No Exit for me is my favorite, absolute masterpiece! Love the technical, thrashy riffs and the amazing vocals of Alder. Their discog is very solid throughout, nothing bad in there at all.
Just wanted to say that I recently came across your channel, and I love it. Your adult, mature approach towards the genre and specific tastes is a breath of fresh air. Great rankings, great bands, and now I am going in on the deep dive on the rest of your videos. Thanks.
After watching part 2 of you going through your collection , and seeing the Fates Warning section, I finally decided to check these guys out. Glad I did! Thanks Pete
That one took me by surprise, they hadn’t done a great album since APSOG, then out of nowhere they dropped this masterpiece after 3-4 clunkers in a row.
Thanks for covering. I’m very happy to hear the new album and glad these guys are still recording kick ass music. Appreciate all you do, loved your Queensrÿche ranking.
This marks the first time our lists match up. It'll always be Awaken the Guardian for me. It was my first album and exposure to them, too. Great music for a Saturday afternoon. 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Like the last few bands you've done, I like the whole catalog. Not a bad one in the bunch. Here's my list: 12) FWX 11) Disconnected 10) Inside Out 9) Darkness in a Different Light 8) The Spectre Within 7) Night on Bröcken (Best artwork ever?? Raw but real good) 6) Theories of Flight 5) A Pleasant Shade of Gray 4) Awaken the Guardian (The first one I heard & the one that got me into them) 3) Perfect Symmetry 2) Parallels 1) No Exit (This blew my mind when I first heard it. I had no idea what was happening and played it for everyone I knew. Plus, the cover looks like a level from Doom) These top four could change at any time, but this was my ranking for today.
My top 3 as well! Excellent taste my friend! I'm just not too big into the Arch stuff, but the order of your other releases, would be very close to mine also.
@@kahafa7406 I’ve recently started digging into their catalog more, I’ve heard Perfect Symmetry, Parallels and Inside Out. I agree, they are all great! I’ll need to give the rest a listen soon.
Wow!!! I've just watched the video of Queen and now you rank Fates Warning's discography!! I knew of them in 1985 when they had released "The Spectre Within" and since then I'm a HUGE fan of the band. I saw them live in Barcelona in 2007 and they blew me away. This is my top 10 list. 1. Awaken the Guardian 2. Perfect Symmetry 3. The Spectre Within 4. A Pleasant Shade of Grey 5. Parallels 6. Theories of Flight 7. Inside Out 8. No Exit 9. Night on Broken 10 Darkness in a Different Light Thanx for the video. I hope that younger people will be able to get to know this awesome band.
This is my first SoT program that I saw in 18/03/2020. Gratitude to Pete and his entire team as I had stopped listening to hard and heavy music. I was always listening to the same music and with these programs I woke up. Thanks.
Thanks Pete for bringing Fates Warning to my attention! I love classic rock, blues rock, metal and much more. For some reason, this band has never entered my realm of listening. I'm a big Dream Theater fan yet I've never heard these guys before. Of course, I've heard of them over the years but just never took the opportunity to listen to Fates Warning. All I can say is Holy Shit! These guys are awesome! Love your show Pete! Cheers!
There was a period of my life for about "5" years when I bet I listened to "Parallels" at least once a week, it was one of those albums for me that will be with me forever
I really must apologise as a Brit, for only recently discovering Fates Warning for myself. As someone who grew up during the new wave of British heavy metal boom, missing out on a band like this for so long is a crime. This band really should have a much higher profile than they do.
Love it! I am a long time Fates Warning fan thanks to the best of Metal Blade records from the late 80's. My friend had all of their albums until Pleasant Shade of Gray. Few want to give credit to Fates Warning for their influence in metal. They and Queensryche were very hard edged sci-fi/ fantasy. My favorite albums are No Exit, Parallels, Perfect Symmetry, Awaken the Guardian, P.S.O.G.,Spectre Within, Darkness in a different light, Theories of Flight, and Disconnected. Most of the people I was around had no interest in prog metal at all. Your channel is one that I love seeing. Great knowledge and love for metal, rock and jazz. I would also be interested to see a post about the very underrated band King's X.
Pete Pardo total respect for the ranking being a fan since No Exit. I still remember the first song I heard from them was In a Word and then my brain totally rewired.
I still remember the original add for Night on Brocken I saw in Circus magazine back in the day. Queensryche meets Iron Maiden in this molten metal classic! I was hooked before I even heard the first note LOL! They are the Godfathers of Prog Metal! Rush may have been the first seeds of the genre but, it was ripened on Fates Warning's vine! As I am wont to do, I have prepared my list before I view the video to avoid being swayed by Pete's analysis. Bear in mind, I love all of these albums. These guys have never made a bad album. 12) Night On Brocken (Bad production values but, great original songs) 11) Disconnected (I Love this album) 10) Darkness In A Different Light (The triumphant return of Fates!) 09) FWX (This one is criminally underrated!) 08) Inside Out (I played the hell out of this one. One of my favorite albums from the 90's) 07) The Spectre Within (This, cranking on vinyl, in my bedroom in '85!) 06) Awaken The Guardian (I wore a hole in this record! They just kept on getting better!) 05) No Exit (Enter Ray Alder! They Kept Getting Better! This is desert island disc material!) 04) Perfect Symmetry (This was such a dark, mechanical Prog Metal Classic!) 03) Theories Of Flight (This album is magnificent! I played this nonstop for the1st month!) 02) A Pleasant Shade Of Gray (My All-Time Favorite concept album! Mindcrime's close) 01) Parallels (This was peak Fates prog with Mark Zonder, my favorite metal drummer!) In case you haven't figured it out yet, Fates Warning is my All-Time favorite metal band! I love the entire catalog and all the musicians who contributed to them. Zonder, Matheos, Dibiase, and Alder are the Mount Rushmore of Fates though.
I own every Fates Warning album on both cassette and cd, love the John Arch era a tad better, especially the 30th anniversary of Awaken The Guardian live. That live album is in my top 10 live albums. Great review.
I for 1 like your channel and you. I’m glad you’re a Fates fan as well. There’s some of their albums I’ve never heard before so, I’ll check some of them out. I wasn’t really much of an Arch fan but, to each his/her own on that. As far as musicians go, these guys in all their different incarnations are top notch musicians.
I missed this ranking and thankful I found it ! I love this band so much! A pleasent shade of grey is one of my all time favorite records! But I like the latest cd just as much as earlier stuff. Also like Arch/Matheos. Thanks again, I think your music taste looks a lot to me. Prog, metal, old rock etc. fantastic.
Thanks again, from you I got very many tips for good albums of bands I didn‘t know before! And about your shirt: This was the first album I bought in my life.
I love this show! Been devouring these videos, the format is so addictive. You have some great album reviews on your website of my favorite band, Enchant. May I request you rank Enchant's 8 studio albums on your show? I would love to know your opinion.
Another great list Pete. My list (as of today): 1 - Perfect Symmetry 2 - Awaken the Guardian 2 - A Pleasant Shade Of Gray 4 - Disconnected 5 - Theories of Flight 6 - The Spectre Within 7 - No Exit 8 - Darkness in a Different Light 9 - Parallels 10 - FWX 11 - Inside Out 12 - Night on Bröcken
Interestingly enough Disconnected is my favorite Fates Warning album and probably one of my top 5 albums of all time. Its a slow grower but man once it gets its hooks into you it never lets go. Such an amazing album and its last on your list. Shows how diverse and consistently good Fates Warning is.
