I sit here and go over the band bio, not that I really needed to,
and I'm still amazed after all this time this is only the band's
ninth album! Maybe it's because of the extensive body of work contained within
each album, but it just seems like they've done somewhere around twenty-two!
Right off I'll say this much, it's not just another ho-hum record with
the atypical arrangements and overused tom-tom drum patterns that I grew
tired of on stuff like "Parallels" and "Inside Out." This is a welcome
return to their heavier days, right around the time Alder took over the
vocal reigns from the dearly departed John Arch. Matheos' rediscovered
those trademark riffs, the ones that twisted and turned uneasily within
the structure of the song, unsettling in any one place in particular. But
on the occasions when they did, you knew they left a mark! Along with this
doubling back, the newer elements found on "Fates Warning's" last studio
concept, "A
Pleasant Shade Of Grey," which as magnificent as it was didn't bear
repeating, but in this light the myriad of keyboard effects,
compliments again of Dream Theater's Kevin Moore, just add to this newly
discovered influx of energy. Outside projects served the surviving
members well apparently and truly. I didn't think they had this in
them. Joey Vera contributes his own well intended licks to the formula
and when putting it all together, this could well be the next logical
progression, if you will, from where "No Exit" left off somewhere around
'88.
Opening first with the minute long introduction that is
"Disconnected Part I," lead track "One" is without question everything a
true Fates fan could hope for - power, melody and a subtle blend of
harmony, thrown within a dangerous mix - a definite lead single. "So"
proceeds to grind it out like they haven't done in years, as they prod
onward on a perilous course led by Moore's dazzling brilliance creating
just enough of a haunting effect that you'll realize this is, in fact, the
same band responsible for stellar work on "The Spectre Within" or later
on "The Ivory Gate Of Dreams" masterpiece - an album unto itself in one
multi-faceted song! In fact that's where "Still Remains" comes in near
the end here. A full sixteen minutes worth in their finest epic
tradition.
This is a resounding return to form from the veteran metallers still
bent on a progressive intent. They're no longer searching for that long
elusive commercial viability. Instead, they tap into the strength of
their past, while creating something new and inspired that should be very
inviting for long time listeners!
