PERFECT SYMMETRY

I enjoy both Queensrÿche and Dream Theater but can't really get my head around Fates Warning. The reason for that is probably because their music feels too bland and Perfect Symmetry is not an exception. I have difficulty enjoying these compositions due to the band's lack of a clear style or direction. Part Of The Machine features some advanced rhythmic enhancements but other than that it's just a pretty average Progressive Metal composition with typical built up and progression that I think that both of the previously mentioned bands had already perfected on their individual releases i.e.( Operation: Mindcrime and When Dream And Day Unite).

That doesn't mean that this recording is completely useless especially towards the second part of the album where Fates Warning demonstrates some very consistent moments like on tracks like At Fate's Hands and closing number Nothing Left To Say. Still even the composition that I do enjoy don't come close to the quality that I expect from one of the most influential Progressive Metal bands.

My verdict can't really be anything else than good, but non-essential since I don't really dislike Perfect Symmetry. I just don't believe that there is much here for anyone to gain who is not already a fan of the band and their work. Unless of course if you've played all of you favorite late '80s Progressive Metal albums to death and want to seek out new thrills.

**** star songs: A World Apart (5:03) At Fate's Hands (6:59) The Arena (3:19) Chasing Time (3:38) Nothing Left To Say (8:00)

*** star songs: Part Of The Machine (6:16) Through Different Eyes (4:22) Static Acts (4:28)