Fates Warning have been pioneering their brand of progressive metal for more than 30 years now. Band’s latest album “Theories Of Flight” might be their best since 1997’s groundbreaking “A Pleasant Shade Of Gray.” The main composer guitarist Jim Matheos is firing on all cylinders, with his guitar tones both sweepingly beautiful and crunchingly heavy at the same time. Drummer Bobby Jarzombek as well offers restraint when needed and launches his double bass pedals at right spots. Vocalist Ray Alder also does fine work reminiscent of Geoff Tate and Queensrÿche in their prime. “Theories Of Flight” is both superbly melodic and progressively challenging, yet never strives too deep into technical wizardy. One of the best albums of 2016 so far.