I’ve desperately tried to get into it but Disconnected and APSOG just don’t do it for me. There is a distinct lack of melody and hooks. Love everything else they have done.
Fates Warning, one of my favorites. They never dissapoint. Imagine how good is a band, that your 10th favorite album (Inside Out, I rank it in that place too), stays in your CD player for weeks!
Been watching your channel for awhile and love it. Keep doing what you're doing and never mind the haters. I don't have any Fates Warning, but watched simply because I wanted to learn about them.
I honestly can listen to every album without skipping songs. Love all their stuff. And Ray Alders solo album. Here is my list 1. No Exit 2. A Pleasant Shade Of Grey 3. Awaken The Guardian 4. Perfect Symmetry 5. Parallels 6. Inside Out 7. The Spectre Within 8. Theories of Flight 9. FWX 10. Long Day, Good night 11. Darkness In A Different Light 12. Disconnected 13. Night On Bröken
Great ranking Pete! For whatever reason I let Fates Warning fall off of my radar so I am now going to have to go out and buy all of their albums that I don't have. Thanks for all you do
Pete, I hope that you continue to do what you do. I don't know much about the business end of RUclips, but I'd venture to guess that you aren't making a whole lot. That sucks, because, not only are you a good dude, but you are also very knowledgeable about rock and metal and enjoyable to watch. Once again, keep it up bro and hopefully the money will come.
Wow, The Spectre Within is also my favorite, followed by the Night of Brocken. I was a fan when Night Of Brocken came out love the vocals of John Arch & that of the un-sung hero guitarist, Victor Arduini. Like that Of Californian metal band Malice, America's answer to Judas Priest. I always felt that Fates Warning , John Arch era was the United States version of Iron Maiden. Similar styles of that Fates Warning to Maiden to Queensryche to that of Crimson Glory of Florida. When review a lot of us back in the early to mid 80's would refer an mention that there was somewhat musical similarity with the bands . // Three , Four , & Five, ~ Awaken the Guardian, Perfect Symetry & No Exit .
@@mardiluz I like the traditional metal if Fate's early years but the later stuff is also very good. Malice is a good band too, have a few of their albums. Crimson Glory I will definitely check out!
@@georgegsroomofrock9868 When, you listen to Crimson Glory don't forget to put fasten your seatbelts ..In 1986 - their premier album ~ classic. An their second LP came out in 1988 of that the title " Transcendence " a masterpiece, best album of that year involving the metal circles of interest. When the late vocalist, Midnight was on a Japanese interview show called Masa Ito's " Rock Show ", it was comment in towards the end of the interview that they compared him to the of Geoff Tate of Queensryche. He was honor an impressed with that complement, ~ because they notice a similarity . Later on it would seem somewhat unusual that of Midnight would past away on July 8, 2009, bring back Crimson Glory to do Tribute shows in relation to that. Playing some needed festivals shortly after that from, ( 2009 - 2012 ) with Savatage affiliated vocalist , Todd La Torre.. Crimson Glory eventually broken up, Geoff Tate was fired from Queensryche in 2012, Todd Le Torre shortly after becomes the new Queensryche singer. the connection is unbelievable . When Todd La Torre performance on the newer material instantly brought back the old raw Queensryche, it is good & got some old fans back in a way. Even Geoff Tate, mention that it was very interesting that this came to be. An lastly, for the first four years or so both Queensryche & Geoff Tate~ Operation Mindcrime, where releasing new material practically weeks between each other.
I've heard of Fates Warning for so long now, but have only heard maybe 2 songs of them ever, and I don't even remember what they were. I should probably check them out more. Thanks, Pete.
This Channel is my meaning about Prog. ThankS - you carry me through the different times. I´m missing your comment about Ray Alder´s "What the water wants"?
1 Inside Out 2 Parallels 3 FWX 4 Disconnected 5 Perfect Symmetry 6 No Exit 7 Theories of Flight 8 Long Day 9 Darkness in a Different 10 Pleasant Shade 11 Spectre 12 Awaken 13 Night on Broken
Pete, You’ve gotten me with this vid, Queen, and Yes. I was weary about ranking Fates albums, but your caviets about them all being great immediately assuaged my fears, and I really appreciate you recognizing their greatness. I personally put Perfect on top, but I agree with most of this and the other lists mentioned. Your insight is similar to mine in a lot of cases, but difference are for good reasons. I’m sure too that you appreciate Watchtower, who are certainly one of the best cases of impossibility of album ranking. All three are amazing. Together with Fates and Dream, the heirs to Rush, though Dream has lost me here and there. Keep up the great work.
I loved Parallels so much that I never thought anything could match it.......it seems I’m completely wrong. I need to give all their other releases a chance! Thanks for the insight!
Hey Pete , I enjoy the stuff you cover and watch this channel often.. Please do a rating of the porcupine tree albums and steven wilson solo career when you have time .. Please and thankyou!
Hey Pete, I totally agree with you on Awaken the Guardian. My favorite as well! My favorite songs are: 1. One 2. Fata Morgana 3. The Apparition 4. Guardian 5. Exodus 6. The Eleventh Hour (live)
I absolutely love Fates Warning. I'm planning on getting caught up on my collection. I need a few albums still like FWX and the newest album which they did a cover of 1 of my favorite songs by Uriah Heep, Rain. Plus Arch/Matheos 2nd album i need which to me is Fates Warning. I placed a order in on the Saxon albums i still need. I'll have every single studio and live albums from them. Its hard keeping up on those kinds of bands.
FATES WARNING!!! Great band that deserves more appreciation for their part in the genesis of Prog Metal. I would push Disconnected and Spectre up a bit and my top are APSOG, Perfect Symmetry, No Exit and Awaken the Guardian... Which rotate as my favorites. So we are again close... I saw them on No Exit too and they were out of this world... Can't wait for the next FW album! Thanks for doing this band Pete! Top 5 band for me...
Strapping in for this one. One of my favorite bands. Parallels is my favorite, that album deserves so much more credit. I love Ray Alder. Not big on Redemption, but I'd love to pick up his solo album.
11:05 I saw Fates Warning last year 2019, and they had Joe DiBiase back on bass for that show because Joey Vera had commitments with Armored Saint. How cool was that?
Oh man... Awaken was my introduction to Fates as well. I remember being disappointed when No Exit was released. Wasnt ready to welcome a new vocalist. But, Ray Adler quickly proved his worth. No Exit didn't leave my tape deck for months. Thanks for these reviews!
