Is Fates Warning underrated?

They're not too underrated here, just not mentioned particularly often. I feel like they're constantly overshadowed by their peers Dream Theater, Queensryche, and Symphony X a little too much.

I would say they are under rated.  Not just from the standpoint of criminally overlooked by the populace in general...but even by their own fan base.    Generally, you have fans that like a certain era(s) while dismissing others.    It's actually pretty cool to grow with band.  When I discovered them in '83, I was into what they were doing.   As I grew, they grew with me.    As a consequence, I personally love every note they've ever played.  

I do not very often listen to FW. But whenever I do, I really enjoy them. The thing with FW is I have to be in a certain mood. Its not "everyday music". For example, A Pleasant Shade of Grey is masterpiece! But I usually only once or twice per year feel like listening to it.
So, I don't think they are underrated. They just occupy a very special niche.

What is strange is that no Fates Warning album has been rated more than 250 times at PA, and this is a site that goes crazy for progressive metal.  I am not saying the amount of ratings can transcend to popularity, but it does mean something.

I think you have to be in a mood to listen to any type of music.  My everyday music is usually the newest stuff that I bought and will play to death until I have to go back through my catalog.

Hi  

I believe so yes they don't get nearly enough credit as they should Awaken The Guardian deserves to be up there with Operation Mindcrime and Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory in the pantheon of essential prog metal albums.

jammindude wrote: I would say they are under rated.  Not just from the standpoint of criminally overlooked by the populace in general...but even by their own fan base.    Generally, you have fans that like a certain era(s) while dismissing others.    It's actually pretty cool to grow with band.  When I discovered them in '83, I was into what they were doing.   As I grew, they grew with me.    As a consequence, I personally love every note they've ever played.

Fates Warning I think are quite underrated in my opinion. I mean sure people who are serious and know progressive rock very well in general have either heard about about FW or know that they are a band that helped build a whole sub genre of prog with 'progressive metal.' I think a lot can be said about just how good FATES truly are and the best part is they are still making music that is both relevant and flat-out sounds bloody amazing.

I did write more or less a pretty one-sided enthusiastic review for their latest album. Lets just say that I think personally I could not bare to wait another 9 years for an album release. I'm on a Fates High right now, so I maybe thinking rather biasedly with my line of thinking feeling that they are super-underrated! I think Fates Warning should have the same exposure and success that Metallica has had. I really honestly feel that isn't stretching it at all.

Anyway. Here is my review if anyone is interested. It's a bit long-winded but I couldn't help myself. Lol

http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=1129821

I still need to get their latest, it's on my list. I'm a sucker for the related projects as well like OSI, Chroma Key, John Arch solo and the album he did with Matheos recently.

progbethyname wrote: Mellotron Storm wrote: I still need to get their latest, it's on my list. I'm a sucker for the related projects as well like OSI, Chroma Key, John Arch solo and the album he did with Matheos recently. Nice review Mr. Progbethyname, it certainly has me itching to get it. John I think you'll give it at least a 4. It grows on you fast! It moves buddy...it moves. ;) Thanks for your kind words as well. Oh and try to get the 2cd special edition. The 2nd disc although just has 4 tracks on it is a very good listen. :)