Grigoris: The fact and only that the influential US (once Heavy, then Prog) Metal masters decided to include Greece (mainman Jim Matheos' ancestral country) in their limited 'Parallels 2010' reunion tour shaped a high level of anticipation for the band's fans and confirmation of esteem for the American outfit. The rumors from the Salonica gig one day earlier deified FATES WARNING's performance; hence, the Athenian crowd was eager to show up really early catching a good spot and creating a celebration atmosphere.

No support act announced, the Fuzz club was close-to-being full by 21:00 (speaking of 1,500 faces maybe?) and a plain projecting "Parallels"-related picture was the sole input for the band to hit the stage in front of a vivid front set of rows (was standing quite back in the main hall), starting the track-by-track parade of the 1991 album said by many to be the American act's finest release ever. The sound was quite morose in the first couple of songs while it got better and better gradually. What was quite visible though, is that FATES WARNING brought a great appetite to the table or – even better? – inhaled such a good mood by the glowing crowd. Knowing what to expect in this first part of the band's set in terms of tracklist, let's just say that more memory-friendly cuts like "Point Of View", "Eye To Eye", "Leave The Past Behind" and "We Only Say Goodbye" created a more 'live' atmosphere/reaction in regards to the rest, more lonesome, album's cuts.

Listening to a kinda dry reproduction of the studio originals was the main dish served in terms of stage performance but that was quite expected since this FATES WARNING period could not supply any (even) minor live alterations. In addition, throughout the whole set it was confirmed all band members are correctly credited as enthralling individual musicians (having few synchronization troubles, though). Ray Alder was more than hearty in his reaction with the spectators, while he did really well (but not perfect) in his vocal parts. Jim Matheos beard a noble attitude while Frank Aresti showed a more rockin' apparel. Joe DiBiase stood mostly in the background and Mark Zonder dominated the back of the stage with his inimitable drumming (even if – at times – he sounded kinda "bulky").

Finishing off their main "Paralles" set, FATES WARNING carried on with tracks from the "Inside Out" (1994) album, bringing forth a new volume of enthusiasm for the fully packed club. Returning for a two-part encore afterwards, they had more skeletons in their closet: "Through Different Eyes" and "Nothing Left To Say" (both from 1989's "Perfect Symmetry" album) lit fire in Fuzz club while the "Quietus" part of "No Exit"'s closing opus ("The Ivory Gate of Dreams") was quite a surprise, to be honest.

Clocking to something more than 90' of recital, FATES WARNING left the stage under a thunderous applause certifying the success of such an anniversary gig. Don't know if this reunion was (another one) trapped into one-off beneficial needs, had to coincide with the "Parallels" CD/DVD re-release or derived from a decision, from the heart but the main picture is both the band and fans had a great time that evening.Even if the sound was not perfect – but very good, overall – or the atmosphere was over-heating at times (smoking and lack of proper ventilation implementation is a fatal match), the dozes of sentimental overtures could call off any emerging hassles in the eyes of FATES WARNING fans. And there were many present in this gathering, as a matter of fact.

FATES WARNING setlist:

"Leave The Past Behind"

"Life In Still Water"

"Eye To Eye"

"The Eleventh Hour"

"Point Of View"

"We Only Say Goodbye"

"Don't Follow Me"

"The Road Goes On Forever"

"Pale Fire"

"Island In The Stream"

"Face The Fear"

"Monument"

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Through Different Eyes"

"Nothing Left To Say"

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Quietus"

"Another Perfect Day"

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Panos: Along with the announcement that the FATES WARNING masterpiece "Parallels" would be reissued in a remastered and expanded version , the band had an even 'bigger' and more important announcement for their fans. FATES WARNING surprised everyone when they announced that they were going to play selected live dates with the "Parallels" lineup consisting of Ray Alder, Jim Matheos, Mark Zonder, Frank Aresti and Joe DiBiase in order to celebrate the reissue of their classic album!

This was a dream come true for all the FATES WARNING fans!The fact that this most influential band in the Progressive Metal history would reunite with their most successful lineup to perform live the entire "Parallels" made this event one of the most anticipated and important Greek live dates of 2010.It is well known that FATES WARNING have many hardcore and enthusiastic fans in Greece and so it was rumored that even a sold-out gig could be possible.

At around 21:00 the Fuzz club was crowded, as was expected, with the fans waiting patiently to enjoy what was going to be an incredible live performance. 20 minutes later the band took the stage opening their set with "Leave The Past Behind", the first song of "Parallels". The audience simply went crazy, cheering with enthusiasm for the band. Some sound problems during the first two songs were quickly fixed, but I don't think anyone cared about them anyway. FATES WARNING continued their set with the rest of the "Parallels" songs and the fans were creating an incredible atmosphere in the club enjoying every second of the live performance with their soul. "Eye to Eye", "The Eleventh Hour", "Point of View", "We Only Say Goodbye"…every single one of them made the fans ecstatic. The band continued with the same pace and energy delivering songs such as "Pale Fire" and "Monument" making an impact. The time for the first encore came and the band shortly after returned with "Through Different Eyes" and "Nothing Left To Say".

They went again backstage and after a very strong demand by the fans for more FATES WARNING stuff returned for a second encore with "Quietus" and closed their performance with a huge surprise, playing the great "Another Perfect Day". The band said farewell receiving a huge applause from all the metalheads.

What we experienced in this live gig was a progressive Metal feast! The fans were singing together with Ray Alder in every song from the beginning of the live till the end. FATES WARNING members were full of energy performing every song in excellence. Mark Zonder proved once more why he is one of the best Progressive Metal drummers , Joe Di Biase put up a consistent performance in the rhythm section, Jim Matheos and Frank Aresti were simply brilliant and Ray Alder's voice was in great shape. Alder thanked many times the Greek audience for the support and love they showed to the band! In the end, everyone left full of enthusiasm and joy with a smile on their face after having experienced such a great live show. Well, I think the fans have only one thing to say to the band: Thank you FATES WARNING for giving us great and beautiful music all these years and for giving us another night to remember for the rest of our lives!

(photos by Vaia Anagnostou)