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There is of course
something extremely contradictory about it. Once again, Fates Warning
cancels a series of European gigs, but less than a month later two of
the four band members do come to Europe to joyfully promote their
solo-albums. On such an occasion one, as a fan, starts wondering where
exactly the guys' priorities lie. Will there indeed be a next Fates
Warning - album soon, which if the information is correct will be a tad
heavier than the previous ones ? Or are these just rumors, spread to
sooth the fans and do the band members prefer to go solo nowadays ?
Singer Ray Alder understands the
confusion and elaborately apologizes for what happened, describing it as
a "pain in the ass". The reason is simple, according to Ray.
Fates Warning's label Massacre refused to pay for any tour support at
all and therefore Fates Warning had to cancel the gig at Wacken shortly
in advance. And the Progpower-festival in Tilburg will have to do
without the band for the same reason.
"The reason for Jim Matheos and me
being here is because our solo-albums do not appear with Massacre, but
with Metal Blade. I'm really bummed as well, because I'd love to play in
Europe. I refuse however to pay for such a trip out of my own pocket. We
will be playing in Greece next month, but that is only because the trip
will be paid for by the organization of the festival. Until that time, I
will devote myself to promoting my first solo album."
Could you tell me a little bit more
about the backgrounds of that album?
"The idea came up just about one
and a half years ago during the European tour for "A Pleasant Shade
Of Gray". But at the time, I had no idea of what was about to
happen. Whereas with Fates Warning I only write the melody lines for the
vocal parts, here I suddenly was responsible for the music, the lyrics,
the cover, the recordings and promotional activities. It was a heavy
job, but at the same time an unforgettable experience.
The song "Monster" describes the experience and the doubts
that I had along the way about the success rate of the entire project. I
now understand the passion with which Jim writes the music for Fates
Warning. When I had the finished CD in my hands, it felt like I had just
become father of my first child."
Ray's album appears under the
project name of Engine. The singer didn't want to be associated with
Fates Warning and therefore didn't make use of his own name. Nonetheless
there are huge connections between Fates Warning and Engine. For
example: while writing the music Ray collaborated closely with Bernie
Versailles. A guitarist who originally gathered fame with Agent Steel
and who currently plays live with Fates Warning as second guitarist. For
the recording of the album, Ray also called for the assistance of his
colleagues Joey Vera and Mark Zonder. Although the drum parts for the
album were eventually played by Pete Parada of the punk band Face To
Face.
"There was no doubt about the fact
that Bernie would play on my album. His influence on the music of Engine
is evident. But you are correct, we recorded the album in the studio of
our drummer Mark Zonder and the CD was indeed recorded by our bassist
Joey Vera. I originally had someone else in mind for the recordings of
the bass lines, but when the time came, Joey almost became indignant
about not being asked by me. Because he had expressed himself about not
wanting to be a part of this in an earlier stage I simply took it for
granted that he still felt the same way. It finally became evident that
I was wrong. And so it happened that Joey took care of the bass
parts."
I think that it's rather obvious
that there are musical parallells between Engine and Fates Warning. The
song "Falling Star" in my humble opinion is the best Fates
Warning composition of these past five years.
"The only resemblance that I can
hear is the important role that the melody lines and choruses play.
Other than that, Engine is a lot more heavy and modern than Fates
Warning. The Fates Warning fans with whom I have spoken about the album
so far, were indeed very thrilled about "Falling Star" and
"Tree Of Life". I think the real Fates Warning fans will be
less pleased with the heavier tracks on the CD.
I myself find these kind of projects very valuable. Our solo albums
really show what our influences and interests are. Indirectly you can
also deduct how the sound of Fates Warning developed. I have tried to
choose a modern approach for this album. I like to listen to bands like
Soulfly or Tool, but at the same time I'm very attached to catchy
choruses and strong guitar riffs. When Bernie and I write together, we
try hard to write recognizable music. I think that we succeeded in doing
that with Engine."
What will the near future look like
? Will Engine become your most important band ?
" Hell no! Fates Warning is my
band. I've had lots of fun doing a solo album and I'm convinced of the
fact that someday we will record a second Engine-CD. But from now on my
life will be dedicated to Fates Warning again. We are currently working
hard writing new material for the band."
Rumors that on the next album Fates
Warning will again take a heavier direction are commented upon as
"wishful thinking" by Alder.
"There are all kinds of Fates
Warning fans. Some of them prefer Jon Arch as a singer, others think
that "Prefect Symmetry" is the best album and others
completely lose their minds over progressive music. It's very hard to
please them all and we no longer have the illusion of being able to.
When our commercial breakthrough failed, we started thinking a little
bit more about ourselves. You cannot always keep playing music for other
people. We realize perfectly well that such an attitude can have certain
consequences. We lose fans with each album, but at the same time gain
others. It's very tempting to go along with the flow of renewed interest
for traditional metal, but that really is no longer our thing. We rather
look ahead than stagnate." |
