Darkness in a Different Light

Nine long years, had gone by until suddenly Darkness 'Arrived' In a Different Light to ecstatic Fates Warning fans. I have been listening to the album non-stop and each listen brings me emphatically to the conclusion; it is one of the finest progressive metal releases of 2013.

Now, to substantiate my statement above. The return of Frank Aresti to the band has uplifted the guitar riffs, each of which are honed to complement, lead or trail the second, stalwart guitarist of the band, Jim Matheos. Matheos has been and seen all that the fates can hold for Fates Warning through the long years and has been steadfast in his loyalty and contribution to the growth of the band, since '86. The scorching opener, 'One Thousand Fires', 'Into the Black' have riffs, solos and hooks that are jaw-dropping with subtle time signatures written all over them. The keyboards are gone and overall the album resonates a heavier sound.

It was around mid-Aug, when the FW camp introduced us to their first single 'Firefly'. I remember hearing the song and then reading what Ray Alder had to say about the song and his career in general. He saw fireflies outside the studio and hadn't seen them in a long time which abound his hometown in San Antonio.
Ray's job was never easy, to ingratiate Arch fans and then cement his position, as the helmsman of Fates Warning. He proved capable in every sense of the term and has been phenomenal since the No Exit days. His side projects, Redemption has been equally successful and Engine to a lesser degree! In this album, I find his high pitches more subtly placed, perfectly mixed with his normal voice. A good example of this is the 'I Am' track. The unmistakable passion in his voice has mesmerized audiences worldwide.

The departure of John Arch, also saw the marked change in fantasy laden themes in the songs. Lyrically, they evolved to a gathering sense of darkness, impending gloom and slim hopes disguised in 'pleasant' shades of gray and white. Then there are recurring motifs of seasons, seas, time (both elapsed and the present), clouded skies, lands awash with rain and the burning sun. To convey this same feeling of darkness, quite a few tracks deliberately build up slow, seemingly suspending time and then like a storm they pour forth their fury. 'O Chloroform' and 'Lighthouse' from this album best fits this aforementioned style. For those, not in the knowing, Kevin Moore has contributed to the lyrics of O Chloroform.

Bobby Jarzombek's playing style on the drums is also reminiscent of a heavy metal drummer, having mastered his art. I must mention the epic closer and the longest track on the album, 'Yet It Moves'. It's humble acoustic beginnings seamlessly giving way to the battery charge and the electric guitars create an atmosphere that no metal fan can shy away from, without headbanging. The progressive elements are oozing out of every pore of the track and the ending section showcases another section of monumental acoustic prowess, starting at the 9:03 mark. Yes, this will move masses, yet!
' Falling, Floating
Lost and far from Home
Dreaming, Drifting
Destination Unknown '
The musicianship is flawless throughout, the quality is great, the bass is audible. InsideOut Music has clinched a winner.

After the effusive praise, here's some critiquing and hence not the perfect score. Track #3 'Desire' is really a bad one and doesn't live up to the quality of the others. Was this supposed to please some rock station on the radio? They don't deserve to play progressive, as they just aren't progressive enough. 'Falling' I suppose, was a filler track, just past a minute a length. It has Alder speaking mostly words of wisdom to the strumming of the acoustic guitars.

As I write this, they are selling venues out in Europe. I cannot wait to see them here in the US. Hail the Fates, may your thread keep spinning forever.