You either get Fates Warning or you don't. I have been a big fan for 15 years.
They are technically proficient and have migrated to a more experimental feel over the last few albums, but create a heightened sense of drama, with mature themes.
You will not find any anthems here. Just some musicians willing to "soul search" and take us a long for the ride.
Ray Alder is exceptional and breaking boundaries of the mundane in vocals. He has a great flair for creating haunting melodies (with hook), while breaking down the general rules of rythmic structure on vocals.
Jim Matheos is sincere and willing to push the envelope, but always has the larger sense of the composition in mind.
Mark Zonder is quite simply a technically great drummer, with a wholey unique style.
This is not even close to one of their best pieces of work, but it does not have to be. It is still an excellent representation of what they offer. It is a self exploration that Fates Warning portrays perfectly in their own style. Like I said... you either get it or you don't... Ask Dream Theater if FW are great, I think you would be surprised at their answer.
