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04/22/2004 Entry: "Update from Jim Matheos"
Update from Jim Matheos -
Hi Everybody,
Time for a long overdue update.
Ray, Mark, and I will meet this weekend in Connecticut to start recording our tenth studio release, tentatively titled FWX. After the drums are recorded we'll start tracking gtrs, bass, keys and vocals at my studio. Final mixing is scheduled for late June. If we stick to that schedule I'm told by Metal Blade that we'll make an October release.
Here's the track listing, see if you can guess which ones are still just working titles:
Left Here
Song 6
River Wide Ocean Deep
Another Perfect Day
Dmin pt1 and pt2
Song 10
Song 8
Stranger (with a familiar face)
Wish
Finally, yes it's true Mark will be leaving the band after this recording. Mark has been a big part of our sound for the last fifteen years and his contributions will be missed. But, I think it's fair to say, both sides feel it's time for a change. No decision on a replacement yet.
I'll try to give another update as the recording progresses
Replies: 44 Comments
Hi FW fans! Here's the short update from... Mark Zonder!
"July 23, 2004
I just received the new Fates album from Jim and all I can say is that is it great!! You will have to wait until Oct 5th, but it will be worth the wait. Awesome production."
I keep my fingers crossed!
Posted by Pioter @ 08/01/2004 02:04 PM PST
Holy Sh!t... Now we have to worry about SPAM in message forums? And online casinos of all things?!? ...I hope there is a special place in hell reserved for the dolts that perpetuate this kind of crap...
With that being said; "Long live Fates"!!!
[Yip, I don't know why they waste their time spamming these news posts.... they'll just get removed -- and their IP addresses banned. ;-)
BTW, since these comments are getting a bit long, people may wish to take discussions over to the Fates forum located here: The Ivory Gate of Dreams
~webmaster]
Posted by Bones @ 07/14/2004 06:06 PM PST
For me Fates is my most consistantly favorite bands. They have been a part of my musical life since I was in high school and still remain my choice as best band ever. The epic like nature of their past 2 studio albums cannot be surpassed by the other prog metal bands out there. They do not over do the complexity or under score their talent. This is a perfect mix. If they could ever get a more consistant line up together they would be a better band. The backing duo of Mark and Joe on Perfect Semitry thru Inside Out has not been matched since. The team work of Frank and Jim is dually missed. This was the best line up for the band and I was sad to see it go. The new albums are great but they would have been better with the departed members.
Posted by Bill K @ 07/03/2004 10:46 AM PST
I don't know who is better, Ray or John, …but the band DOES sound better, more mature, more musical and everything with Ray. Of course, we can always take something like "A Twist Of Fate" and start speculating about how would Fates Warning sound like with John Arch still on board. But in any case, what I think people here want to hear it's a Fates Warning album starting there where Queensryche left, with the creativity that Dream Theater no longer has, and with the originality that Fates Warning has always had. Something like that, you know, with some more explosiveness and attitude than in the two previous studio releases, perhaps with Frank Aresti playing a couple of good solos, and hopefully with more colors in the palette than just grey – and I guess you know what I mean.
Posted by Cartonpiedra @ 07/01/2004 02:10 PM PST
Hi Everybody
I´m very glad to hear that Fates Warning are recording a new album and will release it in fall this year! I hope, or better I know that this album will be another fantastic album in band´s history. And so I hope that the band will do Germany at the next tour. The last time I saw them was April, 26th 1998 ín Bremen!!!
I´m a Fates Warning fan for 17 years now. And it is nonexaggerated to say, that their are still my favourit band after all those years. And I think their are many fans outthere who fell the same way. Even if Fates Warning never get the big commercial breakthrough, their got a loyal crowd of fans all over the world!
Also I´ve felt a little bit sad after hearing that Mark will leave the band after the studio recording for FWX. I´m a drummer too and Mark was and is a big influence to me. We will see who will replace him, maybe Gene Hoglan would be great as his successor. However, I wish Mark good luck for the future!
And also good luck for Ray and Jim! I thing it must be wonderful for you that there are so many loyal fans who still believe in the band! Keep on doing your fantastic style of music!!!
