Monday, December 31, 2001
12/30/2001 A New Year's message from Jim Matheos:
Hi everybody,
Just wanted to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year.
Looks like the plan is for Fates to start writing for the next record in mid to late '02 with an eye towards an early '03 release. We will, however, still try to put something out, perhaps a dvd or a cd of covers/unreleased material, in '02 but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Meanwhile, Ray continues working on the new Engine, Mark is busy with Warlord and other projects, and I am working on a side/solo project that I hope to be able to tell you more about soon.
Again, happy new year and thanks for your continued support.
2001 Playlist-
1) Tool - Lateralus
2) Porcupine Tree - Recordings
3) Marillion - Anoraknophobia
4) Transatlantic - Bridge Across Forever
5) Dream Theater - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (Disk two)
12/27/2001 Brief Update:
Jim Matheos has completed recording solos for 3 tracks that will be on the upcoming Gordian Knot release. Two Electric and one Acoustic. The release date for GKII has not yet been announced. Stay tuned to this site or Sean Malone's website www.seanmalone.net for the latest news:
Mark Zonder has been working on a new release with his old band Warlord, check out their website at www.warlord.ws for the latest news
10/24/2001 Quick update from Ray Alder:
The next Engine album is set to start recording December 1, 2001
9/29/2001 (From the MetalBlade.com website) - News From Ray Adler:
"At the moment we are trying to come up with a reasonable start date for the recording of the new Engine. It looks like it will take place in Sept. or Oct. Most everything is done but I think we may need to make it even heavier! We'll see."
5/8/2001 Engine News:
It appears that the song "Monster" is being used as the opening song for a vampire movie called "The Forsaken".
See the website at: www.spe.sony.com/movies/forsaken
Also, check out this cool looking website for Engine at: www.sorcerystudios.com/engine/
4/17/2001 For the 04/26 Hartford, CT Fates Warning/Savatage show: Joe DiBiase and Frank Aresti will be joining Fates Warning on stage for a couple of songs.
4/17/2001 Fates Warning and Metal Blade have come to an agreement to release the home video made during the recording of Disconnected. No date is set as of yet.
And a quote from the recent USA Today Chat:
"Actually right now we're working on a home video. We had a film crew with us a lot of the time during the recording of "Disconnected", and we have tons of footage from over the years, as well as last year's brief outing. It will probably be a DVD."
3/25/2001 Well, now that the tour is confirmed, here is news about who is joining Fates Warning on the road:
Shaun Michaud from the band Event (check them out) will be filling in on guitar/keyboard duties for the upcoming tour.
2/18/2001 Latest News Update from Metal Blade:
Fates is currently working on a new album but they may still tour in May with Savatage (totally unconfirmed rumor-only in talking stage right now).
Joey Vera is going on tour with Armored Saint opening for DIO and Lynchmob.
Engine is writing but it all depends on what happens with Fates. It is not likely that either album will be released this year (but you never know).
Posted by mkizer @ 12:00 PM PST [Link]
Sunday, December 31, 2000
9/28/2000 News update from Jim Matheos:
Hey everybody,
I'm sorry to have to tell you, but the upcoming tour has been cancelled. Without going into the details all I can say is recently there have been several irreconcilable disagreements between the agency booking the tour and us.
We sincerely apologize to all of you who were planning on coming out to support the band again and we hope we can make it up to you soon.
As for future plans, Ray, Mark, and I will meet soon to figure out what's next.
Jim
9/14/2000 Tour news update from Jim Matheos:
Hi everyone,
I can finally say that the Fates Warning/Nevermore/Planet X tour is happening. Thanks for being patient while we firmed up the final details.
Joining Mark, Ray and myself will be, of course, Joey Vera on bass. Shaun Michaud from Event will be handling guitars and keys.
Here's a current list of dates. This is not final so there may some additions and/or subtractions.
[See the Tour Dates page for the up to date list]
9/11/2000 OK, maybe some "official" tour dates...
Stay tuned to the Tour Dates page for the latest update word... and don't buy any expensive plane tickets yet, these are still not 100%
8/13/2000 No "official" tour dates yet...
