A PLEASANT SHADE OF GRAY

Quietly sitting on their side of the progressive rock, Fates Warning is a quite reserved and polite band. Are they restraining themselves on purpose? I believe so. What you have here is a band that could play like Dream Theater. The more and more I listen to the album, it's showing that these guys know where they are going on the album. They stick to their concept and they don't go too much around it. The addition of Kevin Moore is a good idea. His keyboard work is rather not stylish, it's more like a nice silver wrapping, giving the final classy touch.

I wouldn't have bought the record if it wasn't because of the concept. One long song, divided into 12 segments of 3 minutes or so, really intrigued me. At first, the skinny sound, with no guitar solos and cold bass lines surprised me. Aw man, did I wasted my dineros? Of course not, I got convinced I had something strong after the 6th listen. In fact, part 8 convinced me of keeping it close. Great piano with perfect atmosphere for a rainy day. Kinda reminded me of Tori Amos (Little Earthquakes) is some sections. I also recalled the same feeling hearing Alex Lifeson's Victor for the first time. This is a kind of protocole we don't ecounter often in the metal prog world. More instrumental goodies would've been appreciated, but I guess this is done on purpose. I guess the final tip is to listen often before making any judgment!

Everything 's grey on this record (litteraly!) and it lefted me wondering at first, but don't worry if that's you first reaction. This is not a flashy, showing off exercice. If you want pyrothecnics, go look someplace else. For others, this is a good companion for cloudy dayz when you feel like being alone with your thoughts.

The grandfather of Office of Strategic Influence?

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