Description

Fates Warning has weathered nearly two decades of shifting musical trends with a steadfast fan base. Operating for many years below the trend radar, the group has nonetheless resolutely generated a commendable and ever strengthening catalogue of work, which finally broke into widespread recognition. The Hartford, Connecticut band was initially titled Misfit in their original formation in 1982 but changed their name the year after. A couple of demos in 1984 enabled the band to include a track on the 'Metal Massacre V' compilation album and the resulting appreciation resulting in a long term deal with Metal Blade records. Fates Warning released their first ever live record in October 1998. ‘Still life’ hosts 'A Pleasant Shade Of Grey' in its entirety on disc one which is remarkably similar in sound quality to the studio album itself. Highlight performances here are on ‘Chapter 5’ where Mark Zonder (Warlord) is all over the place, yet doesn’t miss a single beat. The second CD has many classic tracks from pretty much every album going back to 1986. The entire performance of ‘The Ivory Gate of Dreams’, ‘The Eleventh Hour’ and ‘Monument’ steal the show as they are the most formally and technically ambitious of the bunch. With guest apperance by Agent Steel guitarist Bernie Versailles Track listing: Disc 1: 1. A Pleasant Shade Of Grey I-XII Disc 2: 1. The Ivory Gates Of Dreams 2. The Eleventh Hour 3. Point Of View 4. Monument 5. At Fates Hands 6. Prelude To Ruin 7. We Only Say Goodbye