All rumors of upcoming tour dates are still just that, rumors. Official word from the band is that there is officially nothing official yet...
Stay tuned for the latest...
7/29/2000 Preliminary tour dates are starting to appear!
According to the Planet X website (www.xplanetx.com):
"From Oct. 21 to Thanksgiving most of the tour dates will be rescheduled to work with the new Planet X / Fates Warning tour!" This has been verified with Metal Blade Records, who also stated that the band Nevermore will also be on this tour.
Stay tuned for the latest...
6/14/2000 It appears that the European release date for "disconnected" has been pushed back to June 26th. According to the Massacre Records website.
6/1/2000 Pre-order the album right from Metal Blade.
This will allow U.S. fans to get the album around the same time as the European market.
This is the note from Tracy Vera at Metal Blade Records:
I will have the new fates available to ship by 6/23. Folks can order it from our online store now ( there is a button the store from Metalblade.com site.) Go to the Fates page on the store and the new album should be there.
If they want to order by credit card over the phone they can call (480) 705 7942 or fax an order to (480) 705-7946
It costs 12.99 plus shipping is extra. Then if you are a CA or AZ resident you need to add the applicable tax. CA is 8.24% and Az is 7.5%. Shipping is $2.50 for a single item and .50 for any additional items. International shipping is $4.00 for the first item and $2.00 for any additional items
It will ship around the 23rd of June. This is as fast as I can make the product and get it to my warehouse with time for them to turn the orders around as well.
Fates Warning "Disconnected" item number 14324-2.
For Fates Warning's page at Metal Blade Records, click here.
5/15/2000 According to Massacre Records, "disconnected" will be released in Europe on June 12, 2000.
The US release date is still July 25, 2000.
4/23/2000 Cancelled... Please see the Tour Dates page for status.
From the Bospop Festival website:
It has just been confirmed that Dream Theater (and Fates Warning!) will be playing at the two-day Bospop Festival (at Sportpark Boshoven) in The Netherlands, on Sunday, July 9th, 2000. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, April 15th. Here are the acts that will be playing on July 9th:
Sunday, July 9th (starting at 11:30 am):
Ana Popovic Band, Matt Minglewood, Tino Gonzales
Within Temptation
Fates Warning
Steve Lukather & Edgar Winter
Rowwen Heze
Joe Satriani
Dream Theater
ZZ Top
4/11/2000 Engine will be playing the Dynamo Open Air Festival in Holland this year!
Rumor has it that they might also try to play the Wacken Festival this year as well.
Keep checking here as well as these two websites for details!
3/28/2000 News update from Jim Matheos:
The latest.
Our last scheduled day in the studio was Sunday 3/26. Unfortunately we still have one (16 minute ) song left to mix and possibly a few remixes. As of right now I don't think this will delay the release date of 7/25 in the States and close to that in Europe.
The name of the new record will be "disconnected". The track listing is:
One
So
Pieces of Me
Something from Nothing
Still Remains
disconnected
Also, don't remember if I mentioned this before, we've had a film crew with us throughout the recording and mixing with the intention of releasing a home video later this year or early next. Luckily they were there when Joe Dibiase and Frank Aresti stopped by the studio last weekend. It was a great reunion and most of it was captured on film.
All for now.
Jim
2/10/2000 According to the Chroma Key website, Kevin Moore is slated to start recording keyboard parts in March for the upcoming Fates Warning studio album.
2/10/2000 Fates Warning's Live at the DYNAMO video was pushed back to a February 22nd release date, for both VHS and DVD.
1/26/2000 News update from Jim Matheos:
We start recording the new record February 17th. We will be producing ourselves. The drums and bass will be recorded in L.A. by Phil Magnotti who worked with us on No Exit and Perfect Symmetry. The guitars, vocals and keys will be recorded in Connecticut with Terry Brown at the helm. The mix will done in L.A. by us and Steve Tushar (apsog ii remix, Chroma Key). The lineup will be the same as on apsog with the possible exception of Kevin due to some scheduling difficulties that we're trying to resolve. The album will contain six songs including one 16:00 minute long song, parts of which we played in Greece recently. Album title and song titles to follow soon. If all goes according to schedule we anticipate a June release.