Thank you for reviewing one of my all-time favorites and you are correct in saying all of these are good albums! No subpar records here and that is kind of amazing for a band who has been around as long as Fates has with more than 10 albums. My list of favs... 1.Awaken the Guardian (no voice as mystical has ever been recorded like that of John Arch's on this album in particular) 2.No Exit (Ray immediately proves he is a more than adequate replacement) 3.Parallels 4.Perfect Symmetry 5.The Spectre Within(really defined their more progressive sound on this one) 6.Pleasant Shade of Gray (I enjoy this one much more now than when it came out) 7.Theories of Flight (amazing album this far into their catalog) 8.Inside Out (many look at it as a weaker version of Parallels but I consider it still very strong) 9.FWX (More variety than the previous Disconnected and has a few more memorable songs compared to Darkness which followed it) 10.Darkness in a Different Light 11.Night on Brocken(much like the first Rush album is just really good solid Rock n' Roll influenced by heavy rock bands of that era this is classic early heavy metal influenced by NWOBHM) 12.Disconnected (still good but drags a bit in the middle until Still Remains picks it back up)
Great video ,underrated band! I lived next door to Victor Arduinis dad (New Britain,Ct)for a few years ,played alot of setback lol.Vic is a great guy .Talked alot of music hes a big Bonnamassa fan.He actually reintroduced me to Rory Gs work.Keep up the great vids.
Imho one of greatest US prog metal bands from the 80s along with Crimson Glory, Helstar, Queensryche and Heir Apparent. My fave albums of them are No Exit and Parallels. closely followed by Awaken The Guardian.
Great inclusion of Heir Apparent, in the prog/power list you wouldn't be remiss to also include Warlord - Cannons of Destruction and even Sanctuary - Into the Mirror Black.
@@pvdguitars2951 So True, So underrated. Just for fun, Ill add in another Seattle area (Relatively Unknown) power metal band. Taste of Iron - Resurrection ruclips.net/video/f88t9E1HXgg/видео.html
Fantastic reviews! To the point. Since we tend to coincide in much of the music we lobe I listened to this review of FW with great interest as I know very little about this band. Thanks for turning me on to another outstanding prog band. Love what I've listened to so far. As to the guy bitching about your channel... Some people just have too much time on their hands... Thanks again!
One of the most underrated bands in the history of progressive rock-metal. My list is the following: 1. A Pleasant Shade Of Gray 2. Parallels 3. Perfect Symmetry 4. Awaken The Guardian 5. Darkness In A Different Light 6. Theories Of Flight 7. FWX 8. Inside Out 9. Disconnected 10. No Exit 11. The Spectre Within 12. Night On Bröcken
This channel is very interesting and am starting to like it a lot! I have a band you should do with ranking albums with. The band is called “Vicious rumors”
Having mostly stopped listening to classic-style metal years ago I didn't know that Fates Warning had put out so many albums. That said, I was quite enthusiastic about the first three albums, and even though I found John Arch's vocals an 'acquired taste' they had a certain charm. The musicianship was terrific, though No Exit, with the new singer, didn't click and I drifted away. Great that you're on top of these guys, Pete. Keep up the good work.
Try the 2 albums that brought back John Arch in the late 2000's; *Arch/Matheos* . . . Hell, here you go :) ruclips.net/p/PL2DU3TBNutEdLLxfBF-5k3GgR0HKe6jmG - Hope you enjOy \m/
(1) Disconnected, (2) Perfect Symmetry, (3) Pleasant Shade Of Gray, (4) Inside Out, and (5) Parallels would be my top five. There's something special about Disconnected to me, particularly the long track at the end.
I'm very glad you got it right. The number of people who think Awaken the Guardian is the greatest album ever, or one of the greatest albums ever, really speaks to an unreal magic about that album. It's the greatest ever, and getting to see it all performed live 3 years ago was unreal, a dream not hoped for.
Was at the record shop talking to the record dude about maiden and he pulled out awaken the guardian and told me to listen to you will be blown away like your favorite girlfriend. Man was he right. Great Album and great band!!
It's a testament how great the band is when you start the list with a favorite album of mine. It only shows how layered the band is and if you take 10 people, probably all 10 will have another one to choose.
Thank you Pete VERY much! A band that should be playing bigger venues! THIS is the band that really opened my mind to what was happening to Metal, along with Queensryche. And are my all time favorite Prog Metal band, who have an extensive catalogue, where most albums sound different from the previous ones, as you have hinted. I enjoy every album, the 1st 2 albums are the band trying to find their identity (VERY "Maiden" influenced with a bit of Thrash), but they have VERY strong songs. There are later albums that had to grow on me because I didn't understand the "melancholic" darker Prog Metal as of yet, and now I create Playlists of that type of Metal on my Yt channel :p. "Inside Out" is in my Top 5 FW albums ;). "Monument" is a mini-epic that is a perfect example of the Alder past and present of the band. I think because they were always "Different", they never became huge like Queensryche, which is unfortunate, each line-up were top notch musicians, but from "Awaken the Guardian" on, the creme of the crop of lyrics and musicianship (including "Arch/Matheos"). Though for the uninitiated, the original vocalist "John Arch" was unique, and much different than "Ray Alder", the current vocalist, who has matured since his higher registers. I hope again, you don't mind Pete, that I post this essay, because I talk about FW, how they and Queensryche (and their Grandfathers, Rush) created the genre Prog Metal, from all the bands that were precursors, and bands that _they_ inspired, that have been forgotten by the "Djent" scene unfortunately (for the most part): mavearworx.weebly.com/blog/witnessing-the-birth-of-progressive-metal-part-1-of-2 And for 1st timers, wanting to know where to start with Fates Warning . . . start from the beginning, and hear how they progressed. Where you can hear the very roots and branches, where Prog Metal had gone and are today: ruclips.net/p/PL2DU3TBNutEdLLxfBF-5k3GgR0HKe6jmG - Thank you very much for featuring Fates, they really deserve all the accolades. But we, the International fans and especially the Greeks! LOVE and revere this band \m/. P.S. I don't get the random griping of the bands you review from the past and present :P. To me and others, you have a WIDE variety of music to choose from that you actually enjoy, like MANY of us. He must be in his early teens and listens to one kind of music . . . I guess I was an unusual 14 year old when "Point of Know Return" made me realize what music could be.
