Fates Warning was never able to reach the same heights as Dream Theater has. And it is open to discussion whether that is justified. But despite there being no justice in the world, the band´s output can easily withstand comparison to the best out there. Prime example is this, their 1991 released Parallels album.
Already the opening track Leave The Past Behind is a representative of all there is to like about this band. Intricate guitar arrangements courtesy of Frank Aresti and band leader Jim Matheos, superb vocal lines of the very recognisable Ray Alder and the inimitable drumming of Mark Zonder. Joe Dibiase is the one holding it all together with his bass.
But that is not all, a track like Eye To Eye will appeal cross genre and could, no should have been big in the day. The track The Eleventh Hour is pure bliss. Over 8 minutes of progressive metal of the highest order and one of the many highlights. From the soft opening to the strong riffing further on, this is timeless progressive metal of the highest quality. The break into the chorus still giving me chills as, is the guitar riff starting half way and repeated later. Next songs like Point Of view or We Only Say Goodbye are also top notch. Unbelievable how good this all still sounds to this day!
The band has made many astonishing albums in their career so far. Check them out if you don´t already know them. They deserve it.
