Fates Warning - The Spectre Within (1985)

 Back again for another review, this time from the U.S metal legends Fates Warning. Me and fellow blogger Ivixor G became addicted to this band not long ago, so we decided to review 2 of their best albums.As you read in the Awaken the Guardian review Fates are known for their melodic and delicate sound and are thus considered pioneers of progressive metal and some of their later albums defined the genre's sound. However with their second album -The Spectre Within- this is not the case. This time we're talking about straightforward, aggressive and raw heavy metal/USPM, although it differs a lot from the work of their contemporaries such as Manowar and Manilla Road.

 The first odd thing about the album is the vocals performed by living legend John Arch. The vocals were really groundbreaking for their time as Arch had an insane vocal range.Everyone needs to check out a live performance of The Apparition. Seriously, that guy doesn't even miss a single note!

 The second odd thing about this album is the sheer technicality that's in it.Guitarist and mastermind Jim Matheos was one of the first to implement time signature changes, unusual song structures and insane solos, that laid the groundwork not only for progressive metal, but modern metal in general. This album definitely showed the band's true potential, something that the absolutely respectable Night on Brocken Couldn't do.

 Just like their later albums the lyrics are a bit cheesy and the message that the band wants to give to the listener remains unclear, but in front of such a musically tremendous album this is just a minor mistake. 

  So if you're either an 80s heavy metal fan, a progressive metal enthusiast or someone who appreciates quality and technicality in metal, you should definitely check The Spectre Within.It sure is a cornerstone in the history of heavy metal and their greatest album in my book.

Info : Metallum Page

Download : Torrent Link