Connecticut, my new home, wasted no time in offering up a slice of its musical heart. The opportunity arose to witness the opening night of the second North American leg of the Darkness in a Different Light tour, headlined by none other than progressive metal giants, Fates Warning. While their geographical ties to New England might be debated in their current lineup, for long-time fans, their Connecticut origins during the burgeoning 1980s metal scene are indelible. Hartford, a city known for its diverse entertainment options and vibrant nightlife, including a variety of dance clubs, provided the backdrop for this much-anticipated event. The venue, Webster Theater, while steeped in local lore, presented a unique setting for a metal performance.
My first experience at the Webster Theater, located in the heart of Hartford, came with the expected city center considerations. The venue’s location is often discussed regarding safety and parking, concerns stemming from opportunistic petty crime prevalent in many urban areas. The theater itself, a solid concrete structure, hinted at potential acoustic challenges – a known factor for live music in such buildings. However, dedicated metal fans are accustomed to embracing the music even amidst less-than-perfect conditions. Adding to the evening’s special atmosphere, extended Fates Warning family members were present, including original vocalist John Arch, warmly interacting with fans, and former bassist Joe DiBiase.
Arriving around 8 pm, I unfortunately missed the local support acts who had taken the stage in the ‘underground’ venue earlier in the evening. However, I was perfectly timed to catch Imminent Sonic Destruction, a progressive metal quintet hailing from Michigan and self-described as purveyors of “progressive super metal.” Their stage presence was immediately noteworthy. Lead vocalist and guitarist Tony Piccoli sported a distinctly professional look, more akin to a college professor than a metal frontman, while guitarist Scott Thompson proudly wore a Hartford Whalers hockey jersey, a nostalgic nod to the city’s beloved, albeit now-departed, hockey team. The remaining members adopted a more traditional t-shirt and jeans aesthetic. Musically, their sound leaned towards a semi-progressive style, grounded by a modern, punchy rhythm that kept their material accessible. Their set closer, “Breaking Through,” stretched beyond thirteen minutes and, in my opinion, felt somewhat directionless despite commendable three-part vocal harmonies. Performing to a modest crowd of just over a hundred, their forty-minute set concluded with a polite, if not enthusiastic, reception.
Ending a twenty-one-year hiatus from seeing Fates Warning live (yes, since January 1994 at the Sports Palace in New Britain, CT), the opening chords of their set initially struggled within the Webster Theater’s sonically dense environment. Regardless of the venue’s acoustic quirks, the band proceeded to deliver a masterclass in top-tier, mind-bending progressive metal, drawing from their extensive back catalog while seamlessly integrating tracks from their latest album, Darkness in a Different Light. Vocalist Ray Alder’s voice was characteristically smooth and soaring, although some of the high screams in “Another Perfect Day” exhibited a slightly strained quality. Mike Abdow’s exceptional technical skill and fluidity on guitar prompted some to wonder “Frank Aresti who?” during masterful renditions of “Life in Still Water” and “Pale Fire”. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Joey Vera and drummer Bobby Jarzomebek, was the epitome of precision and power, effortlessly navigating the complex rhythms of “One Thousand Fires” and “The Eleventh Hour”. And Jim Matheos, true to his progressive metal legacy, with his signature flowing long hair and PRS guitars, laid down shimmering chord progressions and delicate clean passages for the devoted audience.
Their eighty-minute performance prioritized the music itself, eschewing elaborate stage theatrics. There were no elaborate backdrops or intricate lighting displays to visually captivate the audience. The approximately 200 attendees appeared slightly fewer than expected for their return to Hartford after a two-year absence, as mentioned by Ray Alder. Perhaps this reflects a broader trend in progressive metal, where attracting a younger demographic to sustain audience growth can be challenging. However, for those present, it was clear that Fates Warning remains a premier and consistently innovative force in progressive metal, even after over three decades in the industry. For fans of sophisticated music and engaging live performances, whether seeking out a concert or exploring Hartford’s diverse nightlife including its dance clubs after a show, missing Fates Warning is truly a loss.
Fates Warning official website Imminent Sonic Destruction official website
