Theories of Flight Fates Warning 2016 InsideOut Music Fates Warning are a Progressive Metal band from the USA and are arguably one of the bands that can be credited with shaping that sound of the genre that we know today as Progressive Metal with their two acclaimed albums, Awaken the Guardian, released in 1986 and 1985’s The Spectre Within. Theories of Flight is Fates Warning’s 12th studio album and is the follow up to the well received 2013 album, Darkness in a Different Light. Theories of Flight continues in the same vein as Darkness in a Different Light, which is hardly surprising considering the success of the album and for once with Fates Warning, no change in the line-up. Fates Warning is composed of Ray Alder on vocals, the ever present Jim Matheos on the guitar and Joey Vera on the bass with Bobby Jarzombek on the drums completing the rhythm section. It is interesting to note that although still officially classed as a member of Fates Warning, guitarist Frank Aresti is not listed as a member, however does get credited with the guitar solo in White Flag and From the Rooftops. The production of Theories of Flight has been handled by the ever talented guitarist Matheos, who has once more created a Fates Warning album that sounds fantastic and is an absolutely pleasure to listen to. Theories of Flight is a relatively sublime album, at first hearing, Theories of Flight seems to ebb and flow along, but before you know, each song will drag you in with its exceptionally catchy, melodic hooks that will have you playing it on repeat. The only gripe with the production on Theories of Flight is that when listening to the album through headphones, the stop/start of the rhythm guitar in the left headphone can be very distracting. However, through a set of speakers, this isn’t noticeable and certainly isn’t worth the time crying over. The second track from Theories of Flight, Seven Stars, was chosen to be the single and is the perfect example of what to expect from the album. The chorus is amazingly memorable, with the production from Matheos giving the song a sheen that is, yes, polished, but also makes Theories of Flight really enjoyable and accessible to listen to. As a vocalist, it is a fair assumption the say that Alder is massively overlooked, especially amongst his peers within the Progressive Metal genre. However, the more you listen to Alder, the more you think that his voice has stood up exceptionally well, his beautiful melodies do not sound bored with a feeling of treading water like Geoff Tate or constrained by a bonkers concept like James LaBrie was saddled with this year and his vocal work on the epic The Ghosts of Home and White Flag is not only beautiful, but also flawless. The rest of the band play beyond their boundaries; Matheos’ guitar tone is fantastic throughout and the rhythm section forms a backbone that not only fits the music but also brings Theories of Flight to life without making the album sound as if the life has been sucked from it by becoming clinical. Theories of Flight is easily one of the best albums that has been released this year, the songs are well written and crafted and will subconsciously pull you in. Don’t bother with the latest Dream Theater album, buy Theories of Flight instead. 9/10 Adam Seven Stars (Matheos/Adler)
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
The Home of Heavy Metal Reviews by AdamReviews of Heavy Metal, Power Metal, Black Metal, Death Metal and Hard Rock. Archives
December 2016
Categories |