A TWIST OF FATE (EP)

This is another one I can thank my heavier music-loving kid for introducing me to. I remember Fates Warning from back in the eighties when they were pretty much considered just another metal band, and not a particularly prominent one at that. it seems the band didn’t really take off until after he left in 1987, although I don’t think the two incidents are necessarily related.

Not sure where the guy has been all these years, although I’m sure those familiar with Fates Warning have all the details. No matter, his reemergence on this EP shows the guy hasn’t lost anything in the vocals department. I went back and played a couple of my kid’s early Fates Warning albums just to confirm this, and it’s true. If anything he seems to have developed a bit more control over his voice in the ensuing years since his hiatus.

The lineup is an all-star cast featuring Mike Portney and Fates Warning alumni Jim Matheos and Joey Vera, as well as the very talented Andy Happel on violin and cello. Of the two tracks “Relentless” is the more aggressive and spectacular, although Happel really shines on “Cheyenne” and reminds me a bit of David Ragsdale (Kansas), especially his work guesting on Salem Hill’s ‘Mimi’s Magic Moment’.

Portney is also stunning, and even though I’m not a particularly big fan of either progressive metal or Dream Theater I have to admit the guy is at the top of his craft.

Too bad Arch hasn’t seemed inclined to do more since releasing this five years ago, but it is good to hear him in the studio again and good to know he still has the pipes to pull off a serious and first-rate production. Not essential as far as I’m concerned, but this is an excellent EP and a nice story to boot. Recommended for all metalheads as well as those who appreciate a guy with an incredible range and a strong natural voice.

peace