~Jim Matheos
Posted by mkizer @ 12:00 PM PST [Link]
Friday, December 31, 1999
9/25/99 A raw and uncut video of Fates Warning's performance at the Dynamo Open Air Festival in 1998 will be released January 25, 2000 according to Metal Blade.
9/11/99 This in from Metal Blade:
"Engine is doing a record release party and a special live performance on Friday, September 17th 9:00 to 10:30 pm at the Garage in Hollywood (On John Bush from Anthrax's Rock house night)." Info on the club:
The Garage
4519 Santa Monica Blvd. Silver Lake CA
Info: 213-683-3447
Over 21 club.
7/16/99 An important message from Jim Matheos:
"First, concerning Wacken, we were forced to cancel due to the fact that Massacre (our European label) would not advance us enough money for our airfare. With the festival at peak travel time we needed to secure flights months ahead and could not afford tickets for the band and crew without an advance. When Massacre declined our request we were left with no way to purchase flights and forced to cancel.
As for Prog Power, it was made clear to us from the beginning by the promoters that they would have to find enough sponsors to cover their expenses in order to make it all happen. When it became clear to them that they would not find the necessary sponsors they decided to pull the plug on or performance.
So there you have it, despite our desire, ( we haven't played a show or even been together since last years Dynamo !) it looks like there won't be any shows until after the next record is released. In the meantime I hope you all enjoy Ray's Engine as well as Away With Words and don't forget the new Armored Saint !"
7/11/99 Ray Alder recently hooked up with L.A.'s COSMOSQUAD, featuring new UFO lead guitarist Jeff Kollman, bassist Barry Sparks and drummer Shane Gaalaas from MSG, to track "Murders In The Rue Morgue" for Meteor City's upcoming IRON MAIDEN tribute record.
7/11/99 New album release dates:
Jim Matheos "Away With Words" - September 7, 1999
Engine "Engine" - September 21, 1999
6/28/99 News update from Jim Matheos:
"Fates will NOT be playing at this years Wacken festival. We still are scheduled to play a prog festival in Tilburg, Holland in early November [ProgPower 99].
Work continues slowly but steadily on the new album and we still hope to be in the studio by years end.
We're currently negotiating with Metal Blade for a home video release of last years Dynamo festival performance.
My record, Away With Words, will be released 9/7 on Metal Blade. I believe Ray's record will be released about two weeks later."
6/04/99 Fates Warning is slated to play the Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany, which takes place August 6-7. See the official Wacken site at: www.wacken-open-air.com for details.
5/20/99 This just in from Ray concerning his solo album:
"The recording and mixing is done! I'll be mastering the record at the beginning of June, and Metal Blade say's that it will be released in September.
p.s. Keep in mind it doesn't sound like Fates and I probably don't sound like your everyday Ray on this record !!!"
5/09/99 Fates Warning is slated to play ProgPower 99!
November 14 1999, 013, Tilburg, The Netherlands
See the ProgPower 99 website for details.
3/21/99 Info about Ray's solo album:
Ray has signed a deal with Metal Blade and begins recording a solo album on March 21. The album is tentatively titled "Engine" and features Pete Parada (of Face To Face) on drums, Joey Vera on bass and Bernie Versales on guitar. Ray says that this will be something very different from Fates Warning, heavier with a different style of vocals.
3/01/99 News from Metal Blade:
Armored Saint is on the verge of signing with Metal Blade. It will be John Bush, Joey Vera, Gonzo, Jeff Duncan and Phil Sandoval (The Symbol of Salvation line up). The plan is to record over the summer and release the new album in early 2000.
Ray Alder is also signing to Metal Blade and recording a solo album. The sound is very different than Fates, but still amazing.
Jim Matheos' new solo album has been completed, Terry Brown handled the mixing.
