When Fates Warning first released “Night on Bröcken” it had me hooked on the band. As is the case with so many relationships from youth, I lost track of what the band was doing over the years. That’s why it was a great “reunion” of sorts to finally see the band live when they opened for Queensryche on The Verdict Tour at Masquerade Atlanta.
My first thoughts when seeing the bill was that it was an odd pairing. Since I’d lost touch with the music Fates Warning had been putting out, I was just considering their 80’s tunes that reminded me of early Iron Maiden. However their sound progressed into a more technically proficient style, some consider them one of the first prog-metal bands. That night’s 60-minute set was moodier than the record I recalled with diverse songs that were very complementary to the Queensryche bill.
Fates Warning had a great fan base in attendance. The fans were whipped into a frenzy, as the band cruised through numerous peaks and valleys supporting their two newest records, “Live Over Europe” (2018 live album) and “Theories of Flight” (2016). Interestingly, the band also has a $99 VIP package add-on available for fans looking to meet and greet, get items signed, and walk away with pictures, drum stick, and picks.
One thing that is apparent is Fates Warning consists of amazing musicians. The current lineup is Ray Alder (vocals), Jim Matheos (guitars), Joey Vera (bass and vocals), and Bobby Jarzombek (drums). Vera from Armored Saint is a great addition; however some fans will get the chance to see “OG Fates Warning bassist” Joe DiBiase stepping in for a few tour dates when Vera hits the stage with Armored Saint in Athens, Greece. All in all the set was tight and these guys had the crowd in the palm of their hands.
The tour with Queensryche runs through April 3. The bands head up the east coast before travelling westward and wrapping up in Seattle. Recently re-signed to Metal Blade Records, Fates Warning plans to begin working on a new album for 2020 release.
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