His classic training, and prog influence (big Yes fan) shine through. A generational talent that he could combine all of it. Not just range or power, but a complete artist. That's saying a lot, because I LOVE those other guys, being a proper Brittish invasion metalhead.
I very much agree with your opinion here. I don't have anything bad to say about the band, but I never found a reason to dig into their library. Good music, but it doesn't grab me.
Strange how music is like that, eh? For some people this is the pinnacle of musical mastery….
Jim me 'ol mucker. Thanks for giving Fate's Warning another chance. They are an acquired taste. I would like to again recommend giving 24/7 Spyz a go. Songs such as 'Purple' or 'My Desire' --- Oliver Klozov aka Hugh Jass aka Lou Bricant aka Drew Peacock
SPYZ DOPE!!!
I love those guys. They have such a wide range of styles on their early albums. I listen to "Harder Than You" and "Gumbo Millennium" regularly.
Love these ridiculous names!!! Thanks matey, and welcome back to the channel!
Terry Brown of Rush game produced this album.
If you want like to explore some more Fstes, in my humble opinion you should listen to Fates Warning's A Pleasant Shade of Grey Album first.
The entire Album.
Because it's an Concept Album separated in 12 Parts.
So in Realty it is one long Song.
And it is the second best Concept Album of all time in my opinion.
Right after Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime.
And I'm not alone with that.
Great Vocal's.
One of the best played Drums I've ever listened to.
Mark Zonder is a Beast on Drums.
A Genius.
Truly a Masterpiece of Progressive Metal.
So please don't miss it.
And don't forget to listen to it until it really end's!
It worth it!🥰
Oh!
There's Kevin Moore (ex Dreamtheater) on Keyboards!!
Which brings us directly to the Band called: O S I(Office of strategic Influence).
Side project by Kevin Moore and Jim Matheos.
And with some very very interesting Guest Star's on each Album.
Who,?
Now...
I guess this is your part to find out... ^^
Sorry!
They called : O.S.I.
This is Fates Warning one of the trio of progressive metal with Queensryche and Dreamtheater the best of the best ever
FW is top 5 for me! I hope you listen to John Arch material in future as well. also, hope your lad is doing ok.
Thanks so much! Yup, all good, as well as can be!
@@JimNewstead that's so good to hear!:)
I only know the game The 11th hour; the sequel to The 7th guest.
A very mellow start; I like it.
Then the heavy part starts. Still nice.
Indeed, sounds American; they always try to sing on the top of their voice. A bit below is often better imho. Singer reminds me a bit of Geoff Tate of Queensrÿche but Geoff sings better (in the higher notes).
Musically it’s good; the singer makes me a bit tired.
I think I've got an new Idea.
A Reaction Video to the Original Song AND the Cover Song.
In just only one Video.
At the same Time!
Nobody ever did this before!
So you can be the first!
Something you can only find here....
That would be amazing to watch.
Good,or bad Idea??
That could work!
Fallowed by TnT, Halloween, Firehouse, Steelheart,
thats sounds like Queensryche
Actually Qüeensryche sounds like them.
Fates warning.what can I say about them.always surprises me.u should listen to face the fear by fates warning.
You need to listen to the Gods of progressive metal Fates Warning,, Queensryche,, and Dreamtheater they set the bar so high no one can touch them maybe TnT ,, Steelheart qnd Firehouse
If you asked me...
Ranking Fates Warning Albums?
1.) A Pleasant Shade of Grey
2.) FWX
3.) Disconnected
4.) Still Life
5.) Inside Out
6.) Parallels
7.) No Exit
8.) The Light and Shade of Things (SONG)
I broke up with this Band as Mark Zonder left the Band.
It is not the same anymore without this Genius.
And all 4 Albums before No Exit are boring.
To much Iron Maiden influence, ya know...
Sounding all so old and disgusting.
With another Vocalist on it...
Their first Vocalist : John Arch.
Please listen to more bad music, I'd love to hear more of your dissing :D
If you haven't followed their musical evolution since 1984, then it's not going to resonate with you. You are now an older, white British guy, with a lot of ingrained preferences. Personally, I don't care if you like it. They are my favorite band since 88. If you have the ear to at least appreciate the songwriting and musical brilliance, then great.
Have they kidnapped Geoff Tate, or maybe you put a Queensryche song on by mistake 🤣🤣🤣
Shame your Airbag video got blocked - now there's a band 👍👍👍
Scorpions? Seriously? They sound NOTHING alike, on EVERY level. NOT 80s, but 90s. Had to stop there. Buh-bye.
Jesus Christ jon arch is the master
That's Ray Alder though
They are from the 90s part of a trip the best progressive metal
Sorry to hear about you being dissed by Airbag. My all-time favorite Fates Warning is from the Disconnected album. The monster song is Still Remains. But a great entire album to do would be Pleasant Shade of Gray
listen to parellels and inside out all of it
Look man don't compare them to others they are one of the progressive metal best of the best Queensryche, Fates Warning, and Dreamtheater not even the great iron maiden can touch these guys sorry