3/01/99 Frank Aresti has a new project under way called All That Is, to find out more about it including sound clips, pictures and up comming shows please visit: http://listen.to/allthatis
2/08/99 News update from Jim Matheos:
"Here's the latest on the solo album and other Fates info.
I start mixing on 2/14 in Toronto with Terry Brown. I'm shooting for an early summer release. Tentative title is "Away with Words".
Ray is also working on some solo material. He's scheduled to start recording in March. This will be a Metal Blade release, probably late summer.
We just finished recording and mixing "Sign of the Southern Cross" for Century Media's Dio tribute.
Meanwhile I've begun writing for the next Fates record. Given my track record, that means we should be done somewhere around 2002. Seriously, we'd like to have it out late this year but I'm not sure how realistic that is. Also looks like we'll be doing an album of cover tunes sometime in the future. Not sure if this will happen before or after the new record.
We're scheduled to play at this years Wacken festival in Germany. I believe the date is sometime in early August. We will probably do some other dates in Europe at this time and perhaps some warm up shows in the states."
1/23/99 Mark Zonder working on side project with guitarist Eric Zimmerman.
Here's a snippet from Eric about the project:
Eric Zimmermann (Paradigm's guitarist) is currently writing with Mark Zonder. They are looking for a vocalist and are open to "all styles, shapes and sizes". If you would like to submit a package with regards to this recording, please send it to:
Attn.: Zonder/Zimmermann
7551 Melrose Ave #3
Los Angeles, California 90046 Check out Paradigm's website at http://www.rockout.com or contact Eric at eric@rockout.com
1/15/99 Fates Warning will be covering the Black Sabbath song "Sign Of The Southern Cross" for an upcomming Dio tribute album. This album is going to be put out by Century Media and possibly only available in Europe.
Posted by mkizer @ 12:00 PM PST [Link]
Thursday, December 31, 1998
12/05/98 News from Jim Matheos about his new solo album and the potential for an upcomming Fates Warning tour:
"Right now I'm in the middle of recording the solo record. This one is a bit different from FI. More upbeat. Aside from myself on guitar it features Michael Manring on bass, Charlie Bisharat on violin and some guy named Zonder on drums (I hear he's pretty good). Should be done by the end of the year. Winter tour is still possible but doubtful. I'll keep you posted."
12/05/98 Joey Vera will be playing bass on an instrumental solo album by Empty Tremor's keyboard player, Daniele Liverani.
For more information on Empty Tremor, see the following website:
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Venue/1794/
11/15/98 Fates is still rumored to be doing a brief US tour in mid January 1999. According to Neal Morse (Spock's Beard), Spock's Beard will not be opening for any of those dates. he also stated that the "super-group" project with himself, Mike Portnoy, Jim Matheos and Pete Trewavas has been postponed due to scheduling conflicts.
Also, Joey Vera is currently working on new Armored Saint material for an upcomming album/tour.
10/19/98 This is a message I received from Nick van Dyk (NVANDYK@artisanent.com):
"Ray, Mark and I are working on a new side project, tentatively called Maggie Speaks. It's an eclectic mix of music, some atmospheric stuff but mostly pretty aggressive. We're busy writing now and are hoping to get into the studio before the end of the year for release sometime in the first few months of next year. It's unclear whether this will be distributed solely through the internet or whether a label will pick it up for distribution. Stay tuned for details." Keep watching this page for the latest info on this.
10/19/98 It appears that the planned "supergroup" project with Mike Portnoy, Jim Matheos, Neal Morse and Pete Trewavas has been post-poned. No further information is available at this time, but stay tuned here for the latest news.
9/26/98 This in from www.dreamtheater.net:
In December 1998, Mike Portnoy will be in the studio for another "Supergroup" project. This time, the line-up will be as follows :
Mike Portnoy (drums)
Jim Matheos of Fates Warning (guitar)
Neal Morse of Spock's Beard (vocals, keyboards)
Pete Trewavas of Marillion (bass)
Dream Theater will re-group in early 1999 to begin work on a new studio album.
