Fates Warning

Fates Warning are an influential heavy metal-progressive metal band from Connecticut, USA.

History

During their debut years, concretized with the album "Night on Bröcken", a noticeable Iron Maiden influence characterised their style. With the departure of guitarist Victor Arduini, and the experience of the first album, their style evolved towards a progressive metal sound (best expressed in the albums "The Spectre Within" and "Awaken the Guardian"). Alongside Queensrÿche and a few years later Dream Theater, Fates Warning would be the most visible exponents of prog metal. It would be incorrect to declare that any one of the three single-handedly invented prog metal, especially considering that Iron Maiden published "Hallowed Be Thy Name" and "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" well before any of them. However, Fates Warning were arguably the band that adopted a consistently progressive metal style, contributing more towards the establishment of the genre.

The popularity of their first three albums owes much to the lead singer John Arch, especially for his vocal approach (reminiscent of Bruce Dickinson), and his lyrics which deal mainly with fantasy themes (a trait of progressive rock, but not uncommon for the heavy metal of the '80s either).

After the third album and the departure of John Arch a new vocalist, Ray Alder, joined the band. The band shifted towards more introspective lyrics and a more ominous sound. Their music also became more elaborate and, also fitting for a progressive band, their albums began to explore well defined and narrow themes (concept album). Later on, after the arrival of drummer Mark Zonder (on Perfect Symmetry), their style began to change towards progressive rock, and leaving behind much of their metal influence.

Discography

Night on Bröcken (1984)
The Spectre Within (1985)
Awaken the Guardian (1986)
No Exit (1988)
Perfect Symmetry (1989)
Parallels (1991)
Inside Out (1994)
Chasing Time (compilation) (1995)
A Pleasant Shade of Gray (1997)
Still Life (live) (1998)
Disconnected (2000)
FWX (2004)

Videography

Live In Athens (2005- DVD)

Lineup

Jim Matheos - Guitar
Ray Alder - Vocals
Joey Vera - Bass
Mark Zonder - Drums

(Mark did not join Fates Warning on their 2005 tour, (with Spock's Beard drummer/vocalist Nick D'Virgilio taking the kit). It is unclear if he will continue to play for the band's next studio album)

Former members

John Arch - vocals (1982-87)
Chris Cronk - vocals (1987)
Victor Arduini - guitars (1982-86)
Frank Aresti - guitars (1986-96)
Joe DiBiase - bass (1982-96)
Steve Zimmermann - drums (1982-88)

External links

American heavy metal musical groups | Progressive metal | Metal Blade Records artists