In 2016, Fates Warning celebrated the 30th anniversary of the release of ‘Awaken The Guardian’. They commemorated this pivotal album by reuniting the line at the time of its release and playing two special shows. On April 28th, the rest of us can enjoy the magical moments from these performances on dvd/blu-ray with ‘Awaken Th
Fates Warning is one of the primal bands that forged the sound known today as progressive metal. Since 1982, the band has let their imaginations run wild through landscapes of sound. ‘Awaken The Guardian’ was recorded in 1986 and is arguably one of the critical albums in the history of progressive metal. The songs Fates Warning created sprang from the metal of Iron Maiden and the thought-industry of Rush to forge a brand new musical realm.
‘Awaken The Guardian Live’ showcases Jim Matheos (guitar), Frank Aresti (guitar), Steve Zimmerman (drums), Joe DiBiase (bass), and John Arch (vocals) in two special performances. The first show was at Keep It True XIX recorded on April 30th, 2016 in Lauda-Konigshofen, Germany. The second show was at Prog Power USA on September 9th, 2016 in Atlanta, GA. In each performance, the band who originally wrote and recorded this essential album; played it in its entirety.
As the Fates Warning logo blazes, cheers of anticipation from the crowd at Keep It True XIX create dramatic tension as the cameras focus on the darkened stage. The acoustic arpeggios of “Sorceress” continue to build excitement as Steve Zimmerman counts the band in. A wall of sound detonates and the show begins.
Director/editor Oliver Barth and his crew do a wonderful job of catching the performance from multiple angles. You get wide shots from the back of the arena as well as front row angles. This lets the viewer experience the show from every vantage point. Shots of the crowd enjoying the set give the recording life and dimension.
The band sounds fantastic during each show. John Arch’s vocals are remarkable. Thirty years later and he can still hit the high notes while exhibiting total mastery of his vocal range. The guitars of Matheos and Aresti complime
There is a slightly detectable ease and confidence during the Prog Power USA show. This is understandable given the length of time since this incarnation of the band had been on stage together. The Prog Power USA performance also includes a blazing version of “Kyrie Elesion” from ‘Spectre Within’. The entire band charges head first with Zimmerman and DiBiase propelling them forward.
There are multiple formats of ‘Awaken The
‘Awaken The Guardian Live’ by Fates Warning lets fans enjoy the majesty of this crucial album as performed live by the original members of the band. These recordings showcase a band recreating a decisive moment in the evolution of metal music. This dvd package is a must have for all fans of progressive metal.