1-The Spectre Within(the album that turned me on to FW),2-ATG,3-NOB,4-Perfect Symmetry,5-Inside Out,6-APSOG,7-Parralells,8-No Exit,9-Darkness,10 Theories Of Flight,11-FWX,12-Disconnected
Though my list doesn't look exactly like Pete's, it's close in the rankings--for the most part. I've been waiting for this one for a long time, Pete. I'm only ranking what I own, so here's my list from best to worst: 1. Awaken the Guardian - I am very partial to John Arch's vocals, here. I'm also very fond of the last two Arch/Matheos offerings. Great stuff. 2. Pleasant Shade of Gray - This was the first disk I owned. Great performances all. A lot of variety here. Great guitar tones. Dark. Heavy. 3. No Exit - Perhaps Ray's finest moment here. Great set-list. It's still the FW formula but with a new voice. Heavy, dreamy, menacing, haunting. Almost doomy in spots. 4. The Spectre Within - Though early in their career this album showcases why the band would be so special to the genre and their fan base. John Arch and company produces a fine slice of metal in a genre that is just emerging into the market. This is a sentimental choice. 5. Perfect Symmetry - This one is as close to Dream Theater as they ventured--and not because Kevin Moore appears on keys on a few tracks. It is a very technical album with solid performances. This is also the point in his career where Ray Adler's voice begins sliding downwards with respect to the scales. Excellent musicianship. Well constructed. Very balanced. Brilliant vocals. Insane guitar solos. 6. Parallels - Laden with staples featured in live performances during the 90's, this one has some brilliant parts to it. At any time this and Perfect Symmetry could be switched. This one is proggy without pretention with some great guitar work, nice guitar tones and more market accessibility. It's a transition album that sets the stage for Pleasant Shade of Gray--which is the culmination of this the band in this style. At this point Ray's slide downwards in tone and keys takes center stage--along with a new confidence and new identity. 8. Inside Out - Great performances all, but this one feels similar to everything they've done before. Still, it's a strong album with great riffs, vocals and a solid rhythm section. The drum work is solid and memorable. 9. Theory of Flight - The best album in the modern period for sure. Pleasant Shade of Gray was a transition point for FW, and this last release demonstrates the path that transition would take in its finest expression. Vera and Jarzombek are brilliant here. Jim Matheos displays an amazing series of guitar tones, sonics and dynamics in his performance. The songs are diverse--moving from jazz to metal with ease within the same songs. It should be ranked higher, and may drift up a couple of slots depending on my mood. Great performances, all. 10. Darkness in a Different Light - This one is a debut of FW revitalized after a long break from recording and touring. Bobby Jarzombek now mans the drum kit and comes out swinging in the first track--demonstrating what a rare and effective drummer he can be. This album is a nod to the earlier period in heaviness but without sacrificing where they currently are in their musical career. It's a mature band whose is more interesting in composing complex metal using their own vision--and it works. Love this one a lot. 11. FWX - It's not a bad album, but it lacks the punch of the earlier catalogue. This one, and its predecessor, reminds me too much of Kevin Moore's Chroma Key project--which is not necessarily a bad thing. There are no bad songs here, and plenty of ear candy--but it's near the bottom for me in a stellar set of releases. Having said this Zonder and Vera are incredible on this release--rendering some of their best performances with the band of their career. Having said this, Matheos has definitely demonstrated signs of maturity as a composer and lyricist--and that emerges with hints of the future part of the catalog previously covered with a change in the drummer's chair. 12. Disconnected - Of their catalogue this one is near the end of my list. It's not a band album--but it's not one that grabs my attention for any period of time. It's the transition point from Pleasant Shade of Gray to FWX, where FW is exploring new song structures and textures. FW remains one of my favorite bands in this genre. The music is generally progressive without leaving its metallic moorings. There elements of jazz guitar tones, acoustic elements, intricate rhythms and melodic vocal lines are among some of the best progressive metal has to offer. Ray Adler is a fine vocalist and is a perfect fit for the band at this stage in their career, but listening to them sometimes can be painful because of the tinnitus in my ears. For this reason I tend to enjoy John Arch's vocals more. Even still, I find these albums as an indispensable asset to my music collection.
Parallels was really the first time FW came onto my radar. I got that cd then a few years later I got the Chasing Time compilation. Great underrated prog metal band. I always thought they should have been right up there with Queensryche in popularity. I need to get more of their catalog. But I love Parallels, A Pleasant Shade Of Grey, FWX, Awaken The Guardian, Perfect Symmetry. Have you done a Queensryche ranking yet?
Very thought provoking,progressive-metal band! I like most of their material! Though;my favs in this category are Queensryche & Crimson Glory. The only shame: I've never seen Fates live☹️. No Exit would be their #1 release on my list!
You know it’s a great band when all these players have side projects that are out of this world! ...O.S.I. My god......they sound awesome on a great stereo system. Crank it up!!
Ignore the haters cuz they're never going away. I'm liking your vids very much, I like all this same stuff you do plus it's showing me some new stuff I need to check out (like FW).
Enjoy your videos Pete, fun to watch and think about. I found Fates at the same time, with Guardian, and then No Exit. Agree with alot of your list. The early screechy Alder stuff I used to love, but now sounds harsh as I got older. The last few Fates CDs have been really great. I'd rather watch the ranking order and discussion from Top to Bottom. I think it gives it more perspective to compare from the best piece of work. A bit confusing starting with the worst and comparing everything from that. JMO.
I listen to Fates Warning often, they're in my top 5 favorites, they're very good live.
This channel has deservedly shot up rapidly, congratulations
Agreed
It would be cool to see a savatage episode since we’re on the topic of US speed/progressive metal🤘
Looks like he took your suggestion.
Much love for Savatage!
Used to play with Jim Matheos when we were twenty-something! Good times. Wish I had the recordings!
Fates Warning is so underrated. Such a great band. Also, I finally decided to sub. Really enjoying your rankings, top 10s, etc.
Just saw Fates Warning open for Queensryche 3/9/19. Irving Plaza NYC. Both singers and groups were tremendous.
I saw them in San Diego last year on that tour. Yes I agree.... Tremendous!
I was at that show as well n I agree
No Exit for me is my favorite, absolute masterpiece! Love the technical, thrashy riffs and the amazing vocals of Alder. Their discog is very solid throughout, nothing bad in there at all.
My fave as well!! Ivory Gate?!?!,,,,,c'mon!!
I agree with you. Thank you for mentioning Fates Warning and your ranking them! 🎤🎸🎵🥁
Ray Alder’s recent solo album is also amazing.
I agree completely. I think that it was Mike (Abdow) that said they are working on his next solo album. I am definitely looking forward to that.
Rays voice has aged like fine wine over the years
RAY'S SOLO ALBUM😲 !!!
Why haven't I heard about this!!!!!!
This gives me a reason to live !!!!!
1) No Exit 2) Parallels 3) Perfect Symmetry 4) Inside Out
AGREED!!
100% 🤘
Just wanted to say that I recently came across your channel, and I love it. Your adult, mature approach towards the genre and specific tastes is a breath of fresh air. Great rankings, great bands, and now I am going in on the deep dive on the rest of your videos. Thanks.
After watching part 2 of you going through your collection , and seeing the Fates Warning section, I finally decided to check these guys out. Glad I did! Thanks Pete
"Theories of Flight" was one of my favourite Heavy Metal Albums from 2016.
it was amazing...... everyone thinks Dream Theater are the all time kings of Prog Metal...... I never thought so......
That was my favorite too!
Yeah that cd is so excellent
Crazy good for that late in their career.
That one took me by surprise, they hadn’t done a great album since APSOG, then out of nowhere they dropped this masterpiece after 3-4 clunkers in a row.
Thanks for covering. I’m very happy to hear the new album and glad these guys are still recording kick ass music. Appreciate all you do, loved your Queensrÿche ranking.
Love this stuff!! Thank you for some awesome recommendations!
This marks the first time our lists match up. It'll always be Awaken the Guardian for me. It was my first album and exposure to them, too. Great music for a Saturday afternoon. 🤘🏻🤘🏻
I always get excited like I'm winning the lottery when my list matches Pete's. As he gets closer to #1 I get all giddy. :)
Like the last few bands you've done, I like the whole catalog. Not a bad one in the bunch.
