Customer Reviews

Parallels

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Dismissing this album as being too commercial is a senseless distortion by those who beleive that all progressive metal has to be densely packed with a million notes, changes and every technique or range that the great musicians in question can come up with.

This album is densely packed by some of the most solid, mature songwriting you will find in the progressive metal style. Yes it does have memorable melodies and is not the most technically complex album FW have made, but it also rewards countless listening sessions due to its understatedly complex rhythms and melodies and emotional power.

Stunning drum-work by Zonder, as always, a beautiful fat bass tone and great guitar work.

Forget about those who mistake its maturity, relative accessability and elegance for commercialism.

This is an absolute essential for anybody with a taste for intelligent metal or progressive music generally.

What seems to be misunderstood about this album is its conceptual nature. All eight songs, unified by Jim Matheos' lyrics, deal with a fragmenting relationship and the emotional turmoil accompanying it. (It should be obvious enough considering the album begins and starts with the same three lines... that's always a dead giveaway.) There is a strong main theme here, dealing with dichotomies and emotional differences (note the cover design), with a heavy emphasis on the pronouns "I" and "you." When "we" is used, it is usually with a lamenting tone ("We Only Say Goodbye" is the obvious example.) Even with this morose lyrical subject, the album is sometimes exhilarating melodic metal. "Point of View" and "Don't Follow Me" are intense works of speedy riffs and Mark Zonder's hectic drumming. The rest of the album is mostly low-key, focusing on melody, Ray Alder's conveyance of the lyrics, and emotion. "The Eleventh Hour" is the album's most challenging track. It is heavy on atmosphere, subtleties, and even the fast, menacing riffs in the middle feature a sense of misery that keeps one from "rocking" with them. This is an excellent, underrated part of Fates Warning's catalogue.

Fifteen years! That's how long Parallels sat gathering dust on the shelf after I purchased it. Oh, I listened to it once or twice when it first came out; just enough to deem it unimpressive. The dust that gathered on the cd cleared up a bit each of the dozen times I moved from apartment to apartment over the next 15 years, but I never played it during that period - not once. Finally, about a year ago, I made my first acquaintance with an 80GB Ipod, and decided I had enough room to dump nearly all of my cd collection onto it without worrying that some of the music was unlistenable pap (Does anyone want my Radio Active Cats album? Anyone? Please, I tried to sell it back to the used cd store where I bought it - something I never do except in the most extreme of cases - but the counter clerk just laughed claiming he'd never have sold me something as awful as R.A.C.).

Last winter, I carried that magical ipod with me for a long stay in the Ethiopian highlands. Many months of foggy days and frigid nights spent in near isolation provided me with a wonderful opportunity to re-explore my music collection. By April, I'd begun scraping the bottom of the barrel - and that's where I found Parallels. I sure didn't expect much from it, and on first listen, I was not especially impressed - `meandering songs that seemed to go nowhere' was my conclusion. Still, something I heard told me to give it a second chance, and about a week later, I listened to that little voice in my head and dutifully played Parallels again.

Suddenly, it was like puzzle pieces that had been lying in a heap in a corner of the basement came together and formed a beautiful picture. I was almost overwhelmed by the beauty of Parallels - a mournful, yet uplifting, song cycle where every note seems perfectly chosen. I felt a certain `giddiness' at having discovered a lost classic in my music collection that was sure to continue growing on me for months, perhaps years, to come. Repeated listens over the remainder of my stay in the highlands revealed an album that combined clinical musical precision with exceptional emotional weight to an extent I'd never heard before. From the galloping bass line of `Point of View' to the soaring vocals of `Life in Still Water', Parallels is never less than satisfying, achieving a level of consistency and emotional resonance shared by very few albums in my collection. And to think Parallels had been sitting unplayed on the shelf for 15 years before my new ipod gave it the opportunity to capture my attention.

Upon my return from Ethiopia about a month ago, I ordered a copy of Parallels for my sister whom I was sure would love it (she does) and set to work building up a collection of Fates Warning cds for myself. I doubt any of their other albums will have the same staggering effect on me as Parallels but I sure look forward to exploring the remainder of Fates Warning's catalogue nevertheless. I hope that my rediscovery of Parallels will strike a chord with others, either by inspiring people to buy Parallels and experience this special album or by inspiring them to give some of the albums long-buried in their collections a second chance. The next album that captures your imagination might just be one that has been sitting neglected on a shelf in your home or in the deepest recesses of your ipod. Unless your entire collection consists of albums by the Radio Active Cats, that is. If you find yourself in that alarming situation, you'll need to go out and buy some new albums immediately - preferably starting with Parallels.

