An FW newbie...

[Samsara]

Hey all. Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Brian. I'm a fairly new FW fan. I am a big time Queensryche fan and a host of other bands as well (Sevendust, Fates Warning [Alder-era], pre-1999 Dream Theater, Alice in Chains, Tesla, Living Colour, King's X). ALthough I had heard of FW for years, I didn't really check them out until 2003, when I finally saw them live, twice.

After really finding myself loving the FW material (frankly, I was blown away by "One"), I bought the entire Alder-era catalogue. I enjoy it all, but I prefer the material from Parallels to FWX most - I bought the latter album first, followed by the rest.

For those Arch-era mainstays, I honestly did try and listen to the Arch years. I bought the Awaken the Guardian reissue that just came out to try it out, and I'll just politely say that while he has TREMENDOUS skill, his style (at least back then, he probably has evolved a bit) is just not my thing.

Anyway, just wanted to say hi, and give the musical details of me.

Don't be too tough on the newbie. I bite back.

[ShadesofGray]

Welcome to the peanut gallery, Brian

I only bite if asked to. #loldevil# lmao

[Samsara]

Bahahahaha! Thanks Colleen. On a side note, I've checked out your website a bit over the last few months (I've lurked at the other FW board and this one for awhile). Very cool.

[ShadesofGray]

It's a labor of love. lol I have so many things lined up for it, I almost don't know where to start... Must get a subsite put together for my Seismic show, interviews, reviews and all that. The links page is in dire need of an overhaul and I'm looking forward to finally getting that done. Right now... working on the Fates site and getting a few other things taken care of are eating up all my time... but it will be done. When? I have no friggin' idea, but it will be

Very happy to hear you have enjoyed your time there, ya lurker!

[BenMech]

forgot to say welcome Brian. If I wasn't mistaken, I'd say you're a Tea Party fan too

[Samsara]

Ben,

Thanks. I like The Tea Party. I have most of the band's catalogue. Never could get into them as much as the other bands I listed, but I do enjoy them. I'd love to see them live, but they refuse to tour the United States. They've played a few gigs at border cities and way up north (Buffalo, NY), but frankly, when I was in that area, I wasn't driving 10 hours to see The Tea Paty, in Buffalo, in the dead of winter. LOL!

Interzone Mantras was a damn fine album.

[Shark Black]

Welcome Duder...

I am a huge fan of both singers

Before giving up on the Arch Era Stuff, Get "The Spectre Within"

It fricken unbelievable.... But so is ATG, but I think TSW will be more down your ally... aIt's more Rockin and a little less progressive...

Arch was and is a masterful lyric writer.

"The Apparition"

When the stars are right and you're alone
Take a journey, lock the world tight
Out of your mind.
The hall beckons your presence, the doors
Open wide you're to decide to turn back.
Deep the bowels of this black abyss.
Compelled I just can't resist it, take me

Take me away take me away
I wanna know what's deep within
Take me away

Drawing near someone passes through me,
A silent entity never looking back I won't dare
Evil eyes staring through he walls of stone
As I feared I travel not alone.
Laughter's echoes with the blatant wind
I have passed the threshold deep within me

Take me away take me away
I wanna know what's deep within
Take me away

A voice of thunder said turn back
Tabernacle is forbidden
No mortal dares to enter here
I want to know

Flame is burning center of a fountain yearning, waters
Spring eternal, spiritual water physical fire
Above center is sky, cold neverness
Just vastness filled with stars upon stars
In the four corners of life are the golden mirrors
Reflecting what you are and what you are to be

In the first is a young boy white dove in
His hand, in the second is a warrior in armor
In the third is the old man gold watch
In his hand fourth and last
No reflection at all
No reflection at all
No reflection at all

Waters rise toward physical fire, voice says
Tabernacle is forbidden never looking back I don't dare
If the water touches the flame
Forever in darkness yes I'll remain.
White dove flies from the young boys hand
Through the mirror of the old man, only way out

Take me away take me away
I wanna know what's deep within
Take me away

[SethFWF]

Hey Brian... I'll echo what Bret(Shark) said about "The Specter Within". Has always been my favorite of the Arch albums, and right up there with my top favorites of the band.

I completely understand how some could have a problem with his vocals though, getting in early with the band and that being the style back then helps of course.

Have fun on the board!

Seth

[cyclopssss]

I just got the reissue of ATG as well and it's a killer package. I still like Spectre better, as a whole. The vocal harmonies are absolutely gorgeous, imo. On the other hand, I love Alder's style as well. Can't wait to hear him on the new Redemption!

[Shark Black]

Dude, the new Redemption kicks ass... run to get it.

[Kiya]

Hi ^^;

Yeah I didn't hear of FW til somewhat recently either, until my mom was digging through her box of crap from the 80s and found her No Exit tape and we tried to listen to it. What I heard I loved but it had what she calls 'tape cancer', lol, she had played it so many times during the 80s it was worn out. So we went to Border's and ordered the CD and hence started my love of FW.

I was pretty much raised on Queensryche, XD but didn't hear of Dream Theater til recently, I saw them in concert with Megadeth on the Gigantour.

All I have to say is this... I am an Alder fan all the way. (Almost to the point of fangirl-ism, lol. He was so good-looking in the 80's without that ridiculous mustache!) Amazing voice. I do love that song Epitaph though, beautiful lyrics.

[cyclopssss]

I think the Epitaph outro is the best damn piece of metal ever recorded...

[souloffire]

cyclopssss said:

I think the Epitaph outro is the best damn piece of metal ever recorded...

I think the whole album is one of the "best damn piece of metal ever recorded...". Epitaph is a highlight though.