Here's my list:
12) FWX
11) Disconnected
10) Inside Out
9) Darkness in a Different Light
8) The Spectre Within
7) Night on Bröcken (Best artwork ever?? Raw but real good)
6) Theories of Flight
5) A Pleasant Shade of Gray
4) Awaken the Guardian (The first one I heard & the one that got me into them)
3) Perfect Symmetry
2) Parallels
1) No Exit (This blew my mind when I first heard it. I had no idea what was happening and played it for everyone I knew. Plus, the cover looks like a level from Doom)
These top four could change at any time, but this was my ranking for today.
Those are my top three in that order, too!!
@@terrencetinsley8219 Ha 😂 same 3 for me. 👌 I was lucky enough to have bought No Exit at a used CD store in the mid 90s! Wow! 🤘
My top 3 as well! Excellent taste my friend! I'm just not too big into the Arch stuff, but the order of your other releases, would be very close to mine also.
Haven't gotten around to listening to a lot of their stuff but I love The Spectre Within, Awaken the Guardian and No Exit
Every album is great!!!'
@@kahafa7406 I’ve recently started digging into their catalog more, I’ve heard Perfect Symmetry, Parallels and Inside Out. I agree, they are all great! I’ll need to give the rest a listen soon.
Their 3 best
Wow!!! I've just watched the video of Queen and now you rank Fates Warning's discography!! I knew of them in 1985 when they had released "The Spectre Within" and since then I'm a HUGE fan of the band. I saw them live in Barcelona in 2007 and they blew me away. This is my top 10 list.
1. Awaken the Guardian
2. Perfect Symmetry
3. The Spectre Within
4. A Pleasant Shade of Grey
5. Parallels
6. Theories of Flight
7. Inside Out
8. No Exit
9. Night on Broken
10 Darkness in a Different Light
Thanx for the video. I hope that younger people will be able to get to know this awesome band.
This is my first SoT program that I saw in 18/03/2020. Gratitude to Pete and his entire team as I had stopped listening to hard and heavy music. I was always listening to the same music and with these programs I woke up. Thanks.
Love all Fates Warning albums , thank you for all what u do man !!!
This band is complet new to me, that's why I really love this channel you discover new bands I simply love it keep up you're good work Pete.
Thanks Pete for bringing Fates Warning to my attention! I love classic rock, blues rock, metal and much more. For some reason, this band has never entered my realm of listening. I'm a big Dream Theater fan yet I've never heard these guys before. Of course, I've heard of them over the years but just never took the opportunity to listen to Fates Warning. All I can say is Holy Shit! These guys are awesome! Love your show Pete! Cheers!
There was a period of my life for about "5" years when I bet I listened to "Parallels" at least once a week, it was one of those albums for me that will be with me forever
I really must apologise as a Brit, for only recently discovering Fates Warning for myself. As someone who grew up during the new wave of British heavy metal boom, missing out on a band like this for so long is a crime. This band really should have a much higher profile than they do.
"Still Remains" is my favorite FW song while "Inside Out" is my favorite FW album Zonder's percussive genius is at its peak during this period.
"Still Remains" is one of my fav songs of all time.
Still Remains is amazing. I remember listening to it in the car in the crisp autumn air. It just takes you somewhere else.
Agreed on both counts. Still Remains is my fave... although I like FWX as much as Inside Out.
Still Remains still remains my favorite, too.
PittsburghRocks Not that it matters, because it's a great album with inventive drum grooves, but that whole album is a Yamaha drum machine. For reals.
Love it! I am a long time Fates Warning fan thanks to the best of Metal Blade records from the late 80's. My friend had all of their albums until Pleasant Shade of Gray. Few want to give credit to Fates Warning for their influence in metal. They and Queensryche were very hard edged sci-fi/ fantasy. My favorite albums are No Exit, Parallels, Perfect Symmetry, Awaken the Guardian, P.S.O.G.,Spectre Within, Darkness in a different light, Theories of Flight, and Disconnected. Most of the people I was around had no interest in prog metal at all. Your channel is one that I love seeing. Great knowledge and love for metal, rock and jazz. I would also be interested to see a post about the very underrated band King's X.
Pete Pardo total respect for the ranking being a fan since No Exit. I still remember the first song I heard from them was In a Word and then my brain totally rewired.
Never Expected Pete to review Fates Warning. Thank you very much!
I still remember the original add for Night on Brocken I saw in Circus magazine back in the day. Queensryche meets Iron Maiden in this molten metal classic! I was hooked before I even heard the first note LOL! They are the Godfathers of Prog Metal! Rush may have been the first seeds of the genre but, it was ripened on Fates Warning's vine! As I am wont to do, I have prepared my list before I view the video to avoid being swayed by Pete's analysis. Bear in mind, I love all of these albums. These guys have never made a bad album.
12) Night On Brocken (Bad production values but, great original songs)
11) Disconnected (I Love this album)
10) Darkness In A Different Light (The triumphant return of Fates!)
09) FWX (This one is criminally underrated!)
08) Inside Out (I played the hell out of this one. One of my favorite albums from the 90's)
07) The Spectre Within (This, cranking on vinyl, in my bedroom in '85!)
06) Awaken The Guardian (I wore a hole in this record! They just kept on getting better!)
05) No Exit (Enter Ray Alder! They Kept Getting Better! This is desert island disc material!)
04) Perfect Symmetry (This was such a dark, mechanical Prog Metal Classic!)
03) Theories Of Flight (This album is magnificent! I played this nonstop for the1st month!)
02) A Pleasant Shade Of Gray (My All-Time Favorite concept album! Mindcrime's close)
01) Parallels (This was peak Fates prog with Mark Zonder, my favorite metal drummer!)
In case you haven't figured it out yet, Fates Warning is my All-Time favorite metal band! I love the entire catalog and all the musicians who contributed to them. Zonder, Matheos, Dibiase, and Alder are the Mount Rushmore of Fates though.
I own every Fates Warning album on both cassette and cd, love the John Arch era a tad better, especially the 30th anniversary of Awaken The Guardian live. That live album is in my top 10 live albums. Great review.
Arch. Tremendous
@Vonhoganschmidt-13 actually his real last name is Archambault.
@paulburrows7908 that is correct, and ray real last name is Baldarama.
I for 1 like your channel and you. I’m glad you’re a Fates fan as well. There’s some of their albums I’ve never heard before so, I’ll check some of them out. I wasn’t really much of an Arch fan but, to each his/her own on that. As far as musicians go, these guys in all their different incarnations are top notch musicians.
I have 2 favorite Fates Warning albums - Ray Alder - No Exit - John Arch - Awaken The Guardian. One of my favorite progressive metal bands !
Pete, great job doing Fates Warning. It is remarkable that you are doing bands such as Fates .
I missed this ranking and thankful I found it ! I love this band so much!
A pleasent shade of grey is one of my all time favorite records! But I like the latest cd just as much as earlier stuff. Also like Arch/Matheos. Thanks again, I think your music taste looks a lot to me. Prog, metal, old rock etc. fantastic.
Pete, this is one of my favorite episodes! I need to think about my top 10! I'll be back. Cheers bro!
Ray Alder is one of my all-time favorite singers.
Thanks again, from you I got very many tips for good albums of bands I didn‘t know before! And about your shirt: This was the first album I bought in my life.
I love this show! Been devouring these videos, the format is so addictive. You have some great album reviews on your website of my favorite band, Enchant. May I request you rank Enchant's 8 studio albums on your show? I would love to know your opinion.
