Ray Alder
II

Apparently, the adventure of Fates Warning, at least the discographic one, has come to an end. Several clues pointed to this, first a podcast (prior to the release of the band's last album) where the future of the band was already questioned, then the last track of the last album titled "The Last Song," followed by Jeff Wagner's statements (author of the group's biography), transitioning to the band's social media profiles suddenly becoming an open-air photo album... up to the official declaration by the band itself regarding their intention not to release new material, a statement that merely confirms what was already in the air. Let's say that after 40 years of career, the end can also be accepted; after all, they were the band that pushed metal towards unprecedented complexity and a progressive destination. However, there is a bit of sadness because "Long Day Good Night" was a leap forward toward a depth never reached before; it perhaps could have opened a new conversation. Now we turn the page, and we will see various band members releasing new material only in other projects, either collective or solo.

For example, vocalist Ray Alder, who already had a solo album released four years ago, now comes out with a second work. It is simply titled “II”, a simple Roman numeral represented on a plain but quite impactful cover, a black background with two slightly scribbled red diagonal bars, a concrete example of how to make a simple yet beautiful cover. It's not the abstract picturesque painting of the first album but it's not bad at all.

From a musical point of view, however, there are several things to reconsider. First and foremost, the album is more metal than the previous one, and I don't know if the choice is really spot-on; the first album was not a masterpiece, but it showed its best in the more melodic sections, failing instead when the riffs became more intense. As a metal album, it is not exactly top-notch; the riffs don't seem exactly brilliant and captivating, it's a bit of discount metal, it's good but not groundbreaking. It feels the absence of Jim Matheos; Mike Abdow tries to imitate him but can't succeed. Increasing the quantity of metal without increasing the quality can produce a contrary effect, potentially lowering the album's overall level, it’s a mathematical issue of proportions. This does not prevent “My Oblivion” and “Hands of Time” from being quite good tracks; the first manages a good compromise between power and melody by integrating more or less heavy riffs with melodic guitar touches, while the second stands out for its technical passages in the middle section that bring it closer to true prog-metal. A track that truly deserves attention is “Waiting for Some Sun”, the track that stands out the most from the rest, attempting an unusual djent excursion in the entire Fates Warning universe, featuring riffs akin to small whips combined with electronic splashes that are also not too familiar.

But as already mentioned, it’s in the more delicate things where we find the best ideas, the most refined parts. While I liked the first album mainly for its melodic side, this one also performs better when the spirits calm down. In the opening track “This Hollow Shell”, the guitars are barely brushed, and the riffs are hypnotic, but it is in “Keep Wandering” where this aspect is properly explored; the riffs are almost lulling, like caresses. I am of the opinion that if one wanted to give a purpose to Alder’s solo project, it could be found in the melodic, even at the cost of setting metal aside. Not only from an instrumental perspective but also considering the vocal aspect, remembering that it's the solo adventure of a vocalist, not an instrumentalist. If this were done, perhaps some of the aggression shown in the more intense parts would be lost, but Alder’s melodramatic abilities could be showcased, of which he has plenty.

Overall, we have a more than sufficient album, which we could rate roughly at 6 and ½, the classic disc that accompanies you pleasantly over the period of its release but is not destined to be etched in memory. It’s clear they are not Fates Warning; they rather seem like softened Fates Warning, and it’s the sensation felt with other recently released projects as well. A-Z comes to mind, where besides Alder there is Mark Zonder, the first self-titled album is quite good, it has good ideas but it doesn’t stand out either. At least there’s a stratospheric Zonder; the Kings of Mercia by Matheos also come to mind but they tired me after very few listens, it seemed like a watery metallic hard rock and a bit harmless. It seems that none of the mentioned projects can truly carry on the legacy of the Fates Warning brand... oh maybe one can, Arch/Matheos, that indeed was sharp and technical, a perfect crossroads between old and recent Fates. If Matheos realized that, it would be a great idea.