Inside Out [Release date: 09.06.23]

When asked to compile a list of the most influential vocalists of the Progressive Metal genre, Ray Alder’s is, undoubtedly and reservedly so, one of the very first names that comes to mind.

Having been lucky enough to follow Ray’s career from the day that hymns like “Anarchy Divine” and “The Ivory Gate Of Dreams” were first put together, I have experienced first-hand the positive impact his vocal contributions have had in the evolution of Fates Warning from a technically-inclined Maiden-influenced outfit into one of the absolute behemoths of Progressive Metal.

Many things have changed of course since the late fall of 1987 when the amazing “No Exit” album was recorded. One thing, however, has always remained the same: Alder’s ability to offer passionate performances and showcase his artistic credibility with every new release – whether under a band moniker or his own name.

One would assume that the release of last year’s “A-Z” project would have quenched Alder’s musical ‘thirst’ for a while but with Jim Matheos, his musical brother in arms of more than thirty years, showing no real willingness to work on new Fates Warning material in the foreseeable future, one can understand why Ray decided to release his second solo album entitled “II” at this moment in time.

Well, as expected from an artist of such a rich pedigree, rather than putting out an album that would simply help him fulfil his contractual obligations towards Inside Out Records, Ray has instead offered us a collection of nine songs whose impact will continue to be felt many years after you have finished reading this review!

The first thing I noticed moments after I was first introduced to the cleverly-crafted lead harmonies and the monstrous main riff of the opening track “This Hollow Shell” is how much darker the music on offer sounds in comparison to that featured in his first solo effort – a feeling that was further amplified as I continued investing in the album.

Ray’s decision to once more entrust all lead guitar duties to Mike Abdow meant that his highly addictive vocal melodies were given the best possible support by the second best suited lead guitarist in the business (Matheos’ guitar work remains the ideal partner to Ray’s unique vocals in my humble opinion), as showcased in the four and a half minute “My Oblivion”.

Investing in a much heavier riff in comparison to its predecessor but featuring a melodic refrain and a lead guitar solo that would easily find their place in any Fates Warning composition, “Hands of Time” is one of the most enjoyable pieces on offer.

The first song of the album that really stands out, however, is the four and a half minute “Waiting For The Sun”. The mournful vocal melody and accompanying lead guitar theme both set the tone for this becoming one of the moodiest compositions, so the introduction of a massive low chorded riff moments later offered an unexpected and highly enjoyable twist – one that was further supported by the inclusion of one of the most memorable vocal lines of the whole album.

Equally memorable but made to appeal to those music fans whose musical preference is on more upbeat stuff, “Silence The Enemy” offers a more positive note in comparison to both its predecessor and the follow up “Keep Wandering” – a composition whose soulful theme and beautifully crafted lead guitar work can only really be described as ‘lounge music for the Prog aficionado’!

This clever contrast between catchy guitar riffs and memorable sing along vocal lines continues to find its expression in both “Those Words I Bled” and “Passengers” and while these compositions are more than capable of truly entertaining their intended audience they both pale in comparison to the closing theme of the album – the seven minute opus “Changes”.

The song opens slowly with a beautiful guitar harmony and springs into action via a massive guitar riff while featuring one of these ‘once in a lifetime’ vocal melodies to which you are bound to hum to weeks after you fist come across… this is not only one of the best songs that Ray has put vocals to outside Fates Warning but also a much fitting end to a really beautiful album.

As every other Fates Warning fan out there, I would be lying if I were not to say that my one real desire is for the said band to come out of its musical hiatus and start working on a new album.

It was while listening to “II”, however, that I came to realize that what is even more important is for these musical heroes of mine to continue releasing new music, under any moniker. Well, Ray Alder has done his part by releasing one of the best Progressive Metal records you can expect to come across to this year – let’s see what the others have in line for us. As for the whole Fates Warning affair? Well, they do say that hope dies last, right? ****1/2

Review by Ioannis Stefanis

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THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
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DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

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09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)