PARALLELS

The modified sound signatures continue on the "Parallels". The first track is really promising as there is not only virtuoso playing present but also a well defined track behind despite the lack of catchy melody.

The next song "Life in still water" shows the first sign of a general problem - the band is stretching a 30-second idea to almost 6 minutes trying to execute it multiple times and decorate it with drums. It's OK if you just focus on playing but it also shows sloppy songwriting. The problem continues to reappear until the end of the album. How do longer pieces fare on this album? Well. they are not epic and filled with notes any longer as during the classic metal era. They are no less ambitious though, as you can hear progressive playing with little repetition and shifts in dynamics. Fates Warning, more than on the previous album, flirts with commercial appeal as observed in quieter moments such as "We only say goodbye" and in particular "The road goes on forever". To me, the singer's voice does not fit this style of music because it remains disruptive. I have mixed feelings about this album but would generally recommend it to FW fans.