SYMPATHETIC RESONANCE

This is the album i've been anticipating the most in 2011. Hearing that John Arch was back in the saddle again really got me excited, especially since his "Twist Of Fate" album is one of my all time favourites, and also the legendary FATES WARNING are my favourite Metal band of all time. Every member (Arch, Matheos, Aresti, Vera and Jarzombek) in this band were part of FATES WARNING at some point and that's very cool. I should mention too that this isn't supposed to be a one off project but a band that will continue to make records. I really hope that's true. I was surprised at how dense and heavy this album is. Sure it's complex but this reminded me of the "Awaken The Guardian" days and I didn't see that coming. Jim Matheos has for many years now sort of gotten away from this heavy style and turned toward a more atmospheric one as seen in OSI and latter FATES WARNING albums. Well this record kicks some serious ass.

"Neurotically Wired" opens in a dark manner as reserved vocals join in. It kicks in heavily after a minute and vocal melodies follow. Hell yeah they do. The guitar grinds it out then the drums kick in followed by vocals. No I can't stop smiling at this point. I'm moved on the chorus each time by John's vocals. Kicking ass and taking names before 9 1/2 minutes. What a song !

"Midnight Serenade" opens with atmosphere then we get riffs before a minute before it kicks in with vocals. Nice guitar 5 minutes in to end it. Love this track.

"Stained Glass Sky" is the longest at almost 14 minutes. It hits the ground running with a killer instrumental section. Check out the guitar 3 minutes in then the vocals join in. It calms right down with some beautiful guitar 8 1/2 minutes in and the vocals follow. It's heavy duty again before 10 1/2 minutes. It settles briefly before 12 1/2 minutes before kicking back in. "On The Fence" is one of my favourites and it opens with picked guitar as it builds. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. This is a dark and heavy ride. It ends as it began with picked guitar. "Any Given Day(Strangers Like Me)" opens heavily as we get an all out assault. Vocals before 2 minutes.The guitar lights it up after 5 minutes then it settles 7 1/2 minutes in. It kicks back in a minute later. Such a great sound with those vocals. "Incense And Myrrh" opens with strummed guitar and laid back vocals. It's heavier after 2 minutes thankfully and the tempo picks up too.

I know a lot of FATES WARNING fans have been waiting for an album like this from the band and I must admit I thought it would never happen. Sure this isn't officially FATES WARNING but unofficially it is. Complex and heavy with Arch on vocals. Am i dreaming ?