The originators of true progressive metal, Fates Warning, are back once again. With yet another extension of the sound they’ve cultivated for themselves since 2004’s ‘FWX.’ Their new album, ‘Long Day Good Night’ is the next step in the evolution of modern Fates Warning. Which means that the album is amazing, melodic and full of heavy ass kick asserey.
Since their comeback in 2013, Fates Warning have been kicking major major ass. Taking their rightful spot as prog metals originators. And now they continue to build back their audience while gaining new fans with their modern sound. There are a few similar pattern on ‘Long Day Good Night’ that follow what Fates Warning did on their last album ‘Theories of Flight.’ But this time around the math metal gods are much more indulgent. It’s a long long album. 72 minutes to be exact. Full of kick ass math metal breakdowns, soaring vocals, killer low-end bass work and drums up the keister. Another home run from Fates Warning.
The album opens with ‘The Destination Onward.’ A track that follows the same album opening patters as ‘From the Rooftops’ from the last record, ‘Theories of Flight.’ It starts out with an amniotic yet melodic prog ballad before moving into a slammin’ time changing metal piece. A great way to open a record. The album then moves into ‘Shuttered World’ and ‘Alone We Walk.’ The double pedal, power metal vibe from the former really stands out. While the evolution of ‘Alone We Walk’ keeps the listener on edge with a totally kick ass pay off. ‘Now Comes the Rain’ is a strong ballad. A very straight forward song that should honestly be a radio hit. Displaying that Fates Warning are much more than simply a prog metal band. ‘The Way Home’ keeps the ballad vibes going in the first half of the song. Before moving into one of the more complicated arrangements on the album. It sounds like a heavier version of something you might hear on ‘Perfect Symmetry’ or ‘Pleasant Shade of Gray.’ ‘Under the Sun’ follows the same vain as ‘Now Comes the Rain.’ Which is perfect because it sets up the albums center piece perfectly.
‘Scars’ is the middle and arguably best track on the album. The driving introduction really brings out Joey Vera’s low end on the bass. It stands out, particularly on the chorus. It’s just such a strong chorus. Not to mention the math metal breakdown at the end of the bridge and song. ‘Begin Again’ is an interesting track for Fates Warning. It sounds like some sort of Soundgarden tribute. And they pull it off in spades. The acoustic riff compliments itself by going back and fourth to plugged in and full. A raw, hard rock track. ‘When the Snow Falls’ is the second slowest song on the album. It’s eerie, yet emotional vibe is a welcome addition. You really get that feeling of sitting in the window on a dark winter day; watching the snow fall.
The album kicks back into high gear with ‘Liar.’ It’s just a great, old school hard rock track. Sweet drum fills galore are present here. All with a straight forward, hard driving mentality. ‘Glass Houses’ brings the time changing metal. The intro just drops. A massive two ton heavy track to keep the album moving. The mega prog ‘The Longest Shadow of the Day’ is the penultimate track on the album. Clocking in at 11:29, the nearly instrumental track runs the gamut of what Fates Warning is all about. And as crazy at it can get, it never is written above the audience. Something that can happen in the prog world. The album closes with a very soft, fragile diddy entitled ‘The Last Song.’ Melancholy, it’s a different way to close an album. Instead of a big, huge bang. ‘Long Day Good Night’ ends with a whimper. And a quality whimper at that. The album is another straight down, no skip record.
All in all it’s a phenomenal album. Not just for prog metal head. But for people who like heavy, melodic music in general. Yet another home run from Fates Warning. Here’s to looking into the future and hoping they will produce even more records like this. Can’t wait to catch them on tour when the pandemic fades.
