Fates Warning - Fwx

[General Zod]

Label Web Site: http://www.metalblade.com
Band Web Site: http://www.fateswarning.com
Release Date: October 5, 2004

Track Listing:
1) Left Here (6:59)
2) Simple Human (4:03)
3) River Wide Ocean Deep (6:10)
4) Another Perfect Day (4:44)
5) Heal Me (7:39)
6) Sequence #7 (2:13)
7) Crawl (4:22)
8) A Handful of Doubt (5:06)
9) Stranger (With A Familiar Face) (4:01)
10) Wish (6:39)

The aptly titled FWX is FATES WARNING's tenth studio release over the course of a career that's spanned twenty years. During this period, FATES WARNING's sound has evolved as they've continued to mature as musicians, but more importantly, as songwriters. Gone are the epic tracks, the expansive musical interludes, and the odd time signatures. What we find on FWX, is a streamlined FATES WARNING, content with constructing well written songs instead of breaking musical boundaries. And in this respect, FWX is largely a success.

FWX opens with "Left Here". Like most of FWX, "Left Here" is a mid-tempo track that uses layers of instrumentation, fantastic rhythms, and strong melodies that highlight Ray Alder’s emotional voice. Though the instrumentation is layered, and the production thick, the songs never sound cluttered by all that transpires. Except for its sensibilities, FWX might more accurately be categorized as Prog Rock, than as Prog Metal.

"Rivers Wide Oceans Deep", the CD's third track, opens to a heavy keyboard effect accompanied by female vocals singing a middle-eastern melody. The song has a very cold, almost distant feel, which plays perfectly against Ray's warm vocals. By comparison to the verse, the chorus sounds thunderous. As the third track makes its way past the chorus for the second go-round, it begins to become clear that Jim Matheos is through trying to impress us with all that he can do with a guitar, as guitar solos are only conspicuous by their absence.

I'm not sure if it's the balance between guitar and keyboards, the dynamics, the overall sensibilities at play, or simply the similarities in style that have always existed between the two bands, but I find that FWX often reminds me of QUEENSRYCHE's Empire. However, whereas Empire struck me as merely a collection of songs, FWX has a very cohesive feel.

While it would be difficult for me to pick a “standout” track among those remaining, it would be equally as difficult for me to pick out the weakest. Every song here offers the listener something to enjoy; atmosphere, lyrics, instrumentation or Alder’s vocals. Because this release is not intended to overwhelm the listener with simplistic melodies, it might take a few spins before the songs’ hooks find their way into your head. But once they do, you’ll find yourself reaching for this disc regularly.

Overall, FWX is a solid CD that picks up where Disconnected left off. If you enjoyed Disconnected you’ll enjoy FWX, probably more. Just don’t head into this purchase hoping for A Pleasant Shade of Grey, Part II.

Rating: 7/10
Reviewer: General Zod

 

[IOfTheStorm]

Well i disagree with many things you say, but its very well written. Anyway FWX for me is another 10/10.

 

[Papa Josh]

I disagree and agree, but ain't no 10, that's for sure.

 

[Demonspell]

Good review, and I agree that this album is more streamlined than most of their releases except Parallels or Inside Out (both of which I enjoy for the most part, Monument being my favorite FW song). Tracks 7-9 are average at best, the rest range from very good to excellent. A high 8.

 

[General Zod]

It's interesting to see how much disagreement there is on this disc. I don't mean within this thread, as much as I mean on other boards, where FW is a hotter topic. I've seen die-hards call this their finest moment, while others proclaimed this is the end for FW.

Zod

 

[IOfTheStorm]

Its the end of the "Zonder period", not FW. I think that their new album will mark the beginning of their new era. And ok now that the enthusiasm went away, the album gets the 9/10 for me. Its just that their feeling is perfect (10/10)

 

[Firehead]

Good review overall. I personally miss the more Prog Metal approach of their earlier albums but I think that this is a competent release. It reminds me of Tool at certain times.


I'd give it a solid 7 of 10.

 

[Papa Josh]

I like this more than I did when it first came out, but it still doesn't get near as much consistent play as the older stuff did when it came out.

 

[General Zod]

I actually haven't spun this since I reviewed it. I may have to listen to it today.

Zod

 

[The Invisible Guest]

It's interesting to see how much disagreement there is on this disc. I don't mean within this thread, as much as I mean on other boards, where FW is a hotter topic. I've seen die-hards call this their finest moment, while others proclaimed this is the end for FW.

Zod

I think your review is right in line with where I would score it. I think there are like four tracks that get me excited about the disc, but several that are rather boring. For me Fates is a boring band overall, but usually have a handful of tunes on each disc that make it worth a purchase.

Britt