I seen an article on blabbermouth I think....if its true....no disrespect to Portnoy....but I agree 100% with what you said....I know those classic Fates songs ....besides you and Bobby....well....no one else has done them justice! Just my 2 cents worth as a fan and guitar player! 😁✌....
mark zonder is not a drummer...he is a music-groove- scientist!!! i am still waching the pleasant shades of grey live after 20 years...every stroke is exactly where it should be...nothing more...nothing less.... respect mark ...you are the best progressive drummer ever....thanks...
This album is a masterpiece! Such a transition from the previous album....excellent!! Was the 1st time I seen em....Dream Theater in St. Louis.....blew me away...1994....!!😁
Absolutely remember Mark's tasty playing on this classic track from my FAV Fates Warning album! It had all the great elements...This album had way better organic production than a lot of stuff from the genre. Love it.
I'm a huge fan of drumming and for me one thing that is essential is that the drums don't get "in the way" of the song. Mark Zonder is one of very few who has amazing chops, but doesn't overplay. Playing in Fates Warning, his drum parts are part of the orchestration of the tune that enhance the song. He's not trying to sneak in and force a great fill or drum part into a song. What they say is soo true, the drummer makes or breaks a band. Bobby is an incredible drummer, but for me the new records sound very mechanical and compressed. There's already tons of music like that, but Fates was something special and unique, especially the drumming. It could be partly the recording or mixing, but there's certainly a finesse that Mark has that isn't matched in progressive metal, or any other music for that matter. Late 80's & 90's Fates is what I continue to listen to without ever getting tired of hearing. If only it were possible to hear what Mark would have done with the last few albums, I'd pay good money for that!!!!!!
How could we forget Mark! Hell of an album and always awesome drumming from you (one of my earlier drum idols growing up).You still blow my mind sir \m/
Mark, do you miss playing with Joe DiBiase as there was something very special that you both bought to the rhythm section of F.W. I enjoyed the recordings you did with Joey Vera but it was never the same and I highly respect Joey, brilliant bass player, in the end it came down to the feel not ability. I think you and Joe are very under rated as players and as a rhythm section, I hope more up coming players discover both your talents. As a bass player of 35 years now Joe had a huge influence on me but many drummers have had that same influence on me also and yourself and Neil Peart were two of those drummers that pushed me to be a better Bass player, Thank you and thanks to Joe also.
Mark, the inspiration coming from you is a constant. Really looking forward to see you back either in FW or any other project you choose to. I am a big fan of yours. Rock on Master!
