Fates Warning - Disconnected
	Released: 2000 Label: Metal Blade Cat. No.: 3984-14324-2 Total Time: 51:28
	Reviewed by: Gary Carson, November 2002 Much will be made of Fates Warning's 10th studio disc Disconnected. Disconnected is, if you the pardon the pun, the Perfect Symmetry of their last studio release, A Pleasant Shade Of Gray (APSOG) and their albums Inside Out and Parallels. Moving away from the sheer atmosphere of APSOG, Disconnected manages to meld many of previous FW elements into one CD and at the same time the band have managed to create an aural atmosphere cultured separately from earlier releases. The album mixes traditional four/five minute tracks with resounding epic numbers that both build in stature ("Something From Nothing") and quietly amaze ("Still Remains"). Both tracks are dramatic and powerful pieces. Disconnected is somewhat less progressive than APSOG but the album is much weightier with heavier guitars similar to that of Fates Warning side-project Engine that featured Ray Alder (v) and Joey Vera (b). Ray handles approximately half of the lyrical duties as well – his confidence soaring following Engine. This disc is vibrant and moving with stimulating choruses and introspective lyrics. Whilst Jim Matheos (g) wrote the music for the album, Kevin Moore's (Chroma Key) keys deserve a special mention – the man is a master with samples enmeshed throughout. If there's a problem with the disc, it's that out of the 7 tracks only 5 of them have vocals, but considering the epic nature of the lengthier tracks, this problem is not such a problem. FW should once again be applauded for the fact that they don't need, nor want, to please everyone. They have clearly laid down a challenge to the listener. Fates Warning have perfected themselves with another successful release. I found Disconnected a subtle experience rather than an over-the-top in-your-face release. With a band this popular it won't satisfy everyone, but what is here is exceptional. PPO Rating: 8/10 [This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site; see also Steph's and Igor's -ed.] More about Disconnected: Track Listing: Disconnected Part 1 (1:13) / One (4:27) / So (8:07) / Pieces Of Me (4:24) / Something From Nothing (10:58) / Still Remains (16:08) / Disconnected 2 (6:11) Musicians: Ray Alder - vocals Jim Matheos - guitars, additional keys, sequencing and noise Mark Zonder - drums Joey Vera - bass Kevin Moore - keyboards Steve Tushar - additional keys, sequencing, and noise Contact: Website: www.fateswarning.com Note: will open new browser window Discography Night On Brocken (1984) The Spectre Within (1985) Awaken The Guardian (1986) No Exit (1988) Perfect Symmetry (1989) Parallels (1991) Inside Out (1994) Chasing Time (1995) A Pleasant Shade Of Gray (1997) Still Live (live) (1998) Disconnected (2000) FW:X (2004) Interview: Jim Matheos
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