Another great list Pete. My list (as of today):
1 - Perfect Symmetry
2 - Awaken the Guardian
2 - A Pleasant Shade Of Gray
4 - Disconnected
5 - Theories of Flight
6 - The Spectre Within
7 - No Exit
8 - Darkness in a Different Light
9 - Parallels
10 - FWX
11 - Inside Out
12 - Night on Bröcken
Interestingly enough Disconnected is my favorite Fates Warning album and probably one of my top 5 albums of all time. Its a slow grower but man once it gets its hooks into you it never lets go. Such an amazing album and its last on your list. Shows how diverse and consistently good Fates Warning is.
their best album, period
I’ve desperately tried to get into it but Disconnected and APSOG just don’t do it for me. There is a distinct lack of melody and hooks. Love everything else they have done.
Fates Warning, one of my favorites. They never dissapoint. Imagine how good is a band, that your 10th favorite album (Inside Out, I rank it in that place too), stays in your CD player for weeks!
Absolute Great Band. Incredible live. Saw them open for Savatage Disconnected tour and No Exit tour. Awesome.
Been watching your channel for awhile and love it. Keep doing what you're doing and never mind the haters. I don't have any Fates Warning, but watched simply because I wanted to learn about them.
I honestly can listen to every album without skipping songs. Love all their stuff. And Ray Alders solo album. Here is my list
1. No Exit
2. A Pleasant Shade Of Grey
3. Awaken The Guardian
4. Perfect Symmetry
5. Parallels
6. Inside Out
7. The Spectre Within
8. Theories of Flight
9. FWX
10. Long Day, Good night
11. Darkness In A Different Light
12. Disconnected
13. Night On Bröken
Just getting into these guys. Excited to take the journey.
Recently discovered FW, and it's already in my top 3 favorite bands ever list. Great video!
Great ranking Pete! For whatever reason I let Fates Warning fall off of my radar so I am now going to have to go out and buy all of their albums that I don't have. Thanks for all you do
Pete, I hope that you continue to do what you do. I don't know much about the business end of RUclips, but I'd venture to guess that you aren't making a whole lot. That sucks, because, not only are you a good dude, but you are also very knowledgeable about rock and metal and enjoyable to watch. Once again, keep it up bro and hopefully the money will come.
Top 8
1. The Spectre Within
2. Awaken The Guardian
3. Night on Brocken
4. No Exit
5. Disconnected
6. Inside Out
7. Parallels
8. Perfect Symetry
Wow, The Spectre Within is also my favorite, followed by the Night of Brocken. I was a fan when Night Of Brocken came out love the vocals of John Arch & that of the un-sung hero guitarist, Victor Arduini. Like that Of Californian metal band Malice, America's answer to Judas Priest. I always felt that Fates Warning , John Arch era was the United States version of Iron Maiden. Similar styles of that Fates Warning to Maiden to Queensryche to that of Crimson Glory of Florida. When review a lot of us back in the early to mid 80's would refer an mention that there was somewhat musical similarity with the bands . // Three , Four , & Five, ~ Awaken the Guardian, Perfect Symetry & No Exit .
@@mardiluz I like the traditional metal if Fate's early years but the later stuff is also very good. Malice is a good band too, have a few of their albums. Crimson Glory I will definitely check out!
no ps of g
@@georgegsroomofrock9868 When, you listen to Crimson Glory don't forget to put fasten your seatbelts ..In 1986 - their premier album ~ classic. An their second LP came out in 1988 of that the title " Transcendence " a masterpiece, best album of that year involving the metal circles of interest. When the late vocalist, Midnight was on a Japanese interview show called Masa Ito's " Rock Show ", it was comment in towards the end of the interview that they compared him to the of Geoff Tate of Queensryche. He was honor an impressed with that complement, ~ because they notice a similarity . Later on it would seem somewhat unusual that of Midnight would past away on July 8, 2009, bring back Crimson Glory to do Tribute shows in relation to that. Playing some needed festivals shortly after that from, ( 2009 - 2012 ) with Savatage affiliated vocalist , Todd La Torre.. Crimson Glory eventually broken up, Geoff Tate was fired from Queensryche in 2012, Todd Le Torre shortly after becomes the new Queensryche singer. the connection is unbelievable . When Todd La Torre performance on the newer material instantly brought back the old raw Queensryche, it is good & got some old fans back in a way. Even Geoff Tate, mention that it was very interesting that this came to be. An lastly, for the first four years or so both Queensryche & Geoff Tate~ Operation Mindcrime, where releasing new material practically weeks between each other.
@@mardiluz wow that's some history. Now I really have to check them out. Thanks man!🤘
The thing about Fates Warning is that you can return to their albums and find new treasures within each time.
I've heard of Fates Warning for so long now, but have only heard maybe 2 songs of them ever, and I don't even remember what they were. I should probably check them out more. Thanks, Pete.
Man I hope Pete doesn't get mad at me, just trying to share the love :) . . .
ruclips.net/p/PL2DU3TBNutEdLLxfBF-5k3GgR0HKe6jmG
Absolutely spot-on. Well done, sir.
This Channel is my meaning about Prog. ThankS - you carry me through the different times. I´m missing your comment about Ray Alder´s "What the water wants"?
1 Inside Out
2 Parallels
3 FWX
4 Disconnected
5 Perfect Symmetry
6 No Exit
7 Theories of Flight
8 Long Day
9 Darkness in a Different
10 Pleasant Shade
11 Spectre
12 Awaken
13 Night on Broken
My favorite band since 1988.
Pete, You’ve gotten me with this vid, Queen, and Yes. I was weary about ranking Fates albums, but your caviets about them all being great immediately assuaged my fears, and I really appreciate you recognizing their greatness. I personally put Perfect on top, but I agree with most of this and the other lists mentioned. Your insight is similar to mine in a lot of cases, but difference are for good reasons. I’m sure too that you appreciate Watchtower, who are certainly one of the best cases of impossibility of album ranking. All three are amazing. Together with Fates and Dream, the heirs to Rush, though Dream has lost me here and there. Keep up the great work.
Fates warning is one of the most brilliant and undervalued prog metal bands.
I loved Parallels so much that I never thought anything could match it.......it seems I’m completely wrong. I need to give all their other releases a chance! Thanks for the insight!
Hey Pete , I enjoy the stuff you cover and watch this channel often.. Please do a rating of the porcupine tree albums and steven wilson solo career when you have time .. Please and thankyou!
Hey Pete, I totally agree with you on Awaken the Guardian. My favorite as well!
My favorite songs are: 1. One 2. Fata Morgana 3. The Apparition 4. Guardian 5. Exodus 6. The Eleventh Hour (live)
I absolutely love Fates Warning. I'm planning on getting caught up on my collection. I need a few albums still like FWX and the newest album which they did a cover of 1 of my favorite songs by Uriah Heep, Rain. Plus Arch/Matheos 2nd album i need which to me is Fates Warning. I placed a order in on the Saxon albums i still need. I'll have every single studio and live albums from them. Its hard keeping up on those kinds of bands.
Underrated band. "Parallels" proved metal can be truly sensitive, while "Awaken the Guardian" was the best of the mystical thrashy stuff, for me.
