Search - Fates Warning :: Spectre Within

Long Live John Arch!!!

Streetcleaner | Midwest, United States | 09/24/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Fans of Fates Warning seem to be understandably divided between the early John Arch era (1984-1987) and their work since with singer Ray Alder. I still feel the later albums are very good, but they'll never match the power that's heard in stuff like THE SPECTRE WITHIN. The performance here is exciting, energetic, thoughtful, and always interesting. "The Apparition" is a FW classic, and the twelve minute "Epitaph" features some outstanding songwriting. As always, John Arch's vocals are excellent, his melodies soaring high and his lyrics thought-provoking. The musicianship is intense yet still tasteful, the emphasis on complementing the songs rather than detracting from them. As a side note, the guy who labelled this shred-metal plainly missed the mark; no band wrote songs this deep or convincing in that bygone era.Fates' progressive element was still developing here, as a few songs sound slightly disjointed and others more straightforward. That element would be manifested in their subsequent masterpiece, AWAKEN THE GUARDIAN. Nevertheless, this album is essential early Fates Warning and recommended for those seeking something heavier than their current material."

Early Fates Just Can't be Beat

ntlacrobat | 03/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is what Fates Warning should be about. Don't get me wrong, I like them still but I also tend to live in the past when it comes to Fates Warning. Definately the first 3 albums are the best they have and this one is just incredible. For starters, Jon Arch delivers a great vocal performance. His voice IS Fates Warning. Zimmerman and DiBiase lay down some mean time and the guitars are awesome. The sound that they achieved on this album is heavy yet very melodic. The twin guitars are remiscent of Priest and Maiden but have their own signature. The songs that stand out are Kyrie Eleison and Epitaph. If you like excellent metal, check it out."

Early Fates Rules!!...This Is Classic!!

Masked Jackal | Ft. Lauderdale, FL United States | 10/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love Fates Warning, and this CD is incredible!!I like this more than "Awaken". This sounds very Maidenisc, and at the same time has it's own unique sound. It's very powerful, and melodic. Every song stands out on this one. If your a Fates fan, and have been skeptical about purchacing any old Fates, don't worry......"Spectre Within" is incredible.I like old Fates because it's not commercialized the way their new stuff is. You can hear the beginning of greatness while listening to this masterpiece. There isn't one stinker on this, and if you like Heavy Metal, your sure to love "Spectre Within"This is my favorite Fates Warning CD, and I have them all....."