Fates Warning - Sun Caged

FATES WARNING, the co-founders of progressive metal, somehow and always underrated and nearly that successful as they should be and would have deserved. Founded back in 1984, their last and tenth record FWX was released in 2004. Besides, FATES WARNING so damn rarely tour in Europe. Ah yes, just remember. Around 20 years ago as we (Dajana, Psycho and BRT) stood in front of closed door because the FATES WARNING – Sanctuary tour got cancelled on a short notice… The last regular one was in 2007, the next to last those with Dream Theater in 1995! The NH crew got to see FATES WARNING last time at Rock Hard Festival in 2006. So! And now, again, on the quiet, FATES WARNING embarked on a very short tour, four dates, one in Germany, three dates in Holland. I actually don’t know what kind of business brought them to us… However, the one and only show in Germany took place at my second home Turock in Essen :) Guess what… A must-to-be-there show of course ;)

:: pics ::

Things turned out well prior the show so old and new NH crew members hoped up for some nice food, beer and chats before we switched door for an awesome progressive metal treatment ;)

As secret as the tour emerged the support band was too. Till we actually had entered the club no one knew which support band would please us this evening. Tada… and the winner is: Dutch progressive metallers :: SUN CAGED :: Did not cross their way before, so I had to learn that these guys caused quite a stir with their self-titled debut back in 2003. In fact, SUN CAGED right now put finishing touches on their third record, tentatively entitled The Lotus Effect, where from they at least played one brand new song entitled Tip-Toe The Fault Line. The others supposedly came from the already mentioned debut and the 2007 sophomore Artemesia. They had a fun setlist, no chance to relate the songs if you don’t know the band.
Musically at least terry and me found the band much thrilling; they had great melodies and reminded us quite often on Dream Theater’s debut album. Only the singing of Paul Adrian Villareal was sort of weak. His voice lacks of power and volume, at least at this live show. Listening to SUN CGAED right after on myspace, his singing left quite a different impression. Nice guys, solid show!
[BRT] Nope, cannot really share this enthusiasm for SUN CAGED. Yes, they had many great approaches and song structures to build up. But they vaporized any kind of good atmosphere long before they reached the target line with unnecessary parts, unfitting heavy guitars and staccato-like riffing, just to add even more extra notes to the jumble to indulge in a “look how we great we are in playing our instruments” attitude. Already YES and Genesis knew that priority should be given to the song itself. So even in the progressive metal scene less is sometimes more.

Change-over, another beer, chats and a club that got really packed. 400 people. Wow! The Turock was close to put the “sold-out” sign out. I actually did not expect this. But hey, great to see so many fans still around ;)
Lights out, spot on, under a thundering applause :: FATES WARNING :: entered the stage getting with One. Classic. And yes (as rumors were already going around) Ray Alder caught a German winter-cold had visibly a sore throat and a smokier voice. But it did not really have an effect on his singing. Besides, he did at least well enough to get a cig whenever he had a break on stage ;) Anyways, FATES WARMING delivered one and a half hour of an amazing show with the best of the band’s history, starting with their last record and going back till 1988 and No Exit. Ok, the setlist was not surprising at all; same arrangement as on past festival shows. No new tracks (I was hoping for) and of course, the John Arch-era was left aside. Legendary bass player Joey Vera was once again doing his very best, acting very lively, making jokes and animating his band members, who looked still somehow crumpled. Must be the jetlag. Live drummer Bobby Jarzombek had much to concentrate on his duties and likewise looked morose. I guess, FATES WARNING did not much rehearse before the tour. But since we talk about grandiose musicians, they are able to deliver such fantastic show in any position ;) Yes, this show was truly amazing, seeing a great audience cheering the band. Stunning atmosphere! Raising a collective hope to see FATES WARNING more often in Europe and most of all to get finally some new tunes! :)
[BRT] Nothing to add… An impressed and enthused performance of an awesome band, seeing its musicians playing with such delight. And the coolest guy on stage – of course Mr. Joey Vera, also without the Armored Saint bonus ;) To be more likeable is not possible. However, come back soon! See you at the next show!
Setlist: One, Life In Still Water, Another Perfect Day, A Pleasant Shade Of Gray III, Pieces Of Me, Heal Me, The Eleventh Hour, Point Of View, Island In The Stream, A Pleasant Shade Of Gray IV, Through Different Eyes, Quietus, Monument // Still Remains