THEORIES OF FLIGHT

There is a glistening and expansive quality to Fates Warning's twelfth studio album, titled 'Theories of Flight', a very mature progressive metal opus that draws inspiration from the entirety of the band's catalogue and offers a relentless sound that portrays these veterans of the genre as one of the most creative and visionary metal groups to have come out of the United States. Released on Inside Out Music in July of 2016, this record offers a very vivid and emotive ride through the existential narratives of Ray Alder and Jim Matheos as well as exhibiting all the sweeping, moving and richly "decorated" progressive metal sounds that the band had been crafting and navigating for decades. 'Theories of Flight' offers this polished, compelling and dense sound that few bands achieve and the deep emotional resonance of the songs on here is what renders the album quite memorable, complex and rewarding.

With its eight tracks, 'Theories of Flight' explores both "the light and shade" of Fates Warning's music, delivering both the introspective lyrical content that one might expect from the band, and the fabulous melodies that have accompanies most if not all of their studio efforts. These are elevated by the stunning riffs and the gracious guitar work of Jim Matheos all throughout. The passageways between light and heavy are absolutely brilliant, especially on tracks like 'From the Rooftops', 'White Flag' or the masterful 10-minute piece 'The Light and Shade of Things'. Another longer composition explores the band's progressive side - 'The Ghosts of Home' has some of the most intricate and quirky instrumental passages of the entire album, while other fantastic songs on here have a more "marketable" metal sounds and instead impress with the excellent writing and all the memorable hooks within, think of 'Seven Stars' or 'SOS'. Closing off the album in the instrumental title track, a well-constructed and somewhat nostalgic piece.

'Theories of Flight' is exceptional and one can surely consider it a milestone for Fates Warning - from the bold and technical riffs to the elegant melodies and the darker, melancholic tones, there is very little left to ask for from an album that explores various forms of progressive metal. Nearly a decade-old as of 2025, this classic ranks among the finest FW releases.

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