finetune artist: Fates Warning

Formed in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, in 1982, initially as Misfit, the original line-up of Fates Warning consisted of John Arch (vocals), Jim Matheos (guitar), Victor Arduini (guitar), Joe DiBiase (bass) and Steve Zimmerman (drums). After a couple of early demos the band were invited to contribute a track ("Soldier Boy") to the Metal Massacre V compilation, released on Metal Blade Records in 1984. The label immediately signed the band to a long-term recording agreement and released the debut album, entitled Night On Brcken, in the same year. The album was very reminiscent of early Iron Maiden, both in the compositions and Arch's vocal style. The Spectre Within followed in 1985, but shortly after its release guitarist Arduini left the band to be replaced by Frank Aresti. Awaken The Guardian showed the band's music to be more progressive and complex than first impressions had suggested. However, vocalist John Arch was unhappy with the musical direction that Fates Warning had begun to pursue and left, but was soon replaced by Ray Alder, whose voice was better suited to the material. This was most noticeable on No Exit. Released in 1988, it was widely recognized as the band's finest work to date, partially thanks to producer Max Norman, who strove for a clean, Queensrche-like sound. Soon after its release, Zimmerman left the band to be replaced by Mark Zonder. Perfect Symmetry was released in 1989 after the band had completed a couple of rather uneasy European tours. The result was an album that in some places sounded orchestral in its arrangements, and featured Dream Theater keyboard player Kevin Moore as a guest musician. With the next album, Parallels, released in 1991, the band returned to their earlier techno-pomp metal influences. It was well received by the press, who were beginning to acknowledge a band who had a lot to offer and deserved more recognition than had previously been awarded them.

Listen to Fates Warning at Finetune.

Fata Morgana
Retrospect: Aquiescence: Whispers On the Wind: Ivory Tower: Quetus: Daylight Dreamers: Cold Daze: Innocence: the Ivory Gate of Dreams
Retrospect: Silent Cries
Guardian
Through Different Eyes