P. S. I always hear that there are still people who thing that John Arch is the better vocalist for the band. I don´t think so, for my person Ray is the better choice.
Christian
Posted by Christian @ 07/01/2004 01:30 AM PST
I welcome any change that could improve things for them -- and thus for us. Even if they disband, that's fine for me as far as it is fine for them. How can a band survive without being properly promoted? How can a band survive without selling records? For some weird reason FW never made it the big way -- as Dream Theater and Queensryche actually did. Now perhaps it's too late, therefore drastic measures should be taken. Mark's departure is just another sign of the crisis they have been living since ever. Remember when they recorded "Parallels" after the masterpiece "Perfect Symmetry"? What did they say back then? "We're tired of being an underground band after five albums". Well… it looks like Mark got finally tired of being playing in a band that still remains underground after TEN albums!
Sad but true, so it's life: you sell or you die. But even good tries to improve sales can also fail. "Inside Out" and "Parallels" were both somewhat-commercial tries that ended up in a total failure, so what's left? That's why Aresti and Joe departed. That's why all those side projects began to occupy the most of their respective times... and that's why Fates Warning is now depressively fading away in "a pleasant shade of gray". Call it bad luck or whatever, but let's face it: they just partially made it, and now the end seems to be unavoidable.
All this is a shame because the band's history could have been another thing. They are so great! For example, their performance here in Montreal was amazing -- Ray Alder did rock here! But as openers for Dream Theater and Queensryche they were treated as if they were only just-starters. No less than pathetic, indeed.
What I wish them now is the best luck in the world. Whatever they do, they're free to do it. Please understand (and thank!) that this new album they're recording is just for us, to please us, because we are a loyal gang of fans asking for some more material from them. We are so few! But they don't want to disappoint us. In spite of everything, against all odds, they have survived so far and still want to do something for their crowd. This FWX might be their swansong and maybe they should title it "Persistence" -- perhaps a good title for one of those untitled songs? In any case, I'm glad that they decided to record their eleventh album. I'll be looking forward to listen to it.
Posted by Cartonpiedra @ 06/28/2004 03:51 AM PST
Having listened to (and watched live) Mark Zonder for years in FW, I can honestly say that he will be missed, as many others have said.
While Steve Zimmerman is an excellent drummer, to be sure, he has an entirely different approach to drums as a musical instrument from Mark Zonder's. For me, Mark adds an entire facet to each song, using the drums as a separate instrument that not only keeps time, but interacts with the other instruments as well. Mark is the first drummer I've heard who is truly "musical" with the drums, and not just keeping time.
Having watched Fates in Orlando this last summer on tour highlights this point perfectly. While Nick D'Virgilio is an excellent drummer (and with all due respect to him), seeing him play live demonstrated quite well that not just anyone can fill Mark Zonder's shoes – and even many of the better drummers out there can't! Sadly, Nick missed most of the music that makes drums such an integral part of Fates Warning's music. He did at least keep the beat, though....
Alex Arellano, on the other hand, sounds like he may have what it takes. I do hear a lot of Mark's style and skill coming through in Alex's playing, and I am not surprised to hear that Alex may have been a student of Mark's at one time.
Just as it's interesting to hear Mark play Steve's Fates pieces, so it will be interesting to hear a new drummer (I'm hoping for Alex, myself, if he's interested) play Mark's pieces. One thing I think we can all agree on, though, is that hopefully this change will be a step forward in every way, and drums will not again be relegated to "crash-happy timekeeping".
Zen
Posted by ZenBoy @ 06/21/2004 12:53 PM PST
Hey, the KC/FW idea is tasty!
The only thing I don't find very appropriate is that in a delicate moment like that no one updates the sites (fw.com still remains!!)
and I, as well as many fate comrades out there, are just curious to know the moves being made... I don't pretend to know every breath but one update at least every 3/4 weeks should be very appreciated, I think! Thanks for paying attention, and take hold of the flame!
Posted by Fab @ 06/20/2004 12:52 AM PST
Glad someone is agreeing with me. I am thinking Fates may be our generations version of King Crimson.
