This is what you would classify as a great comeback after a lengthy hiatus. First Darkness, and now Theories is looking to be a strong follow up. The production and engineering on this is fantastic. Sounds crisp. And Jarzombek has been unleashed. Watch out. Fates Warning is by far the most consistent prog metal band.
I was disappointed with Darkness' production since it was dull compared to FWX, Sympathetic Resonance and the OSI albums. But Matheos has reached back to the level I expected here. I just wish the bass guitar was a little more crisp, and the bass drum more powerful, but great sound otherwise
YES!! It sounds fantastic and Jarzombek really blew me away on this track. I'm a big fan of Mark Zonder's FW work, but can't complain about this at all!
Yep, Matheos is amazing on this album. I was not a big fan of the FWX material as I found them quite brief and rather catchy in parts. But I think with 'Darkness...' they rediscovered their roots back to the classic era where they had this twin guitar attack running. It was something out of the blue, being after a gap of almost nine years.
bubu langaddicted I actually really like FWX because it's experimental and different. Darkness is also really good, but I was hoping Jim would change things up this record. In one interview he said it's in a similar vain to Darkness, but better. So it should be good. New POS, Evergrey albums also being released this year. Going to be a great year
Man that drummer. Pure talent and consistency. I also enjoy how the sound engineer kept some life in his sound even if he gets so damn technical. Awesome song!
Jarzombek is one of the best drummers around. Technically maniacal, but more importantly incredibly creative. And completely agreed regarding the engineering. With the slight exception of the bass drum, the drums sound exceptional. Engineering overall is brilliant
+Dario Sofronisco No, absolutely not. While zonder was quite creative and innovative for his time, Bobby is, simply put, a machine. The guy writes litterally everything he does and learns it. His shit is so intricate I doubt anybody could recreate this, even with sheet music. He does so much fast, on the side stuff it's basically incredible. Sure, Mark has his signature, vintage metal feel, but when it comes to skill, Bobby is superior. Hell, even the Fates Warning Crew commented in certain interviews they find it hard to believe how good he is...
This stuff is magnificent...loads of Trademark late 1980's plus some modern grit and the real diversity that underpinned the best FW classics! Hats off, Guys!
"plus some modern grit" Damn I'd say this is FW showing modern metal bands how it's done. Great production and mature songwriting, as you'd expect from FW.
This band never lets me down. This song eats the new Dream Theater disc to pieces. Jim is on fire and his tone is to die for , as always. You can tell they really put their heart and soul into this album. Ray's voice and Jim's riffs are next to perfect. They are and still are the best prog band living.
"This song eats the new Dream Theater disc to pieces." Completely agree. DT has sadly become dull and so generic over the last decade. Glad that FW hasn't lost it's spark, and is still releasing music with passion
Sim, meu camarada, apesar de imaginar que não devem ser muitos, mas no nosso país com certeza tem pessoas agraciadas como nós que conhecem e curtem essa banda maravilhosa, o que é para poucos, pra mim, desde que ouvi o Fates pela primeira vez, em 1988, virei fã incondicional, são a melhor banda do mundo pra mim!!! Faz tempo que acompanha eles? Valeu e grande abraço!!!
+José Marcio sim desde 1990 os conheci através da Silent Cries e fiquei muito impressionado o vocal em particular, já era fã do Queensryche mas qdo conheci o Fates se tornou minha banda favorita.
Yeah brother! The music is life, bring feelings many stronger. Music break the chains and do stronger. I'm from Sao Paulo, Brazil! Fates Warning is better band of the world for me, since 1988.
Incridible how Ray's voice can touch us each time we heard, the patamar of coming album is fantastic, more rich production as progression compositions ever.
Bom ver fãs brasileiros, o Fates sempre foi uma banda injustiçada e eles nunca perderam o feeling tão pouco a maestria das composições,finalmente uma produção digna do patamar de um ícone que deve ser respeitado,até agora as críticas tem tecido elogios à esse novo álbum e nos dá um alívio pois infelizmente sempre temo pelo futuro deles, enfim realmente parece ser um álbum no nível de APSOG, perfect symmetry e parallels e com um senso de superioridade crescente, o casamento do Ray conseguiu fazer ele superar problemas vocais e sua bela voz parece renovada, Jim Matheos é incontestavelmente um gênio pois sabe como poucos aliar feeling, técnica e extremo bom gosto nas composições,ele mostra que não precisa de muito pra mostrar a que veio, incrível como nenhum álbum do Fates é previsível mesmo entre altos e baixos é uma banda que se mantém fiel aos fãs e à musicalidade acima de tudo.
let's be honest, fates warning is the exception, not the rule. most of the older bands would have been phoning it in for at least a decade at this point, while FW ages like a fine wine.
Very true dio52, they just keep coming up with new ways to knock me on my ass, just the best band in the world. I've been a huge fan since Perfect Symmetry. In fact at one point(every point) my original band was called Perfect Symmetry. I make no excuses, Ray was and is my biggest influence. And then, I find out about six months ago that he's only a year older than I am, AND WE SHARE OUR BIRTHDAY!! I sound like a stalker.
