It has been almost a decade since we have gotten a Fates Warning release.  The guys have been busy with side projects like Arch/Matheos and Redemption but no matter how good those albums were, I (along with countless fans) have been waiting for a Fates Warning record.  Well, I have to say, Darkness in a Different Light has been worth the wait.  The album is a mix of sounds that incorporates many elements of FWX and Disconnected leaning more towards the metal side of things.  But don’t worry; they still put in a good amount of progressive moments to keep this disc firmly in the prog-metal category.  If you don’t believe me, just grab a listen to the 14 minute closing track “And Yet It Moves.”  This release also marks the debut of new drummer Bobby Jarzombek whose drumming style gives Darkness in a Different Light a slightly more metallic vibe.  Also, coming back to the fold after 1994’s Inside Out is Frank Aresti.  Based on this record, I hope we don’t have to wait another decade before we get more music from Fates Warning because Darkness in a Different Light proves that they have plenty more to say.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2013  Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.

This is the single off the disc (if there is such a thing anymore).  It is a heavy, melodic slice of metal that is more straightforward and less proggy than “One Thousand Fires.”  Ray Alder’s voice has a really nice warmth to it on this record and it really shows on this track.

Things get even slower for this short piece which consists of only vocals and guitars.  I would say that this is the ballad on the record and it is over before you know it.

The only way I can describe this piece is “haunting.”  It starts off really slow but builds to where you think it is going to finally break into something heavy, but instead it just stops.  I have listened to this disc a number of times and this one grows on you after repeated plays.

This cut is slower and a bit more plodding sounding.  Some Layne Staley style vocals are utilized for this Sabbath inspired heavy tune.

Last, but certainly not least, we get the epic tune that Fates Warning is so good at.  This fourteen minute song starts off with some medieval acoustic guitar.  After about a minute, things get very prog-metal with many twists and turns in the remaining minutes.  I like this song best because it highlights everything that is great about Fates Warning: great vocals, riffs, and strong songwriting.