9/26/98 The band Steel Prophet has recorded a cover version of the song "The Apparition" for their upcomming release, "Dark Hallucination" due out in March 1999. See the Steel Prophet web page for the latest info.
9/25/98 It appears that Ray will not be singing on the next James Murphy solo album.
9/04/98 It seems that the new CD has already been released n Europe. No word on the release date for the Japanese pressing with the bonus track. US release date is still October 6th.
8/28/98 From Jim Matheos concerning tour rumors: "We had planned to do some dates on our own after the KX thing fell through but have sinced abandoned the idea so I can focus on writing. I'm working on another acoustic CD to be recroded in October then I plan to start writing for the next Fates disc. Also a possibility of a FW/ Spock's Beard (have you heard these guys, amazing !) tour in January."
8/22/98 From Metal Blade: The new Fates double CD will list for $16.98 on CD (not bad for a 2 disc set) and $10.98 for 2 cassette set.
8/01/98 Fates Warning will not be joining King's X and the Galactic Cowboys on their up coming tour. Although they may still do a brief tour in support of the live album.
7/24/98 The cover art for Still Life has changed, you can view it on the Discography page.
The cover concept was by Jim Matheos, Ray Alder made the head and Alex Solca shot the photo's.
In case you missed the original artwork proposed for the album cover, it was the head picture that now appears on the CD itself and behind the jewel case tray.
7/13/98 The new live album, Still Life, will be released October 6, 1998. Here is the track listing:
CD one
APSOG (51:55)
CD two
Ivory Gate of Dreams (20:53)
The Eleventh Hour (8:14)
Point of View (4:33)
Monument (6:46)
At Fates Hands (6:47)
Prelude to Ruin (3:39)
We only Say Goodbye (4:40)
The bonus track for Japan is "In Trance" (a cover of the Scorpion's song).
7/02/98 One of the first (unconfirmed) dates for the Fates Warning / King's X / Galactic Cowboys date is October 8, 1998 at the Jaxx Nite Club in Springfield, VA.
6/25/98 Fates Warning just recorded a cover version of the Scorpion's song 'In Trance' as a bonus track for the Japanese version of the Live album.
6/01/98 Metal Blade is organizing a tour for later in the year that will feature Fates Warning, King's X and the Galactic Cowboys. No confirmed dates yet. If you have a good idea for the title of this tour, send your suggestions to Tracy Vera ( EGWENEALVE@aol.com).
5/25/98 According to Metal Blade, the Fates Warning live double CD is scheduled to be released on October 6, 1998. Terry Brown is currently finishing the mix. No confirmed title as of yet.
5/18/98 During the Dream Theater show at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, California on this date, Ray Alder joined the band to sing vocals on their song "Pull Me Under". Also appearing as a special guest this night was Bruce Dickinson, who sang some Iron Maiden songs with the band.
5/10/98 Ray Alder is slated to sing some vocals on the next James Murphy solo album.
4/13/98 It does not look like John Arch will be performing with Fates at any of the European shows. Not sure exactly for the reason, but rumor has it that John just does not feel his voice is up to it after so many years of not singing. It's a shame, but only John knows if he feels up to performing or not.
3/13/98 It is confirmed that the second guitarist for this leg of the tour will be Bernie Versailles, former guitarist with the band Agent Steel.
3/11/98 I have been told by very good sources that John Arch has agreed to come out to one of the European shows (probably Tilburg) and sing a song. Now, this is not 100% guaranteed to happen, but it does look very promising.
2/13/98 The following news has been confirmed by Fates Warning:
Ivory Gate of Dreams will be played at all U.S. and European shows!
A second Guitar player is definate, though who is not confirmed yet.
The live recording will take place in Tilburg, Offenbach, and perhaps Italy.
There's also a small chance of a guest appearance by someone special (John Arch?).
2/07/98 Dates for the "Third Leg" of the tour are starting to appear, see the Tour Dates page. Apparently, Jason Keazer of Divine Regale will be performing keyboard duties again.
