Review by Grande-rock.com - octobre 2004

 

FATES WARNING
FWX
(Metal blade)

What a bittersweet taste is the one I feel??? One of the most
innovative, intelligent and breathtaking bands of modern music history
creates one more monument, which however implies that it might be the
last effort of the group. At least this is what I have figured out by
interviews of the band. Not for sure, but it seems that even if they
keep going, they will only visit us rarely... and definitelly without
the absolute drum god Mark Zonder who left the band, after sealing its
sound in six studio albums.

To be honest I don´t see any point in writting this review. First of all
there is nothing new in me writting that the latest album of the band
is a masterpiece, as Fates since 1986 have only released monumental
albums - this couldn´t change now. Second, Fates´ fans have already
bought the album, they don´t wait for any kind of review as new
releases from the band are like oxygen to us. As for those who keep
ignoring the band... well, this is bad for them. After all Fates seem
to have understood that they mark their own lonely way and are not
looking for a commercial break since the "Parallels" album back in the
early 90´s.

I think that the band is among the few which push music to the limits,
open new ways, experiment on the edge, without losing the substance of
music: that it is an art created to touch the deepest human feelings.
This is what Fates managed to accomplish all over the years, both with
their music and the lyrics - that seem that band´s members always have
a way to find out what´s happening to our lives. Yet Fates seem to be
neglected... as happens with all great artists during their time. After
all they seem to be so far beyond! Listen for example to "Perfect
Symmetry" which was composed in 1989 and is still considered
progressive even for the 00´?s.

Now, in musical terms the band seems to follow a more direct and heavier
path than in its recent past. Without loosing the complicated forms,
the tracks seem to be more solid - with a rather clear-cut structure.
There aren´t very long songs (like in the ´Disconnected´ album).
Nevertheless the melodies, riffs and drums are still so "twisted" (in
the good sense) and neurotic that bare the trademark sound of the band.
I could say that this is their most ?down to earth? album since
"Parallels" (yet so different than that). Forget "pop" progressive and
the trend of its mixture with AOR-rock elements. Here we have one of
the most intelligent bands ever, which decided to open it heart in
order to present its humane look. For reasons I mentioned earlier the
mark here has no meaning ? it´s just for typical reasons.

by Alex Savatianos 9,5/10