FWX

In a career spanning far more than 30 years, few critics will dispute that Fates Warning has been one of the most influential progressive metal bands. Some critics would go further. Their ability never to allow their music to stagnate, constantly evolving by embracing innovative additions to their sound, makes of them the most influential band in the genre. So, as one of the true pioneers of the progressive metal genre, since bursting onto the scene three decades ago, Fates Warning have never stood still. They were always prepared to develop their sound and push the boundaries of their chosen craft. They've maintained a massive respect and loyal following from the music lovers across the all globe.

'FWX' is the tenth studio album of Fates Warning and was released in 2004. This studio album carries on the tradition. Listening to this album there's a sense of energy, verve and creativity running throughout this album, whith the usual trademark of Fates Warning. One of the big plus points for me with this band is that very few of their albums sound alike. Thanks to Jim Matheos' unique guitar style and Ray Alder's pristine vocals, they've an immediately recognisable sound. Still, each album comes with a slightly different mixture. That makes of Fates Warning a true prog metal band.

There's been no such thing as a 'bad' Fates Warning release. They just tend to have different levels of appeal to different listeners. As a result, fans of the band tend to have very different personal favourites. 'FWX' stands as a mix between the more electronic sounds of their last release 'Disconnected' and the melodic accessibility of 'Parallels'.

As on Fates Warning's albums, the main driver is Alder's vocal performance, which is excellent as usual. Alder's voice carries a melodic line that is memorable and catchy. The compositions on this one are based on the collaboration of the three remaining members. Jim Matheos provides the guitar parts, which are for the most part full of melodies. He does bring his heavier side here as well. Moreover, Matheos handles the keyboards in 'FWX', which are used to accent certain parts and help in the forming of bridges here and there. The rhythm section on 'FWX' handles its duties well. Vera and Zonder form an excellent rhythmic section upon which Matheos's guitar work can literally shine on the album.

One thing that we shouldn't expect in a Fates Warning's album is the overplaying. This is the case with 'FWX' too. The melancholic atmosphere is present on 'FWX'. It's formed on the instrumental work of the players and is emphasized by Alder's vocal performance, which seems effortless. Certain songs sound accessible, being a progressive album. Still, 'FWX' demands the listener's attention and quite a few full listens before one can understand it and value it as a whole.

'FWX' represents a semi-return to more traditional song structures in contrast to the depth conceptual work of their previous releases. The album begins with 'Left Here', a mid-tempo track mixed with acoustic and electric guitars. The programming and effects adds a classy touch without overpowering the song. The best thing of Fates Warning is Alder's voice. He adds to Matheos's music warmth and longing. 'Simple Human' is a heavier track. Again, Alder brings power to the vocals. The song isn't all that exciting but still is Fates Warning. 'River Wide Ocean Deep' is an ambient track with effects of a female Arabian-like voice. 'Another Perfect Day' is an acoustic driven slow song. It's not very metal, but still is a progressive music. 'Heal Me' is quite varied in dynamics and emotion and has some great added sounds and instruments. The vocal performance is perfect, as usual. 'Sequence' is short and one of the heaviest and more traditional metal tracks. The chorus tends to get a bit repetitive but doesn't spoil the overall quality of the track. 'A Handful Of Doubt' is another ballad-like song, very emotional. It begins with the acoustic guitar driving the song and then opens up to the full ensemble in the middle of the song. 'Stranger (With A Familiar Face)' is the heaviest, or most up tempo track. This song almost has a return to the 80's power prog sound but it's great nonetheless. 'Wish' is another very ambient track. There is an excellent piano section on this track and we have a Matheos' good guitar solo.

Conclusion: Fates Warning doesn't make 'bad' albums. Whether 'FWX' is one of their best albums will depend if you like the emphasis they have chosen this time around. 'FWX' might not be one of their best albums, but personally I'd rate 'FWX' as one of their most coherent and consistent albums since 'Parallels'. It's true that overall, it isn't very exciting. However, Matheos puts a lot of effort into making the songs as structured with good breadth and depth by including programming and other sounds than traditional metal. All in all, this is a very mature release. In reality, 'FWX' is a prog metal album that balances prog and metal in a simple and catchy way, being heavy enough for the tradicional heavy metal fans and progressive enough for the prog-rock/metal addicts. In my humble opinion, there just isn't a weak moment on the whole album. The production is pristine perfect and polished with the typical Matheos' feel and emotion. So, once again, these veterans of the American progressive metal scene have put out a highly recommendable release.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

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