King Crimson never meant that it was just certain people and that was it. That band has gone thru more changes than any band I can think of yet they keep putting out great music.
I got to see Crimson a few years back with two guitars, two basses, and two drummers. Who knows, maybe Fates one day will progress and experiment with that type of thing?
Let's think, guitar - Matheos and Fripp or Aresti, bass - DiBiase and maybe Trey Gunn or Nick Beggs on Chapman Stick and then drums - Zonder and Dennis Chambers. Vocals have to stay with Ray except maybe bring in someone like the singer from Lacuna Coil to add different textures.
Hey Mathoes? What do you think?
Posted by Fatesfan @ 06/17/2004 08:52 PM PST
Hey, I've just read Fatesfan post - as I would read myself :)) I am fully agree with that!
Keep goin' Jim and Ray for FW, and still - remember, that Mark was (and probably will be) present on records, even if not touring with FW.
Take care!
Posted by Pioter @ 06/17/2004 01:51 PM PST
I am amazed. Does anyone really know what the term 'progressive' mean? It means something that doesn't stand still and repeat but progresses, grows and is inventive.
The only Fates Warning CD's I have are from 'No Exit' on. To me the ones with John Arch are just the same ol same ol. Another guy trying to sound like Iron Maiden. If that is what they wanted to do then they wouldn't have been 'original' or 'progressive'. For me, Alder has grown from album to album. Each CD has shown more versatility in his range, melody and emotion. BTW, I have seen Fates live and I have seen Queensryche live. Each time I saw Fates live Ray has been right on. The over-rated guy in Queensryche got me sick to my stomach when I saw them. He missed notes and pitch all over the place. I didn't get to see Fates on the DT, and Queensryche tour so I do not know how he did. Some friends of mine said they felt Fates did a great job but got robbed on the sound mix.
If you just like metal and the such then I guess some of the growth FW has had would put you off. For me, I have welcomed it. I like to be surprised by something new and different. Dream Theatre, as much as I like them, can be very cliche at times. I haven't heard them crossing any new boundries or trying new experimental ideas. For soloing I think Petrucci is the best but for rhythmical interesting writing Matheos is the best.
As for Zonder leaving, I am bummed. To me, he proved you dont have to play like a machine gun to be a great drummer. He used his drums as not just something to hit but as a musical instrument creating a new dimension to the music and helping further the ambience of each song.
I am looking forward to this next CD just as the rest from 'No Exit' on.
Keen on going Ray and Jim. As long as the music keeps going forward the spirit of FW will live on,
Posted by Fatesfan @ 06/16/2004 07:54 PM PST
I was an Armoured Saint fan for years. I was searching for the same type of metal because I was sick of the other crap coming out. I stumbled on FW and became absolutely hooked ever since. I am not familiar with the bands turmoils but transcending events are expected and welcome in the world we live in today. I am just glad I found something I can get into again. Long live David Prichard...
Posted by Bernie @ 06/06/2004 04:24 PM PST
Hot damn! It's about time Fates came out with a new album.
Posted by Proggy @ 05/30/2004 02:24 PM PST
I will tell you what, I have read all the posts on this Ray Vs John and I to have to agree with Bones and a few others. Ray is getting so bad live it's not even funny. I do like some of the newer Fate's stuff and also the first Engine album. I do agree Ray does have his vocals recorded in the back ground, But so do a lot of singers that are losing there range. John has taken care of his vocal cords you can tell that by just listening to him live or on an album. And yes the studio does help, it helps all singers. that is why if you want to hear the real voice check them out live. Some of you say you know Ray and met him, well if you were real friends you would tell him the truth about his voice and maybe he would practice more, It's called constructive criticism not bashing!! I do listen to all the Fates albums and like them all, But they are getting very soft in there musical direction and that's probably just to help out rays ever failing voice. But let's give Fates a chance to prove us all wrong. But it might make all our fears about this band be true. Thanks
Posted by Hostile Force @ 05/30/2004 01:17 AM PST
Comparing John Arch to Ray Alder is like comparing apples to oranges. The music of fates in the Arch-era is far away from the caliber of the Alder-era. To say Alder is better than Arch is silly. They are simply too different from each other. I personally prefer John, but that's not to say I don't like Ray (otherwise, why the hell would I still be listening to them after all this time?). That being said, I agree whole-heartedly: Ray CANNOT sing to save his life in a live show anymore. I seen them last year with Dream Theater and couldn't believe his ineptness at the mic. By the third song he sounded like he just smoked a carton of cigarettes and was cracking all over the place. Forget about the possibility of reaching the notes he hit in the studio (with tweaking at the helm I'm sure). I love his voice on some of the earlier stuff, but it's just about over for him as I see it. John however, can still hit them all, and IMHO sounds as good if not better than he did when he left Fates.
