THE SPECTRE WITHIN

3.5 stars.This is where FATES WARNING's started to define their own sound. So this is a significant record and better produced than the straight-forward IRON MAIDEN sounding debut "Night On Brocken".This record would pave the way to their masterpiece "Awaken The Guardian".

The opener "Traveler In Time" is a great song that opens with a guitar riff and a clock chiming, that turns into some heavy riffing as Mr. Arch starts to sing. What makes this song so good is John's vocal melodies and the way he holds a note. The guy is incredible. "Orphan Gypsy" opens with heavy sludge like riffs with a guitar melody overtop.The drumming is fantastic and the song becomes an uptempo rocker. "Without A Trace" is another uptempo tune, but something is lacking, it's ok though. "Pirates Of The Underground" opens with some fast paced instrumental work that suddenly stops as a slower riff comes in with vocals.The guitar is really good before the 4 minute mark.

"The Apparition" is an amazing song.The vocals are what makes this song tick. John is doing vocal gymnastics in this one. Nice heavy riffing as well. Without a doubt my favourite song on the record. "Kyrie Eleison" opens with what sounds like monks chanting until a guitar riff blows them away ! More incredible drumming and I love Arch's vocals in this fast paced tune.The final song "Epitath" is the longest and has lots of tempo shifts. In the beginning of this song I was reminded of IRON MAIDEN for the first time on this record.There is some great SABBATH-like bass lines as well as some scorching guitar solos. Incredible song !

I like this album quite a bit but I can't offer up that fourth star.