Album Review: A Pleasant Shade of Gray Appeared in: the Bradley Scout (April 1997) - a college newspaper published for Bradley University in Peoria, IL By: Mike Meyer (mmeyer2@rhf.bradley.edu) ============================================================================= "A Pleasant Shade of Gray" Artist: Fates Warning Label: Metal Blade Records Rating: 3 and 1/2 notes By MIKE MEYER Pulse Music Critic The first thing that may strike you about Fates Warning's new CD, "A Pleasant Shade of Gray," is the lack of a track listing on the back cover. That's because all the songs are represented on the front cover. "A Pleasant Shade of Gray"--one song, 53 minutes, 48 seconds. This fact alone will send many listeners running for the hills. That the CD is actually split into 12 sections will be small comfort for the impatient, but those who decide to stick it out and explore this vivid, inventive composition will be richly rewarded. "Shade" is Fates Warning's eighth album overall and first since 1994's "Inside Out." It was written by guitarist Jim Matheos, who is joined by bassist Joey Vera, vocalist Ray Alder, drummer Mark Zonder and guest keyboardist Kevin Moore in performing this mammoth work. Producing the album is progressive rock guru Terry Brown, who also produced Fates' 1991 gem "Parallels." He is most noted, though, as co-producer of all of Rush's classics from 1975's "Fly By Night" to 1982's "Signals." The production is notable, since this album could have been, in less capable hands, a jumble of noise. There is a clear "industrial" aspect to this album that adds to the emotional maelstrom that the lyrics describe, but it is kept under control by Brown's deft maneuverings. The song itself outlines a person's struggle with lost love, loneliness and regret; in other words, this is not a happy song. The lyrics are insightful without being pretentious, which is often a difficult balance to strike. Some listeners can relate to the situations and feelings presented here better than others, but the music itself is so well-written and performed that any listener cannot help but be interested. The highlights here are many. The turbulent first five sections, highlighted by the industrial overtones of parts II and III, as well as the instrumental sections of parts IV and V, seem to act as a build-up to the more introspective second half, which explores a wide array of musical styles and builds to the deeply moving finale in Part XII. Even though he wrote the song, Matheos's guitar does not dominate as one would expect; no single instrument does. Instead, they work together incredibly well toward the common good of an impressive song. "Shade" would not be what it is, though, without Moore's keyboards, an ingredient previous Fates albums have been lacking. The symphonic elements they add bring parts VI and XII, especially, to a new level. So if you have about an hour to spare, give "A Pleasant Shade of Gray" a try. It's not for everyone (definitely not those with short attention spans), but it entertains and makes you think at the same time. What more could you want? USED RACK Here are some worthy artists with whom Fates fans should be familiar. Dream Theater Kevin Moore's previous band, Dream Theater, is probably the most successful prog-rock band of the ’90s. 1992's amazing "Images and Words" produced the hit single "Pull Me Under," and 1994's "Awake" was well received. They are expected to have a new album out this fall. Jim Matheos Taking a break from Fates Warning in 1993, Matheos brought forth an album of pieces featuring only acoustic guitar, violin and cello called "First Impressions." Moving, but very understated, "Impressions," if you can find it, is worth your time.