#4 - Top of 2011

Arch-Matheos Sympathetic Resonance (Metal Blade)

In number 4 of the top albums of 2011 we have what has been pegged as the best Fates Warning album in over a decade: the collaborative project between the perennial lead guitarist of Fates and their old singer John Arch. This project is realistically the closest thing to a Arch reunion with Fates and to be honest it really sounds like not a single day has passed since Arch left the band! The chemistry is there, the epic vocals are there, everything just ... fits! The album  opens with 'Neurotically Wired', and immediately the vocals of Arch shine through, along with some stunning time signature changes and an overall a strong prog metal vibe. 'Midnight Serenade' has a sick chorus and is followed by the longest track ,'Stained Glass Sky'. This features amazing lead guitar work and is truly a Fates Warning Classic. 'On the Fence' is more emotional, a power ballad of sorts, and particularly shines with Matheos' lead breaks and guitar tones. 'Any Given Day (Strangers like me)' begins with wonderful instrumentation, and acoustic vibrations, building up into an amazing music break. The closer 'Incense and Myrrh', is a short and powerull track with many emotional vibes in it.
This is truly a collaboration that no fan of early progressive metal should miss.

95/100


Below is the music video for  'Midnight Serenade'.