As for Fates in general now that Mark has left, I have a hard time accepting that there is even a "Fates Warning" band anymore. Joey Vera has never been considered a "member" of the band, and now that Mark has left it's only Ray, Jim, and whatever "guests" fill in on records and on tour. That being said, unless Jim decides to get the original members back together I think Fates should just be regarded as a side project in itself where they get together every 5 years or so (like they have been) and record something using a few of the 9+ artists that have been involved with the band through the years. Similar to what Yes has been doing for the last 15 years.
Despite the let-down, I hope Fates in one form or another is around for a long time since I've been following them around since they formed (they used to practice in a house near me, and I even jammed with Steve Zimmerman) but the disarray they are in now doesn't surprise me in the slightest. Hell, since Joey D. and Frank left they haven't had the same effect on me at all (though I keep hoping).
Posted by Bones @ 05/28/2004 08:36 AM PST
Thanks Javaman! In addition, I have also read that Alex Arellano was once a student of Mark's at one time. Therefore it is not rocket science to me. I think it is a MUST that Jim and the boys listen to Alex work with Power of Omens when considering a new drummer. I am sure Alex might be interested in the position as well. I also call out to other FW fans to put an ear to Power of Omens. This is a great band!
Peace
Posted by Dave @ 05/27/2004 02:54 PM PST
Whoa, I now read the "querelle" Ray/John... It's unbelievable...I thought FW's fans were smarter than this, but I suppose I was wrong... How sad! I heard A Twist Of Fate, and though I like it it doesn't gets me mad... For I think that John expressivity is often flat and even if he got helluva extension I don't think it would be apt to the introspective side of FW that's got outside and I think is a most important side of the "new" FW. Ray hit it in the center of the eyes... I think he's the engine beneath some colours FW has and try to work out every album.
I know taste is taste, but FW are now become a machinery far light years away to what they were before and if you analize the path every single album traces, I suppose they won't ever be the same... A reunion would be fun... But I am afraid it would take time and I am not prepared to wait 10 years to hear another FW album, guys!!! ;D
Dream Theater changed after Moore, Queensryche changed after DeGarmo and Fates has changed after John, Frank and Joe... I think we should shut up and listen cautiosly.
And, by the way: aren't you all people curious about what Mark can make on his own? I am! Cheers! F!
Posted by Fab @ 05/25/2004 09:29 AM PST
Hey man, so it was not only my thought that went to Sean Reinert.. In facts, he has no band right now - as much as I know - knows Jim via Gordian Knot and he as a unique technique that could fill the lack of Mark's! Even if he will possibly be the momentarily permanent drummer! ;)
I am both pleased, unpatient and a little angry.. How could FW leave me without a "dose" for so long? Sure, I can compensate with Pain Of Salvation... But one can't forget first love!!! F!
Posted by Fab @ 05/25/2004 05:21 AM PST
I really don't understand why so many fans are attached to the past of their favorite bands !
I am sorry, but for me the 2 last FW albums are MUCH better rhan the first opus !
And Ray sings MUCH better than John ! His voice is much richer and has more emotion on it !
Please don't go back to the past ! This was the past, good times of course, but the band has changed time to time, is more mature and I think it's impossible to make a "new" FW album with old things (old compositions, old members...)
"Disconnected" and "APSOG" are the most important CDs for me !!
Just keep it on !! And don't listen to fans (well so called fans) who live in the past and can't face the present time and its necessary changes !!
