Fates Warning - FWX
Metal Blade file under prog / sympho metal
 Ralph: ‘FWX’ is the tenth studio effort of Fates Warning. Nice, because their debut album ‘Night On Brocken’ came out exactly twenty years ago, which means they do '1 in 2'. So, Fates Warning has been around fore some time already, and at some point in time it seemed as if the band would follow the successful footsteps of Dream Theater and Queensryche. This was supposed to happen when the albums ‘Perfect Symmetry’ (1989) and ‘Parallels’ (1991) came out. However, Fates Warning is, and always will be, a cult act with a huge following in the underground, that will probably never force a commercial breakthrough. Who cares? This is a first class band that was responsible for great albums like ‘Awaken The Guardian’ and ‘No Exit’, among others.
After radio friendly albums in the late eighties/ early nineties, Fates Warning started to concentrate on more progressive, less 'easy' music again. The music that is so very much appreciated by the symphonic and progressive crowds around the globe. This new effort is no exception. 'Left Here' is the opener that clocks in at almost seven minutes, and displays held back verses, intelligent breaks and beautiful leads. Not an “in your face” opener so to speak. Well, let us move on, because I expect some fireworks anyway from these guys. The opening riff on 'Simple Human' is plain killer. Just the fireworks I was hoping for! A song that is catchier anyway. 'Another Perfect Day' is the groovy song of the album. Built up majestically and containing an impressive solo by Jim Matheos. 'Crawl' is the first track that rocks from start to finish, and the band finds some speed in 'Stranger (With a Familiar Face)’.
Ten tracks on their tenth album in twenty years. Is that worth a perfect ten? No, that would be too much. ‘FWX’ is an honest, great sounding Fates Warning album but misses some power when you ask me. A little out of balance, I would say. Too many slow and held back moments, too little heavy explosives, but if you are a loyal Fates Warning for two decades already, you won't be disappointed by ‘FWX’.
Rating: 80/100 (details)
http://www.fateswarning.com
Bestel nu bij 
<<
previous next >>
|
Maak home
Bookmark