Everybody go out and buy this album and put Fates Warning on the map . I've got all their albums on cd and they're worth every penny. Metallica black album, ACDC back in black both outsold this album last week . For the love of Matheos go buy the " new" album. It's embarrassing how good fates warning is and they still can't break the billboard album charts. Everyone go buy the new cd or digital download.
It's very unfortunate that they're obscure in the genre they pioneered ffs. Unfortunately they don't fit into any particular box in metal that is in the limelight currently, because mature and intelligent metal is difficult to come by, so it's tough for them to get the recognition they deserve.
Actually I disagree. As a long time prog fan who only got into metal later on, and then abandoned them both for a while, I have gotten back into prog in the past several years and find that we are in a time where prog metal seems to have probably found its best following ever, and most of the really interesting prog rock out there nowadays is actually prog metal. So here's hoping that this means a Fates Warning revival will continue strong for many more albums and many more tours!
Just a seamless transition from a flowing melodic entrance to a heavy, melodic section. The masters are back!!! Ray and Jim are geniuses whether they realize it or not.. Thanks again for 28 yrs. {for me} of enjoyment and inspiration....
Jim is a consistently fantastic songwriter in whatever project he undertakes. And Ray is one of my favourite vocalists, so much character and emotion in his vocals. I can't get over how stunning the bridge is on this song. It's literally perfect.
Great sound. Much more reminiscent to Perfect Symmetry/Parallels. Ray hasn't sounded this good in years. Musically, jaw dropping. Looking forward to this disc big time. Great harmonies. This is what they do best.
You're right, Matheos definitely has a signature tone and style. And add to that an incredible songwriting gift. Production on this sounds stellar, and Jarzombek is really flexing his muscles. So glad that we didn't have to wait a long time for a follow up to Darkness. Really looking forward to this
See what there is to see The view from the rooftops is the same It seems there's no end And the lights below burn cold Thoughts of the past recede They fade into history, and now the rain begins Somehow everything seems right Colors flood into the night And eyes open then There's no room for trying Forget what was known There's no use in hiding From shadows unknown No wall's ever lasted Not brick, steel or stone No thing lasts forever Except the unknown There's nothing that time can't end How long can darkness live in the empty spaces Until lights collapse and time misplaces (All good things will have their end How long till this time is over then) How long till stars have faded and leave their traces Before we collapse and time erases (All good things will have their end How long till this time is over then) There's nothing that time can't end There's no room for trying Forget what was known There's no use in hiding From shadows unknown There's nothing that time can't end
Thanks, Jim M for your art. You are truly one of the best song writers on earth. Fuck the 4th of July , for me it's July 1st . Fates is a band of real musicians for musicians. Been a fan since the video of Silent Cries on Mtv Headbangers ball. Can't wait to hear the full disc and THE VOICE...nuff said
Listening to this song again, Ray's vocals during the chorus are some of the best he's ever done!!! One of the best songs they've ever done...Tour please!!!
Pffff, such an amazing track! I look forward to the whole album, as well. All of the Fates Warning members are truly fuckin' insane. Greetings from Romania!
They put out album after album that raises the bar. Ray sings with a ferocity of man with a day left to live still! Kudos!!! No room for trying indeed, as most bands cant compete!!
Long overdue comments from myself!: Absolutely sublime, great production, the whole band sounding sweet and for me personally... Ray's vocals superb/stunning. Brilliant band often overlooked/not given the full credit they truly deserve.
Just got the 2 CD release on pre-order today. They have been one of my favourite bands over the last 6 years. Started listening to them in 2010 and immediately loved Ray's voice, but not only him but the years with John Arch are quite memorable too. I think this one is better than 'Firefly'.
INSTANT LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot - for the life of me - wait to hear the whole album! Still going SO strong after so many years!!!!! WHAT A FREAKING AMAZING BAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Greece patiently awaits for your return :)
I'm writing this, as this is the 3rd time i'm listening to it. I really hope the rest of the album will be of such perfection and elegance. God, Ray's voice is so close to heaven.
A new masterpiece!!! Best FW album since "Inside Out" of 1994. I work like drum roadie to Bobby Jarzombek here in Chile when he come with Sebastian Bach opening for Guns N Roses, one of my idol drummers since the "Thundersteel" album by Riot of 1988!! Is a good friend and great human being.
Wow, I really like this! I'll have to check out some of their other stuff. The drumming really blew me away and the singer's voice is very warm and emotional. Heavy, yet original sounding progressive music with an emphasis on the songwriting and not technical wankery. Glad I found these guys.
I've been waiting for this!! First listen! They've set the bar even higher than on "Darkness". Ray, Jim, Joey and Bobby sound amazing as always!!! going to check out tour dates. It's good to see my friend [Omair] commenting!! Fates rules!!!
Been a big Ray fan since his debut even saw him the night of his 21st Birthday at Jaxx in Springfield, VA and many many more times after that and now 27 later sounds as great now as he did then, even one time at the Bayou in DC he apologize for having a cold..could never tell if he did not mention it..a true American Treasure to those of us that truly loves Metal of all kinds
This is the band that got me into progressive rock & metal before it was actually called that. Way back in 1988. All I knew was I loved the time changes, intricacies and depth of the music.