Posted by thomas @ 05/21/2004 01:27 PM PST
Things gonna happen,the way they are gonna happen.I just think all this baggin on Ray or anybody that gets on a stage night after night, and sacrifices their life for music doesent deserve this immature, acne-rock reactionary opinion shit. Your listening to the wrong band homie! Ray has always been a cool person, and doesent deserve that little boy on the internet shit! Ray your the shit man! I love John also, who gives a fuck! Its all beauty. Listen to the words kiddies!!This band is for mature audiences only..For Gods sake, rip on somebody who deserves it!!PEACE
Posted by b. simmons @ 05/18/2004 06:57 PM PST
I first heard Fates Warning back in 1988 and ever since they changed my thoought on metal. Being a banger from the eighties who was addicted to Rush and POWER METAL FW was a relief from the glam bands and the death bands. In a minute way the band changed my life . I 've watched them change and grow over the past fifteen years and pray that will continue to be my personal stronghold in a mad mad world. Commenting on some of the writing I've seen on this sight( this is my first time at this sight being as I perfer books to a computer screen)I almost got to see FW last summer instead I could only hear them from the parking lot because of the retards that I went with, anyway I thought Ray sounded pretty good. I thought he sounded good on Stll Life and I couldn't discern one performance to from the other. I feel Ray is a awesome throw back to the hey day of power metal and he will always have my utmost respect. As for Mark leaving the band that is disapointing his beats were one thing that attracted me to the band
and as I'm a part time percussionist his work ment even more to me . He will be missed but I will not miss any of the bands future releases. They just don't make them like they used to and applies without doubt to the metal industry were bands rely on sheer noise , sick lyrics and an assinine stage show. Long live Fates Warning. S.C. Cincy OH
Posted by Steve Cebula @ 05/15/2004 09:05 AM PST
The first Engine album is much better than Superholic. Steve, give another chance to Ray. Anyway, does John really want to resume his musical career in FW? I think he does not. I wonder if Jim thought about the future os Fates Warning. Should he disband it?
Posted by tomsawyer @ 05/14/2004 05:16 AM PST
Yes, javaman I have listen to Superholic and it an average. Just like Ray's vocals. Frank hit the nail on the head listen to Ray sing live he is terrible. Thanks
Posted by steve @ 05/14/2004 02:17 AM PST
Man. I just read the news about Mark. That REALLY sucks. Fates has been my favorite band for over a decade. He has been an insturmental part of the bands sound and acclaim for years, and I fear he cannot be replaced. Sure, they can hire some session cat or road dog that can play the tunes, but I fear it will not be the same. What would happen if Rush announced that Neil Peart was leaving? Would it be the same band? Just look what happened when Chris Degarmo left Queensryche: it could be argued that the group never fully recovered. They soldiered on as well, but many fans say their newer material is somehow lacking. I know the change will be more difficult for the band than it ever could be for consumers who buy their recordings, but music-more so than any other artform-seems to create an emotional bond with the audience. I suspect many fans will be saddened by this news. Man, what a bummer. Now I know how people felt when the Beatles broke up. This sucks. I think I'll go get drunk.
Posted by Kelly C @ 05/12/2004 11:08 PM PST
Dont listen to them Ray. It's your cd's I listen to over and over. Mark you'll be missed but I have faith in Jim to pick the right person to take over for you.
PS Steve, have you even listened to Superholic? Some of the most agressive music I've heard in a long time.
Posted by Javaman @ 05/12/2004 09:10 AM PST
Hey if anyone has ever heard or seen a live Fates concert. You would know Ray can't match anything the studio does for his vocals.It's SAD but TRUE!!!!
Posted by Frank From MA @ 05/12/2004 02:41 AM PST
Hey, Ulf. Rob is right I guess you had never heard John live he kicks ass and his voice does not break under serious pressure. You can be progressive but when 90% of Fates newer albums are all slow song someone needs to speak up. Fates were known for there heavy melodic rhythms and great vocals, now it's slow stuff and average vocals! They need to pickup the pace a little bit,check out Dream Theater they mix it up just right Heavy and slow songs. And I have to agree A twist of Fate album is great a perfect blend of heavy and slow stuff. Come on Jim Matheos make us proud of Fates Warning again!