2/01/98 Update on Frank Aresti (from John McCabe - caber1@concentric.net):
His new band is called "All That Is", they are not signed yet so there is no CD available. They put together three demos and have them out to all of the major labels. The band is very picky and actually doesn't want offers from non-major labels. Frank is the lead vocalist. He has a very unique voice.{I'm told} "To answer the question about the band's sound, I guess I'd have to say that it's not metal at all but a mixture of many types of music. In a nutshell, take a band like The Police, mix with Boston and wrap it up with The Beatles. It's sound is very energetic and emotional with strong melodies and Beatle-esque harmonies." Joe Martin (former bass player with the group).
1/12/98 Metal Blade has confirmed that the APSOG tour/conceptual video will be released on March 24, 1998. In addition, the live album will be recorded in early March, but not released until September or October.
1/02/98 The latest word is that work is completed on the live video, so it looks like the March release date should be about right.
Posted by mkizer @ 12:00 PM PST [Link]
Wednesday, December 31, 1997
12/27/97 It is rumored that Fates will be heading to Europe to do the recording of the new live album.
12/26/97 In a message on alt.music.fates-warning it is rumoured that John Arch and Kevin Moore might contribute to the live 2CD planned for release in the second half of 1998.
11/16/97 The live "A Pleasant Shade Of Gray" video is scheduled for release March 10, 1998.
11/16/97 Jason Keazer from Divine Regale will be playing keyboards for Fates Warning on the "Second Leg" of the U.S. tour. Also, Divine Regale will be the opening band for the majority of the tour (see the Tour Dates page).
10/31/97 From a Canadian radio show list:
"FATES WARNING will have their first-ever home video, featuring live footage of their tour through Germany on the A Pleasant Shade Of Gray tour, out in Europe before Christmas. Expect a double album in the spring of '98 which will feature the entire APSOG album (a la Operation Livecrime) and an assortment of older tracks...".
10/17/97 Preliminary U.S. "Second Leg" tour dates are starting to appear, stay tuned to the Tour Dates page for the latest!
Also, Fates will not be supporting Dream Theater on their current tour, but rumour has it that Divine Regale may be the opening act for the entire Fates tour!
9/03/97 Early discussion stages of a possible tour with Dream Theater when they go out later this year to support their new album, "Falling Into Infinity".
9/03/97 Potential European "Second Leg" tour. Dates on the tour page as soon as I find out.
5/27/97 A Pleasant Shade Of Gray will be released in Japan on June 26.
5/27/97 No US tour dates yet but the early word is that it will start July 18 and goes for about 8 weeks.
5/03/97 The first CD single release for A Pleasant Shade Of Gray is out. It contains; Part 2 (album version), Part 2 (remix version), and Part 7 (demo version). It appears that Part 2 is being proposed as the radio single.
4/30/97 It is reported that the band will be creating a video for the new album. It looks like the band will be shooting an entire show, with the chance that it will become a long form video. It's just up to their European record label now as Metal Blade has already Ok'd it.
4/22/97 It is reported that the band will be performing the new album in its entirety during the European tour! In addition to this they may also play a few selected older songs.
And of course everyone already knows that today was the official U.S. release date of A Pleasant Shade Of Gray!
4/19/97 Proposed keyboardist for the upcomming European tour is Ed Roth. He has toured and recorded with Chris Impelliteri.
3/15/97 European tour dates for the month of June are pending... Stay tuned for details.
1/15/97 According to Brian Slagel, the new Fates Warning album will be released on April 22, 1997. The title will be "A Pleasant Shade of Gray".
Posted by mkizer @ 12:00 PM PST [Link]
Tuesday, December 31, 1996
10/25/96 According to Metal Blade, the band will enter the Carriage House Studio in Connecticut on November 13th. Producing the new album will be none other than Terry Brown.
10/23/96 The current scoop on the new album is that it will be one song (approx. 60 minutes)! The band line up is Ray, Mark, Jim and Joey Vera on bass. Kevin Moore (Chroma Key, ex-Dream Theater) is going to play keyboards for the album, but will not become a permanent member.
Posted by mkizer @ 12:00 PM PST [Link]
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