You're speaking the truth about "Paralells."
That is some POWERFUL music.
Great words Pete,nothing left to say, greetings from Greece!!!!!
FATES WARNING!!! Great band that deserves more appreciation for their part in the genesis of Prog Metal. I would push Disconnected and Spectre up a bit and my top are APSOG, Perfect Symmetry, No Exit and Awaken the Guardian... Which rotate as my favorites. So we are again close... I saw them on No Exit too and they were out of this world... Can't wait for the next FW album! Thanks for doing this band Pete! Top 5 band for me...
Strapping in for this one. One of my favorite bands. Parallels is my favorite, that album deserves so much more credit. I love Ray Alder. Not big on Redemption, but I'd love to pick up his solo album.
11:05 I saw Fates Warning last year 2019, and they had Joe DiBiase back on bass for that show because Joey Vera had commitments with Armored Saint. How cool was that?
Saw it too in Milwaukee! Great show!
Oh man... Awaken was my introduction to Fates as well. I remember being disappointed when No Exit was released. Wasnt ready to welcome a new vocalist. But, Ray Adler quickly proved his worth. No Exit didn't leave my tape deck for months. Thanks for these reviews!
Thank you for reviewing one of my all-time favorites and you are correct in saying all of these are good albums! No subpar records here and that is kind of amazing for a band who has been around as long as Fates has with more than 10 albums. My list of favs...
1.Awaken the Guardian (no voice as mystical has ever been recorded like that of John Arch's on this album in particular)
2.No Exit (Ray immediately proves he is a more than adequate replacement)
3.Parallels
4.Perfect Symmetry
5.The Spectre Within(really defined their more progressive sound on this one)
6.Pleasant Shade of Gray (I enjoy this one much more now than when it came out)
7.Theories of Flight (amazing album this far into their catalog)
8.Inside Out (many look at it as a weaker version of Parallels but I consider it still very strong)
9.FWX (More variety than the previous Disconnected and has a few more memorable songs compared to Darkness which followed it)
10.Darkness in a Different Light
11.Night on Brocken(much like the first Rush album is just really good solid Rock n' Roll influenced by heavy rock bands of that era this is classic early heavy metal influenced by NWOBHM)
12.Disconnected (still good but drags a bit in the middle until Still Remains picks it back up)
Great video ,underrated band! I lived next door to Victor Arduinis dad (New Britain,Ct)for a few years ,played alot of setback lol.Vic is a great guy .Talked alot of music hes a big Bonnamassa fan.He actually reintroduced me to Rory Gs work.Keep up the great vids.
I remember when you first introduced me to this band in 2016??
Theories of Flight
Thanks Pete,
Fantastic band.
Imho one of greatest US prog metal bands from the 80s along with Crimson Glory, Helstar, Queensryche and Heir Apparent. My fave albums of them are No Exit and Parallels. closely followed by Awaken The Guardian.
Great inclusion of Heir Apparent, in the prog/power list you wouldn't be remiss to also include Warlord - Cannons of Destruction and even Sanctuary - Into the Mirror Black.
Cream of the cream of American heavy metal. Together with Helstar, perfect catalogue and criminally underrated!
@@pvdguitars2951 So True, So underrated. Just for fun, Ill add in another Seattle area (Relatively Unknown) power metal band. Taste of Iron - Resurrection
ruclips.net/video/f88t9E1HXgg/видео.html
Fantastic reviews! To the point. Since we tend to coincide in much of the music we lobe I listened to this review of FW with great interest as I know very little about this band. Thanks for turning me on to another outstanding prog band. Love what I've listened to so far. As to the guy bitching about your channel... Some people just have too much time on their hands... Thanks again!
Good review. I degree with your picks
this is a band i discovered recently they are so good
One of the most underrated bands in the history of progressive rock-metal.
My list is the following:
1. A Pleasant Shade Of Gray
2. Parallels
3. Perfect Symmetry
4. Awaken The Guardian
5. Darkness In A Different Light
6. Theories Of Flight
7. FWX
8. Inside Out
9. Disconnected
10. No Exit
11. The Spectre Within
12. Night On Bröcken
wow george l thought i was the only one who could see the greatness of pleasant shade of gray
This channel is very interesting and am starting to like it a lot! I have a band you should do with ranking albums with. The band is called “Vicious rumors”
Having mostly stopped listening to classic-style metal years ago I didn't know that Fates Warning had put out so many albums. That said, I was quite enthusiastic about the first three albums, and even though I found John Arch's vocals an 'acquired taste' they had a certain charm. The musicianship was terrific, though No Exit, with the new singer, didn't click and I drifted away. Great that you're on top of these guys, Pete. Keep up the good work.
Try the 2 albums that brought back John Arch in the late 2000's; *Arch/Matheos* . . .
Hell, here you go :) ruclips.net/p/PL2DU3TBNutEdLLxfBF-5k3GgR0HKe6jmG
- Hope you enjOy \m/
(1) Disconnected, (2) Perfect Symmetry, (3) Pleasant Shade Of Gray, (4) Inside Out, and (5) Parallels would be my top five. There's something special about Disconnected to me, particularly the long track at the end.
"Still Remains" is worth the price of Disconnected.
I'm very glad you got it right. The number of people who think Awaken the Guardian is the greatest album ever, or one of the greatest albums ever, really speaks to an unreal magic about that album. It's the greatest ever, and getting to see it all performed live 3 years ago was unreal, a dream not hoped for.
Was at the record shop talking to the record dude about maiden and he pulled out awaken the guardian and told me to listen to you will be blown away like your favorite girlfriend. Man was he right. Great Album and great band!!
Criminally underrated band! Love em to death.
It's a testament how great the band is when you start the list with a favorite album of mine. It only shows how layered the band is and if you take 10 people, probably all 10 will have another one to choose.
Thank you Pete VERY much! A band that should be playing bigger venues!
THIS is the band that really opened my mind to what was happening to Metal, along with Queensryche. And are my all time favorite Prog Metal band, who have an extensive catalogue, where most albums sound different from the previous ones, as you have hinted.
I enjoy every album, the 1st 2 albums are the band trying to find their identity (VERY "Maiden" influenced with a bit of Thrash), but they have VERY strong songs. There are later albums that had to grow on me because I didn't understand the "melancholic" darker Prog Metal as of yet, and now I create Playlists of that type of Metal on my Yt channel :p. "Inside Out" is in my Top 5 FW albums ;). "Monument" is a mini-epic that is a perfect example of the Alder past and present of the band.
I think because they were always "Different", they never became huge like Queensryche, which is unfortunate, each line-up were top notch musicians, but from "Awaken the Guardian" on, the creme of the crop of lyrics and musicianship (including "Arch/Matheos"). Though for the uninitiated, the original vocalist "John Arch" was unique, and much different than "Ray Alder", the current vocalist, who has matured since his higher registers.
