A PLEASANT SHADE OF GRAY

Fates Warning is a very talented band. The addition of Kevin Moore makes it even moreso. However, I just never bought into this one. The concept is actually quite good, straying from the oh so popular "my friend is in a coma" concept that has been done to infinity.

Compared to the majority of prog metal, most of this record is much more subtle, with drums and keys serving more as an accompaniment rather than the "in your face" approach expanded upon by so many other bands. No denying that Kevin Moore had something to do with this, as he can give any band a great deal of class and "touch" similar to the way Wakeman handled himself. This is a sign I like, as it's far to easy to go with the norm and lump yourself in with all the other acts. I'm also highly impressed by the stylistic elements of the drummer.

This album is much less "metal" than others. Sure, there is still the signature guitar tone and a nice rich bass, but this album is more drawn back to a large degree. I'm also a bit dissapointed that one of the sections reminds me of a line from Images and Words. The first 2/3 or so of the album are better than the last bits, which appear to get a bit over dramatic for no apparent reason, this album didn't need it, it was well without. Their also is not a whole lot of shift in the singer's style, which is a downer for those looking for variety that you might find in a Daniel Gilednlow.

Overall a well thought out album, and a definite must for fans of prog metal. I'm wishing more would have been done in closing the piece, but if you're a Kevin Moore fan you'll like what you get out of it.

Share this FATES WARNING review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to OpethGuitarist
• Report this review (#97880)
• Buy FATES WARNING music online with PA partners
• Show all FATES WARNING MP3/Stream
• Go to FATES WARNING page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to A Pleasant Shade Of Gray page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for FATES WARNING related discussions