Upon my introduction into progressive music with the likes of Emerson,Lake and Palmer, Kansas, and Queensryche (to name a few), I was fortunate to come across this CD in a pawn shop; I had some idea who Fates Warning was but I had no solid remembrance of them through their music. Oh my, what I was missing..Up to this day, thanks to Parallels, I have several of the Fates Warning catalog, and continue to enjoy most of them.
But to me, this album is the most emotionally dark and lyrically challenging of them all, speaking clearly, when you listen, of relationships beginning to fail. 'Leave the past behind' begins the album, and one can already feel the tension that is about to unfold in each of these amazing songs. Between the focused drumming of Mark Zonder, the subtle and melodious guitar-playing of Jim Matheos, and the stunning vocals of Ray Alder, an almost perfect combination develops between these musicians, complemented also by guitar work from Frank Aresti and Joe Dibiase. Forget the reviews you read here about the commercial
tones of this recording: this band has never sounded better and appeals to a larger group of fans with Parallels. I found myself captivated by the melody and meaning of 'Life in still water' which reminds us where all relationships go to in time, troubled yet intact. And just when you think that no more could be said about it, along travels the rest of the album, always inviting the listener to keep listening..'Eye to eye' probably being the most radio-friendly of all of the compositions but its meaning still emotionally connected to the rest of these wonderful songs.
When 'The Eleventh Hour' appears, one feels the frustration of the performers, and I sometimes wonder which band member or members have gone through this painful process to speak the messages so clearly and at the same time, lets the listener feel it as well. 'Point of view' can be self-explanatory but none-the-less effective, and then we are brought to 'We only say goodbye', which remains one of my favorites. You finally feel the overall frustration and negativity that arises from our faltering connections with people in 'Don't follow me' and concluding with a not-so-happy, but highly touching ending in 'The Road goes on forever', a song that unexpectedly has become a personal favorite of mine by Fates..By the time you finish listening to this remarkable album, you feel a certain reality about your own relationships and a strength and understanding that as long as we all are here, this is the way it is meant to be.. Listen to 'Parallels'.. I assure you it will become a part of what you are and what you will encounter..

Fates Warning decided to write an insightful and complex album that will appeal and reflect every listener. Such a difficult and complex work for a band to do. Without much trouble they succeeded! That is what parallels is all about. 8 songs dealing with everyday human life matters and while they sound simple there is much more to them that meets the eye. The songs are not as complex as their later works but one can easily notice the work given to every song. This is a very nice album to get to know the band as it's very simple to listen and fully abbrevate. Highly recommended!

Fates Warning is an amazingly talented and underrated band. 'Parallels' is an incredible, highly engaging, world class piece of prog metal music. It is VERY dynamic, with gorgeous, subtle soft musical passages and vocals interspersed with heavier riffing and wails that showcase diversity and raw heartfelt emotion. They have that powerful, clockwork early Queensryche sound but with their own original signature. Truly one of the best hard rock/prog rock bands EVER.

This is the definition of progressive metal. While accessible, the intricacies and subtlety that lie below the surface will amaze any discerning listener. Like a fine wine or high end audio system only those who listen carefully or those who know will be able to detect the sheer genius in the songwriting on this album. How many modern "progmetal" bands have aspired to be what Fates was and is, including the mighty Dream Theater, even they could not reach the subtlety of Fates. The drumming by Mark Zonder on this album is beyond phenomenal, the guitar riffs are incredible. I guess you would say this is Frank Aresti's swan song as this was his best collaborative work with Jim Matheos ever, the dual guitars creating layered melodies. Every track is a monument unto itself.

If it hadn't been for Parallels I probably would have never have given Fates Warning much of a chance, but this disc is absolutely mesmerizing as is their 1997 epic "A Pleasant Shade of Gray."

I'll admit that I've been critical of many of FW's releases, in fact I'm still waiting for "FWX" to grow on me, but I'm giving it a fair chance. However, no such wait was necessary with "Parallels," for it I have only positive things to say. And kudos to a band that can have as much staying power and build as loyal a fan base as Fates Warning.

***** - FIVE STARS
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To be quite honest, "Parallels" changed my life....

This is Fates Warnings most mature, and polished effort from start to finish. Most Fates supporters will not argue that, although some may not agree it's their finest hour. Well I think it is, and I've been a Fates fan since "Night On Broken" was released in the early 80's....

