Review Summary: Ray delivers another chill solo release where the main focus is on his voice.
What can be said about Ray Alder that shouldn’t already be known? He’s responsible for the second phase of Fates Warning’s career which has spanned the last thirty-five years, so far. He is the voice that saved Redemption from being just another musically adept prog band with a questionable vocalist, transforming them into the powerhouse they have become today. A multi-decade career supporting those two bands should be considered prolific already, but he has found time for a few side projects as well, including his modern metal band Engine and the more traditional hard rock vibes of A-Z (featuring Mark Zonder on drums). Despite all of this, he also managed to release his first solo album a few years back.
What the Water Wants was a departure from Ray’s more metal-oriented releases, but it was still really good. With Fates Warning going on hiatus (I refuse to believe they’re finally broken up), Ray has returned with his second solo album; the creatively titled
II.
II features the same band line-up as his previous solo album, including touring Fates Warning guitarist Michael Abdow who once again wrote all the music for this solo release. If you heard Ray’s previous solo release, you pretty much already know what to expect – low key modern hard rock that mostly just serves as a vehicle for Ray Alder’s vocals. If there is a difference, it is that the riffs are chunkier, groovier, and heavier while still somehow managing to convey the same chill energy as
What the Water Wants. The other difference is that
II seems to lack that intangible feeling of experimentation I felt on the first solo album. While the first album wasn’t groundbreaking by any means, the cyclical bass lines and chill arrangements made it feel different
enough, but the more traditional songwriting and chunkier guitar sound of
II just makes the music feel… well, normal. Fortunately, the focus here is Ray Alder.
Any fan of Ray’s vocals should know that what truly sets him apart from other prog vocalists is the depth of emotion he brings to his performances. His voice almost always retains an intimate quality that resonates throughout whatever music he is singing over, including the songs on this album. On songs such as the seven-minute closer, “Changes”, his emotive delivery evokes a wide range of emotions, from sorrow and anguish to elation, he is able to deliver a profoundly cathartic experience. Elsewhere, on heavier tracks such as “Waiting for Some Sun”, he delivers a grit that was rarely used in Fates Warning or Redemption. Essentially, if you’re looking for an album showcasing Ray Alder as a vocalist, you’ve come to the right place – as the name on the album might suggest. Throughout this album’s fifty-one-minute runtime, Ray’s voice dominates the proceedings; from the emotive verses to catchy choruses, Ray is the star of his own show.
Ray Alder stands as one of the most prolific vocalists in the realm of progressive metal. His ability to combine technical prowess, emotional depth, and versatility makes him a true force to be reckoned with. While
II might be a little more conventional than his previous solo release, Ray’s voice is still able to carry every song and make the listening experience worthwhile. Whether you're a fan of Fates Warning, Redemption, or simply a lover of catchy performances, exploring Ray Alder's
II should be a must. Hopefully, though, when his third solo release comes out, he opts to play things a little less safe.