Posted by Steve @ 05/11/2004 12:42 AM PST
I can't belive what some of you are writing. John sings better than Ray, Ray singing in the same key!!! If some is to be blamed for lack of expression in regard to thier voice it's John. That's monoformatic singing, yelling without dynamics like he had his nuts under serious pressure.
Marks drumming is one of the thing i love about FW, as is Ray's dynamic(both tender and powerful with tons of expression) voice and the thoughtful craftmanship of Jim in stukture and performance. I hope that FW take another leap in it's progression as a band with the new album and maybe a new drummer(Nick is great and will not try to copy Mark, no one can!). I don't know why some of you listen to FW? For me the band is about whanting to progress to something new, and thats what i like. It sound like some of you like the band for some early dragonslaying, demonwhippin not so mature sounding records. There are plenty of bands and records with that early eightis sound out there. That has already been done and I don't whant FW to regress backwards. If some from the past should be reinstated its a leadguitar guitarplayer. Frank did a fantastic job(love a world apart and its solo, and monument beggs to be played right live). But maybe some new person with ideas can mix in. So move forward Fates, don't go back 20 years like some here whants you to.
Posted by Ulf @ 05/10/2004 08:42 AM PST
OK, Any real fates fan has to agree. You need to get John back! Just listen to A Twist Of Fate. John Arch is Fates Warning. Just listen to the fates albums after him, Ray got lucky with No Exit. But after that it's all down hill. His voice gets on your nerves after a while because he sing in the same key all the time. Just listen to his band engine, there is a reason the vocals aren't recorded to stand out. And anyone who has checked out Fates live knows Ray can't hit those note's. If not for the magic of the studio, the newer Fates albums would really STINK. Why do you think all the new fates stuff are mostly slow songs? there easier to sing that's why. John sounds the same no matter what. Check him out live if you can it's a treat. JonnyT said it best, the newer Fates stuff is weak. And that's being kind.
Posted by Rob @ 05/10/2004 12:01 AM PST
In regards to the DRUMMER issue first. Why not give the founder of Fates Warning a call? I don't see any reason why the guy who started it all shouldn't be given another chance. Zimmerman has more than enough talent to do the job and anyone who thinks Awaken the Guardian is the all time metal masterpiece will agree with me.
In regards to the John Arch issue. Why not give John a call as well since he is what put Fates Warning on the progressive metal map so to speak. John is a god. As long as you are making phonecalls Jim, you may as well dig up Ardiuni's as well and make it a Fates Warning reunion cd. I hate to say it, but the newer Fates stuff is weak the old stuff is where it's at. To all the former members of Fates Warning, I kneel before thee for all eternity.
Posted by johnnyt @ 05/05/2004 06:29 PM PST
Guess, that we can add thousands of our "most-likes" drummers... still the Jim is in charge.
Probably there are only a few drummers, with whom FW could sound even better - of which Virgil Donati, Ladies and Gentlemen, is probably the best one!
The thing is that he would not take the proposal, I am afraid, as well as Neil Part or other big guys. And FW deserves the best!
Posted by Pioter @ 05/02/2004 01:51 PM PST
there is a guy here in my home town that would be a great replacement for Mark.. He the drummer for a group called Ken rex www.kenrex.com check out their song clips! He is amazing to watch live and he has a great possitive personality..and I feel is deserving of a shot.
Posted by E'ville @ 05/02/2004 08:48 AM PST
It's a real shame Mark is leaving the band. He truely added alot to the FW sound.
Dave I took your advice and listened to Alex Arellano's work in Power of Omens and you were spot on! He's an incredible drummer and I hope Jim gives him a listen :D
Posted by Javaman @ 05/02/2004 04:00 AM PST
Fates Warning WILL NOT BE THE SAME. Jim as well as many fans will soon realize the impact Mark has on this band (i.e. song composition, complexity, creativity, and the power of making a song very interesting.) He will not be replaced, merely compromised as no one will be able to fill his shoes. I have been listening to FW since I was about 16 now almost 30. It deeply saddens me to see yet another progressive rock band about to fall apart. Dream Theater lost Kevin Moore now FW is losing Mark Zonder. I have yet to find out the reasoning for Mark's dismissal, but all too often with bands this creative the musicians just can't seem to work out there differences, which judging from Jim's comments above appears to be accurate. FW has had a tremendous impact on my life and has always served as an inspiration through difficult times. Mark you will be severely missed and, and I'm sure FW will ever be the same. Good Luck Jim M.
