Fates Warning-No exit (Metal Blade 25th anniversary edition)

Metal Blade
2007 re-issue/originally released in 1988



Fates Warning's fourth release gets the 25th anniversary treatment which means that Metal Blade have re-released it with bonus tracks and a DVD as well. So I am going to cover the original album first and then get to the extras. I think that the previous album "Awaken the garden" marked a change in direction for this band as they headed away from classic metal and became a little more progressive and melodic in their approach. "No exit" sees the band continuing in that general direction, but this album is a bit more focused than "Guardian". Perhaps the more important change for the band was the vocalist as John Arch was gone and Ray Alder came in. I like both singers to be honest, but I think that there is little doubt that Alder's vocals better lend themselves to the musical style here. The music is definitely metal, but the band is beginning to reach out a bit and take their time with really building a song. This band along with Queensryche and Dream Theater are often recognized as some of the creators of progressive metal. That's true, but progressive metal twenty years ago wasn't quite as involved as many bands in that genre are today. I have always thought this one of the band's stronger outings as they push the limits a bit, but manage to stay in control. Some of the bands later efforts always came across as a bit dry, but "No exit" is genuinely a solid if unspectacular effort. We get three bonus tracks on the CD and all are demos related to this chapter in the band's history. The DVD is around 45 minutes and contains music videos, live footage and making of this album. Overall it's a nice addition that gives fans a better insight into what went into the planning stages of this album. So this a good album and a fine collection of extras from Metal Blade.