Best Track on FWX?

Fates Warning X


Recorded at Carriage House Studios in Stamford, Connecticut and A Clean Well-Lighted Place in New Hampshire.

Recorded between April 2004–June 2004.

Lineup:
Ray Alder – vocals, production
Jim Matheos – guitar, keyboard, programming, production
Mark Zonder – drums
Joey Vera – bass

Produced by: Jim Matheos and Ray Alder.

This is the aptly-titled tenth album from these gods of prog-metal. I think it's a nice logical step forward from Disconnected, incorporating more influence from their commercial phase (meaning there's more immediate melodies) within the context of the very cold, progressive, and technical soundscapes explored on their previous two efforts. There's less keyboard presence here as well (note the lack of Kevin Moore), but it still shows up every now and again & is used for textures, like in the intro of "River Wide, Ocean Deep," among other instances.
I see a lot of people slag on this album, but I don't really get why. If you like the band's sound at all, I couldn't imagine what's not to like here. The production is interesting; very heavy guitars interspersed with lighter clean tones and acoustics, with intricate use of stereo channels. It's a fantastic album for getting a light buzz, sitting back, and listening with headphones and examining it's layers.

This album has some of my favorite Fates tracks, like the opener, "Another Perfect Day", and "A Handful of Doubt". I don't know how they remained so consistent throughout the years.

I'm hard pressed to choose one, but since I have to, I'll go with "A Handful of Doubt."

I don't listen to this one a whole lot, but when I do, I like it and wonder why I pass it over so much when I am in the mood for some Alder era FW. I chose "Another Perfect Day" as I have always loved that tune.

I really like this album. It is my favorite by this band. I didn't like "Another Perfect Day" at first because I didn't care for the first line. After repeat listens, though, I find it beautiful with wonderful lyrics.

Mine is River Wide Ocean Deep

After much consideration, I went with River Wide Ocean Deep.

"River Wide Ocean Deep." One of their best ever.