A PLEASANT SHADE OF GRAY

While other prog-metal bands like Qüeensryche were missing creativity and punch on each new album in the 90's (for example, searching for radio friendly tunes), Fates Warning fortunately released on each subsequent album different and exciting music [which was ever unsuccessful or absent in MTV (at least the Brazilian MTV), an excellent indication of good music: bad for MTV = very good music!]. This is true for A Pleasant Shade of Gray: virtually a song of 54 min (in 12 parts) that never bored me. Fantastic performance of all musicians and the vocalist. The bass is very present and keyboards are in the right measure [just for atmospheric effects and background, no cheesy solos (arrrghh!!) as usual in Dream Theater and so many prog-metal bands]. There are sublime moments, as Parts III, V, VII, VIII, XI and XII, but all parts are fine, no filler, no cheesy tune. Highly recommended for any progressive or prog- metal fan. ****1/2 stars.