Formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, in 1982, initially as Misfit, the original line-up of Fates Warning consisted of John Arch (vocals), Jim Matheos (guitar), Victor Arduini (guitar), Joe DiBiase (bass) and Steve Zimmerman (drums). After a couple of early demos the band were invited to contribute a track to the 'Metal Massacre V' compilation released on Metal Blade Records in 1984. The label signed the band immediately to a long-term recording agreement and released the band's debut album, entitled 'Night On Bröcken', the same year. Shortly after its release guitarist Victor Arduini left the band to be replaced by Frank Aresti. The next two albums, 'The Spectre Within' and 'Awaken The Guardian', released in 1985 and 1986 respectively, showed the band's music to be more progressive and complex than first impressions had suggested. However, vocalist John Arch was unhappy with the musical direction that Fates Warning had begun to pursue, and left. He was soon replaced by Ray Alder, whose voice was better suited to the new material. This was most noticeable on 'No Exit'. Released in 1988, it was widely recognized as the band's finest work to date, partially thanks to producer Max Norman, who strove for a clean, Queensrÿche-like sound. Soon after its release drummer Steve Zimmerman left the band to be replaced by Mark Zonder. 'Perfect Symmetry' was released in 1989. The result was an album that in some places sounded orchestral in its arrangements, and featured Dream Theater keyboard player Kevin Moore as a guest musician. Come the next album, 'Paralells', released in 1991, the band returned to their earlier techno-pomp metal influences. It was well received by the press, who were beginning to acknowledge a band who had a lot to offer and deserved more recognition than had previously been awarded them.

NIGHT ON BRÖCKEN/THE SPECTRE WITHIN (1984/1985, 1992) METAL BLADE (2-CD)

CD1: Fates Warning's first album is a typical debut. It shows some promising qualities, but as a whole, it doesn't hold up so well. The production isn't as good as on later efforts either, but that's only logical. Only one song from this one is represented on their best-of album, and that's "Damnation". The only song I really enjoy, is "The Calling". Fates Warning sounded like a harder version of the early Queensrÿche.

Killer tracks: The Calling

CD2: This double disc is a re-release of Fates Warning's first two albums. They were much more straight heavy metal, or even power metal, back then, sounding like a cross between old Queensrÿche and Iron Maiden. I really dig this second disc, as I think it's one of Fates Warning's best. The band isn't experienced yet, and the production isn't that good, but still they deliver a fine progressive power metal album!

Killer tracks: The Apparition, Traveler In Time

AWAKEN THE GUARDIAN/NO EXIT (1986/1988, 1992) METAL BLADE/MUSIC FOR NATIONS (2-CD)

I have been lucky enough to get this second double disc, that Metal Blade reissued back in 1992. It contains the 3rd and 4th Fates Warning albums.

CD1: 'Awaken The Guardian' is very much in the same vain as it's predecessors. At first I was a bit disappointed with this one too. But when track number 4 entered, it was a smooth ride all the way through! So it became a likeable album, maybe even the best one with John Arch on vocals (he would leave the band soon after). Anyway, 'Awaken The Guardian' is pummeling progressive power metal. It does not seek to impress, but does so nevertheless. This is the way the power/prog style sounded originally. Lots of riffs, lots of bass, but also time changes and other progressive elements. And Fates Warning were rulers of this genre. Maybe this is a good place to get to know the band?

Killer tracks: The Sorceress, Guardian, Prelude To Ruin, Giants Lore (Heart Of Winter), Exodus

CD2: Enter new vocalist, Ray Alder, and a slightly more progressive approach. I was really disappointed in this album, and can't find much to brag about on it. The melody-structures doesn't really do anything for me, and the songs get boring! The only thing worth a while here are the 2 tracks also featured on the best-of collection. The last track is a 21minute plus epic song, but here it is divided into 8 separate tracks. "Silent Cries" is misspelled as "Silent Crises" on the back-cover.

Killer tracks: Silent Cries, Quietus

PERFECT SYMMETRY (1989) METAL BLADE

This is the first CD that has more progressive metal than straight power metal. I think it's a very good disc, but it still doesn't get off the shelve too often. The songs just aren't as memorable as on the other Fates Warning CD's. The problem with Fates Warning's albums are that most of the songs aren't as good as the best songs on the albums. Kevin Moore from Dream Theater guests on "At Fates Hand".

