This is an excellent album from Fates Warning! Ray Alder takes over the Iron Maiden like vocals of previous singer Jon Arch; bringing a completely fresh, and new element to the band. His voice soars high on his debut; and the pace is a little frenzied compared to Parallels, and all subsequent albums. However, as always, the fast riffs and frantic rhythms are well balanced in harmonious bliss thanks to the beautiful classically influenced guitar melodies that Jim Matheos weaves throughout. It is a conceptual piece; with the second half being one song divided up into 8 different parts, as if each song were acting out it's own part to complete the storyline. In exactly the same way that "A Pleasant Shade of Grey" was composed. This would prove to be the Fate's last foray into extremely complex song arrangements for quite sometime; as the next few future albums would take on a more predictable song pattern approach.( Much a kin to comparing Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime with Empire.) This is an excellent album, and deserves high ranks in any Fates Warning listeners collection. However, for first time Fates Warning listeners, I recommend Parallels for their introduction to the band. Finally, let me end by saying that for me personally this album has probably had one of the most profound influences on my guitar playing, and the way I approach writing my own music, than any other. The arrangements, tempo changes, and counterpoints are simply beautiful & brilliant!Read full review
Great music from a great band
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A must have
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you like progressive Metal, this is the Disk to own. Fates Warnings best CD with a 20 plus minute song in The Ivory Gate of Dreams. Along the lines of Judas Priest, Queensryche, and Dream Theater. This is the first CD with the second and current singer, Ray Alder and boy can he scream. A must for any true Metal fan.
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