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In Reply to: RE: Favorite new recording of 2016?... posted by musetap on December 26, 2016 at 20:57:16
Here's one, which is making its way onto many "Best of 2016" lists. On the surface, Fates Warning sound like they did in the early-to-mid 90s. Amazingly, lead vocalist Ray Alder's voice really hasn't aged much. But you may have to be a mature and/or veteran listener, to listen at length, dig deeper, and latch on the intricate interplay, which forms the tapestry as a whole.Guitarist Jim Matheos wrote all of the songs. Interestingly, the album is left in the order in which Matheos thought up the songs. It also comes with a bonus disc, consisting of six acoustic tracks, only one of which, "Seven Stars," is on the album proper. Of the acoustic tracks, do not miss "Pray Your Gods."
Now for the fun part. On the main album, the band has the patience and mastery, to allow the songs to rise and fall, build and breathe, develop and unfold. Whether you listen via headphones or loudspeakers, the album's professional recording allows you (a) to follow the individual instrumental threads, which are finely crafted and expertly played; or (b) to check out how the sounds blend, play off each other, and create a musical whole. Yes, you will hear and identify elements of Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, and Rush. And then, when you reach into your rock music mind/archive, it hits you. If, for example, the band Paramore were to mature, Theories Of Flight is what they should strive to be. This is a blueprint for what talented, craft-oriented, intelligent, and complex bands can become.
"The Light And Shade Of Things" and "The Ghosts Of Home" both clock in at over 10 minutes. But because they move and progress, these two songs elapse quickly, do not feel like they are over 10 minutes long. One of my introspective favorites of the year, "The Light And Shade Of Things" is linked below.
Even if you are not well-versed in prog rock, Theories Of Flight lends itself to you, as an individual, exploring, and investigating, and researching. It's not a rough ride, or a dense and impenetrable wall of sound, as are many of today's rock albums. You can enjoy it now, and then appreciate its complexities later. It can also serve as a springboard for you to learn, or brush up on, your prog rock history.
Pictured is the Japanese pressing of Theories Of Flight, MICP-90093. I have not heard other pressings, so I am not at liberty to comment. But I can tell you that this Japanese CD sounds fine.
-Lummy The Loch Monster
Edits: 12/27/16Follow Ups:
2nd Note;
Metal has had quite the year in 2016. The "old" guys- Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer and Testament all, really "brought it to the fans!".
Thanks! -Lummy
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