I hope again, you don't mind Pete, that I post this essay, because I talk about FW, how they and Queensryche (and their Grandfathers, Rush) created the genre Prog Metal, from all the bands that were precursors, and bands that _they_ inspired, that have been forgotten by the "Djent" scene unfortunately (for the most part): mavearworx.weebly.com/blog/witnessing-the-birth-of-progressive-metal-part-1-of-2
And for 1st timers, wanting to know where to start with Fates Warning . . . start from the beginning, and hear how they progressed. Where you can hear the very roots and branches, where Prog Metal had gone and are today:
ruclips.net/p/PL2DU3TBNutEdLLxfBF-5k3GgR0HKe6jmG
- Thank you very much for featuring Fates, they really deserve all the accolades. But we, the International fans and especially the Greeks! LOVE and revere this band \m/.
P.S. I don't get the random griping of the bands you review from the past and present :P. To me and others, you have a WIDE variety of music to choose from that you actually enjoy, like MANY of us. He must be in his early teens and listens to one kind of music . . . I guess I was an unusual 14 year old when "Point of Know Return" made me realize what music could be.
1-The Spectre Within(the album that turned me on to FW),2-ATG,3-NOB,4-Perfect Symmetry,5-Inside Out,6-APSOG,7-Parralells,8-No Exit,9-Darkness,10 Theories Of Flight,11-FWX,12-Disconnected
Pretty darn good catalog throughout, been a fan since the first album. Very good musicianship / vocals. Solid.
Night on broken was the one from the beginning..heard it first and loved the rawness of it...first songwas soldier boy.on kpft..at 14 yrs of age..
With the new 2020 CD just released I think the top 5 will move some? Love the most recent 3 from the new area. Where would you put it?
Have you heard the Arch/Matheos albums? Absolutely fantastic.
He definitely has. He reviewed Winter Ethereal not too long ago on another video. Great albums.
Both my fave albums of each year :).
John Arch's "Twist Of Fate" ep with Jim Matheos was awesome too.
One of my favorite bands ever. Have all albums and everyone is good. It depends from day to day how i rank the albums.🤘
Though my list doesn't look exactly like Pete's, it's close in the rankings--for the most part. I've been waiting for this one for a long time, Pete. I'm only ranking what I own, so here's my list from best to worst:
1. Awaken the Guardian - I am very partial to John Arch's vocals, here. I'm also very fond of the last two Arch/Matheos offerings. Great stuff.
2. Pleasant Shade of Gray - This was the first disk I owned. Great performances all. A lot of variety here. Great guitar tones. Dark. Heavy.
3. No Exit - Perhaps Ray's finest moment here. Great set-list. It's still the FW formula but with a new voice. Heavy, dreamy, menacing, haunting. Almost doomy in spots.
4. The Spectre Within - Though early in their career this album showcases why the band would be so special to the genre and their fan base. John Arch and company produces a fine slice of metal in a genre that is just emerging into the market. This is a sentimental choice.
5. Perfect Symmetry - This one is as close to Dream Theater as they ventured--and not because Kevin Moore appears on keys on a few tracks. It is a very technical album with solid performances. This is also the point in his career where Ray Adler's voice begins sliding downwards with respect to the scales. Excellent musicianship. Well constructed. Very balanced. Brilliant vocals. Insane guitar solos.
6. Parallels - Laden with staples featured in live performances during the 90's, this one has some brilliant parts to it. At any time this and Perfect Symmetry could be switched. This one is proggy without pretention with some great guitar work, nice guitar tones and more market accessibility. It's a transition album that sets the stage for Pleasant Shade of Gray--which is the culmination of this the band in this style. At this point Ray's slide downwards in tone and keys takes center stage--along with a new confidence and new identity.
8. Inside Out - Great performances all, but this one feels similar to everything they've done before. Still, it's a strong album with great riffs, vocals and a solid rhythm section. The drum work is solid and memorable.
9. Theory of Flight - The best album in the modern period for sure. Pleasant Shade of Gray was a transition point for FW, and this last release demonstrates the path that transition would take in its finest expression. Vera and Jarzombek are brilliant here. Jim Matheos displays an amazing series of guitar tones, sonics and dynamics in his performance. The songs are diverse--moving from jazz to metal with ease within the same songs. It should be ranked higher, and may drift up a couple of slots depending on my mood. Great performances, all.
10. Darkness in a Different Light - This one is a debut of FW revitalized after a long break from recording and touring. Bobby Jarzombek now mans the drum kit and comes out swinging in the first track--demonstrating what a rare and effective drummer he can be. This album is a nod to the earlier period in heaviness but without sacrificing where they currently are in their musical career. It's a mature band whose is more interesting in composing complex metal using their own vision--and it works. Love this one a lot.
11. FWX - It's not a bad album, but it lacks the punch of the earlier catalogue. This one, and its predecessor, reminds me too much of Kevin Moore's Chroma Key project--which is not necessarily a bad thing. There are no bad songs here, and plenty of ear candy--but it's near the bottom for me in a stellar set of releases. Having said this Zonder and Vera are incredible on this release--rendering some of their best performances with the band of their career. Having said this, Matheos has definitely demonstrated signs of maturity as a composer and lyricist--and that emerges with hints of the future part of the catalog previously covered with a change in the drummer's chair.
12. Disconnected - Of their catalogue this one is near the end of my list. It's not a band album--but it's not one that grabs my attention for any period of time. It's the transition point from Pleasant Shade of Gray to FWX, where FW is exploring new song structures and textures.
FW remains one of my favorite bands in this genre. The music is generally progressive without leaving its metallic moorings. There elements of jazz guitar tones, acoustic elements, intricate rhythms and melodic vocal lines are among some of the best progressive metal has to offer. Ray Adler is a fine vocalist and is a perfect fit for the band at this stage in their career, but listening to them sometimes can be painful because of the tinnitus in my ears. For this reason I tend to enjoy John Arch's vocals more. Even still, I find these albums as an indispensable asset to my music collection.
Have you listened to the newest album Long Day Goodnight? What are your thoughts if so? Where would you put that album in the list?
Parallels was really the first time FW came onto my radar. I got that cd then a few years later I got the Chasing Time compilation. Great underrated prog metal band. I always thought they should have been right up there with Queensryche in popularity. I need to get more of their catalog. But I love Parallels, A Pleasant Shade Of Grey, FWX, Awaken The Guardian, Perfect Symmetry.
Have you done a Queensryche ranking yet?
Fates Warning have always passed me by for some reason. I'll get on it. Especially as Bobby Jarzombek played with them. Phenomenal drummer
Very thought provoking,progressive-metal band! I like most of their material! Though;my favs in this category are Queensryche & Crimson Glory. The only shame: I've never seen Fates live☹️. No Exit would be their #1 release on my list!
They are glorious!
You know it’s a great band when all these players have side projects that are out of this world! ...O.S.I. My god......they sound awesome on a great stereo system. Crank it up!!
Ignore the haters cuz they're never going away. I'm liking your vids very much, I like all this same stuff you do plus it's showing me some new stuff I need to check out (like FW).
Enjoy your videos Pete, fun to watch and think about. I found Fates at the same time, with Guardian, and then No Exit. Agree with alot of your list. The early screechy Alder stuff I used to love, but now sounds harsh as I got older. The last few Fates CDs have been really great. I'd rather watch the ranking order and discussion from Top to Bottom. I think it gives it more perspective to compare from the best piece of work. A bit confusing starting with the worst and comparing everything from that. JMO.
Your channel is great! Ignore the haters. Love Fates Warning! : )