There is just something very special about this release. I can't really explain it. It's so deep, and emotional, that you feel like you're there when you listen to it....

The production is incredible, the music crystal clear, crisp and tight. It's rare to find a release that has zero flaws, but "Paralles" is among one of the best balanced, and most inspiring efforts Fates has ever produced in my opinion. I could go on forever about how much I love "Paralles", but to truly understand, you must experience it for yourself....

This is one band that has NEVER fallen off it's mark to please the listener. Every Fates release in history is it's own wonderful ride. I highly recommend their latest "FWX" as well....

FATES WARNING = 25 Years Of Excellence!!!

1991's Parallels is, in my opinion, a great place to start with Fates Warning, especially if you've never heard them before. As much as I love the John Arch-era of the band, I feel Parallels marks their perfect transition from their old school roots to their more atmospheric experimental prog phase. This album lies somewhere in between with guitarist Jim Matheos focusing his attention and power on more concise songs, developed melodies and mapped out compositions. Unlike the band's earlier material, all songs are entirely written by Matheos; and therefore more defined and purposeful. Vocalist Ray Alder is more established and sings with more confidence. He is no longer trying to please the older Arch-era fans, but going for his own musical expression. Another new member, Mark Zonder, adds his unique drumming skills with a lot more subtlety, compared to Perfect Symmetry, his debut with the band. Second guitarist Frank Aresti and bassist John DiBiase are still present, but their impact is less forceful than before, as they take a back seat when it comes to the songwriting.

Parallels also marks the band's marriage with successful producer Terry Brown, formerly of Rush fame. Finally a Fates Warning album sounds complete in every aspect, including production. The mix is sparse and crisp giving the songs a fresh feel. Jim Matheos' guitar arrangements have grown more complex and Ray Alder's vocals are more upfront. No wonder why Fates Warning would have Terry Brown do their upcoming releases as well. He certainly does a flawless job. The songwriting is very melodic, but not in a syrupy sense. Not for second is the melodic approach sacrificed, yet there are still heavy riffs with metallic drive and fluctuating time signatures emphasized by Mark Zonder's odd metered drumming and delightful polyrhytmics. Jim Matheos and Frank Aresti quite possibly play my favourite guitar solo on the opener, "Leave the Past Behind". It's a melodic solo that builds slowly upon dark acoustic guitars and transforms into a melodic metal assault with fluid arpeggios. DiBiase's bass is tightly woven with Zonder's progressive drumming and forms the backbone of the music.

The second track, "Life in Still Water", is a headturner with its killer opening riff and Mark Zonder's fantastic drumming. Zonder adds tasteful fills in odd times whilst Ray Alder graces the song with strong vocal melodies. Dream Theater's James Labrie also appears here as a guest, and sings verses in a contrasting tone and phrasing. Parallels was Fates Warning's most 'commercial' sounding disc which, at first, turned some die-hards off, but all these so-called mainstream tunes easily stood the test of time. I saw Fates Warning live last week and it was a pleasure to see them playing songs like "Eye to Eye" and "Point of View". Both songs are characterized by ear-catching melodies and Ray Alder's catchy singing. However, they are far from commerical hit attempts as the latter features a duelling guitar solo from Matheos and Aresti, which could easily wipe the floor with any other 'commercial' hit from 1991 or whatever year. "We Only Say Goodbye" is the power ballad that pulls at the heart strings and is still heavily requested in their live performances.

The album does have its progressive moments as well. Take the epic track, "The Eleventh Hour", for example. This is the centrepiece of Parallels. It starts off with shimmering acoustic guitars and profound vocals before it erupts into a mind-boggling prog metal assault with dynamic shifts of mood and textures. The melodic riffs introduced in the intro split into tremendous virtuosity solos. This was another song Fates Warning did in the concert, and as soon as it started, the whole venue filled with intense emotion. A true classic indeed.

Most melodic metal bands with prog nuances or vice versa should know this record by heart. This is where it all started. This is where people no longer ignored the fact that an album could be both progressive and melodic at the same time. Like I said, Parallels is a good album to get into Fates Warning. It sure does not represent the band's whole versatility and entire back catalog, but rather than turning people off with albums like Disconnected or Spectre Within, it is relatively a more fitting recommendation. If you like this, you'll love their 1994 release Inside Out as well. If you, however, want something heavier, all you need is to go backwards and pick up Perfect Symmetry. That should give you some idea of this amazing band's growth and metamorphosis. Then you can concentrate on their earlier 80's releases and late-90's masterpiece, A Pleasant Shade of Gray.