From: sh_strawn@vax.muskingum.edu
Newsgroups: alt.rock-n-roll.metal
Subject: Fates Warning review: try them!
Date: 14 Apr 92 17:23:39 GMT
Article-I.D.: vax.1992Apr14.112339.2944
Organization: Muskingum College

I have 'no exit', 'perfect symmetry', and 'parallels', and i would recommend
any and all of these.

someone on the board likened fates warning to queensryche.  i think there are
similarities as well.  both bands opt for coherent melodic phrases over
pounding metallica style riffs, and both come up with some well thought-out
music in this vein.  that's not to say they aren't heavy or rhythmic; both
bands also employ heavy metal's best qualities, and leave behind the rougher,
less musical stuff.  another comparison:  geoff tate and ray alder, ryche and
fates singers respectively, are both quality vocalist with a clean, enjoyable
voice.  tate might be a wee bit more refined in his style, but alder has an
excellent range also, and can belt out a metal song the way it should be. 
between the two of them they have some of the best voices in metal.  

these bands are not the same, though.  i think it is the choice of subject and
rhythm that really set them apart.  queensryche generally present a social
message in their music, dealing with corruption, moral values, and crime. 
fates warning's songs, virtually all written by lead guitarist jim matheos,
deal with more philosophical and personal themes.  this can be very interesting
at times, especially on the 'no exit' cd.  

rhythm is probably what attracts me most to both of these bands.  queensryche
has been known to use some complicated rhythms, especially on 'rage for order'
(try figuring out the rhythm at the beginning of 'screaming in digital' or in
'chemical youth').  the complexity is very attractive.  i like rage more than i
like 'empire' for this reason.  but fates warning is a different story
altogether when it comes to rhythmic variation and complexity.  a song with a
straight four four time on a fates warning album is a rarity.  they have
mastered odd rhythms that perfectly compliment their offbeat themes.  their two
newer albums were written apparently with the emphasis on this style of
off-beats and guitar riffs that trail off after an un-anticipated count.  their
album titles ironically reflect this style:  there is very little perfect
symmetry or parallels in the phrases of their songs, but in the end the themes
seem even more rounded by the completion of these rhythms.  i really love this
aspect of fates warning's music.

one more comparison:  both bands incorporate beautiful orchestration in their
works.  these guys go beyond the synth and into pianos, violins, classical
percussion, and even horns, and both bands do it fantastically.  they also use
the studio effects to their full advantage, without sounding like computer
music.  

if you want to try out fates warning, go with 'no exit' first, as another post
recommended.  it is heavier than the two latest two albums; they toned down
ever so slightly for symmetry and parallels.  the second side of no exit is one
song with seven parts called 'the ivory gate of dreams'.  i consider this one
of the best works in heavy metal available.  and if you really like exit, try
symmetry and parellels with an open mind for well written, complex metal.

happy headbanging.

peace, -shane s.-
Newsgroups: alt.rock-n-roll.metal