228 - Fates Warning Anarchy Divine 1988

Fates Warning's fourth studio album marked the beginning of a major transition for the band. With the departure of vocalist/lyricist John Arch, the boys from Connecticut signed up Arizona singer Ray Alder and shifted to a more introspective and realistic approach to their songwriting. “No Exit” is the obvious pick amongst this band’s back catalog as a diamond in the rough. It is neither the epic tales of otherworldly themes set over Thrash/NWOBHM riffs found in the John Arch era, nor is it the neo-progressive anthems of self-analysis and introspection found in the later Ray Adler material, but instead a rather curious marriage of both approaches. The guitar sound is very similar to what they used on "Awaken The Guardian", only a bit drier and crisper. The drums sound huge and Steve Zimmerman gives his best performance with the band, his last before being ousted in favour of Mark Zonder. The album starts with the title track, which is about 45 seconds long, before it gets into "Anarchy Divine", with outstanding guitar work, a powerful drum sound, and Alder' s up-front voice.