Posted by John McK. from CT @ 05/01/2004 08:47 PM PST
Its a drag about Mark but THANK GOD a new album is not too far off.....
Posted by Robert @ 05/01/2004 08:08 AM PST
I will also miss Mark. However, Jim and the guys need to hear Alex Arellano's work with Power of Omens for Mark's replacement. Alex has recently departed PoO.
Dave
Posted by dje @ 04/30/2004 01:41 PM PST
I am itching to hear the new stuff! Good luck, Mark, we will miss you!
As for the new member in the band, I think Sean Reinert would be a great solution
Posted by tomsawyer @ 04/27/2004 01:42 AM PST
Mark kicks ass. No disrespect to John Arch, I love the old stuff. I just can't imagine John singing stuff from Parrellels and the new stuff. I'm sure he could pull it off. It's just Ray got his own style(very different from Arch)that adds to the feel and sound of the band and those songs that would'nt be the same if John took over. But it would be cool if they good both do a duet on a song or new one or something speacial like that on the album or like past reunion tour. Also like to see Frank back touring with the band again if not writing with them.
The last tour is the first time I got to see the band live with Frank ever! Trust Jim would make right decision on replacement for Mark. Can't wait for the new album.
Posted by Andy @ 04/26/2004 04:03 PM PST
Please let John Arch sing!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Fraser @ 04/26/2004 09:20 AM PST
Well replacing Mark(in a sense impossible because his style is quite unique) will be tough but i guess Jim will pick the right person. If they pick somebody completly different but with personality the new drummer might bring fresh air with him. mark will be mised though. As for Joey...
from joey's site: "As for Fates Warning, recording will begin in late April and continue through June. I plan on recording my parts sometime during that schedule. My task these days is finding time to fit everything in! But I am looking forward to the new Fates record, from what I’ve heard so far it’s gonna be killer."
Posted by Panos Papadopoulos @ 04/26/2004 08:48 AM PST
I´m just wondering if John Arch is going to be involved within the new F.W album? I know that there are many fans out there who would like that... Not as a member of the band but just sing in a song or two? That would be great! /Eric from Sweden
Posted by Eric"Mr DrumSmasher" Sjödin @ 04/26/2004 03:11 AM PST
Yep, man, when I first read info from Mark on his website, I was shocked. Being big fan of FW and Mark's playing, I couldn't imagine departure... but life's changing - as Mark did not part in last tour - one could imagine that something's on track... we'll see - I'm sure that Jim and guys would not employ anyone below certain caliber...
BTW - I would very much appreciate news about both Joey and... Frank "X" Aresti... if he would come back to FW - hmmm... it'd be at least some good stuff.
Posted by Pioter @ 04/25/2004 11:06 AM PST
I am following this band for so long and I am so in love with your music, that hearing Zonder's leave was an enormous shock!
Don't take me wrong, but,I just cannot imagine Fates without Zonder... He was able to turn a single note to a magical journey, just by himself! Personally, I haven't heard anyone else playing like him, and right now I can only see it as a loss for the band.
Of course, I can sense that this seems to be the best decision for both parties, and it's good to see that you guys are ready to move on and experience new things (this is the whole point after all). But still, its like loosing your other half...
Anyway, I agree that the good news are that we are going to have a new album soon and I am already looking forward to it.
Your music means a lot to us. Keep progressing, keep changing, keep it going...
John from Greece
(we will always cherish the moments from you lives in Athens)
Posted by John K @ 04/25/2004 09:08 AM PST
This is great news. Will Joey V. be back from his tour by then and will he be doing the bass?
Posted by Mike Pikey @ 04/24/2004 03:57 PM PST
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