Fates Warning
Awaken The Guardian Live (180g 2lp)

There are tons of fantasy metal bands these days, but 'Awaken the Guardian' really sounds like fantasy itself in a way that only Blind Guardian's 'Somewhere Far Beyond' rivals.

There is plenty of aggression and heaviness in the very metal guitar tones of Jim Matheos & Frank Aresti. Their virtuosity isn’t based on egotistical grandstanding and guitar solos, rather it is executing these complex song arrangements that underlines their formidable abilities. It could be said that this brand of progressive metal is “music for musicians”, but I believe there are also rewards for listeners that aren’t players.