Killer tracks: Through Different Eyes, Chasing Time

PARALLELS (1991) METAL BLADE

A better effort than the previous one, this album somehow defines Fates Warning to me, thus making it one of my favorites. 'Parallels' showcases a band caught in the middle of the early progressive heavy metal they helped to develop, and the newer version of the genre, spawned by Dream Theater. This album is not as heavy as the bands earlier records, but I think it's much more even. I don't care if people call it sell-out, or radio-friendly. The only thing that matters, is that the songs are good! And Fates Warning have always been more about creating memorable songs, and not technical wankery. James LaBrie of Dream Theater guests on "Life In Still Water".

Killer tracks: Leave The Past Behind, Eye To Eye, The Eleventh Hour, Point Of View, We Only Say Goodbye

INSIDE OUT (1994) MASSACRE

'Inside Out' is Fates Warning's least heavy effort. Guess they where trying to commercialize or something. I think it's a pleasant record to listen to. It sure sound like Fates Warning, and every song is worth an extra spin. "Monument" is an all time Fates Warning favorite of mine.

Killer tracks : Monument, Shelter Me, Island In The Stream

CHASING TIME (1995) METAL BLADE

Monument The Apparition Through Different Eyes Point Of View Prelude To Ruin Quietus Eye To Eye Guardian At Fates Finger - unreleased instrumental Silent Cries We Only Say Goodbye - unreleased remix Damnation Circles - unreleased The Eleventh Hour

A best-of package, covering their entire back catalogue. It's the first Fates Warning CD I bought. I was just blown away by the first two songs, and bought the disc immediately. Later I searched for the bands other discs, and on this page you can see how far I've gotten so far. 'Chasing Time', named after a Fates Warning tune that doesn't even appear on this compilation, includes 3 unreleased tracks, making it a necessary addition to the collection. "At Fates Fingers" is an instrumental reworking of "At Fates Hands" that Jim Matheos recorded for Guitar for the Practicing Musician. This is a band to be counted on, and continues to release good records that sound like Fates Warning.

A PLEASANT SHADE OF GRAY (1997) MASSACRE

You can't deny that Fates Warning come up with some killer song titles! This album is of course a concept album, thus the ingenious titles. And it's a good record, indeed. A more progressive approach, almost sounding like Pink Floyd at times. Still very much a metal band, and no radio-hits in sight for miles! The only thing is that you can't tell the songs apart, and it's supposed to be listened to as a whole. But I tend to loose interest after awhile, and turn the thing of. But if you have the time, put this one on, and turn the rest of the world off, and you will spend 54 great minutes together with Fates Warning. Oh, my version is a digi-pack, but with no extras.

Killer tracks: Your are supposed to listen to the whole thing, not single tracks.

STILL LIFE (1998) MASSACRE (2CD)

Hearing Fates Warning live for the first time was a treat. I gotta admit though, I easily skipped disc one altogether, as a run through 'A Pleasant Shade Of Gray' is not what I desire the most to hear from these guys. But the second CD on the other hand, contains material from the bands entire back catalogue. "The Ivory Gate Of Dream", the bands 20 minute plus magnum opus, opens the ball. After that my favorite Fates Warning tunes appear like pearls on a string. "Point Of View", "Monument" and "We Only Say Goodbye" are all highlights, and worth this double disc alone. The entire band sounds good, although I've heard live recordings with more spark than this. One thing is for certain; it was certainly about time we got a live manifestation from Fates Warning.

DISCONNECTED (2000) METAL BLADE

Fates Warning release another album in the same vain as 'A Pleasant Shade Of Grey'. Actually that particular title fits the music perfectly. It is a good record, but not one that really blows my mind. None of the songs stick out as better than the others, but none stick out as worse either. So what we get is an even Fates Warning CD, good for background listening. I wish they would concentrate a little more on writing killer songs tough.

Killer songs: All and none!

Eidolon - 'The Parallel Otherworld'

Frost - 'Raise The Fist Of Metal'

Related artists:

John Arch, Cans, Seven Witches, Warlord, Anthrax, Redemption