Chasing Time (Fates Warning album)

Chasing Time is the seventh studio album by the American progressive metal band Fates Warning. Released in 1995, it marked a significant shift in the band's sound, moving away from the more overtly progressive and complex compositions of their earlier work towards a more streamlined and accessible style, while retaining their signature melodic sensibilities. The album is often cited by fans and critics as a pivotal point in the band's career, bridging the gap between their earlier, more experimental phase and their later, more commercially successful albums.

The album's songwriting credits are primarily shared between guitarist Jim Matheos and vocalist Ray Alder. Matheos's guitar work is characterized by its blend of melodic phrasing and powerful riffs, while Alder's vocals display a potent blend of power and emotion. The lyrical themes explore concepts of mortality, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in life, themes that would become increasingly prominent in Fates Warning's later works.

While the album retains the technical proficiency that Fates Warning is known for, the arrangements are generally less complex and more direct than on previous albums. This shift resulted in songs that were arguably more radio-friendly, contributing to increased exposure for the band. However, the progressive elements are still present, subtly woven into the songs' structures and instrumental sections. The album's production is clean and crisp, allowing for the details of the instrumentation and vocals to shine through.

Notable Tracks:

• "The Eleventh Hour": Often considered the album's flagship track, featuring a memorable chorus and strong dynamics.
• "A Pleasant Shade of Gray": Showcases Alder's vocal range and emotional delivery.
• "Inside the Walls": A more melancholic and atmospheric track, exemplifying the album's blend of heavier and softer elements.

Reception:

''Chasing Time'' received generally positive reviews upon its release, praised for its accessibility and strong songwriting, while still satisfying longtime fans of the band's more intricate work. It's often considered a key album in their discography, contributing significantly to their wider recognition and continued evolution as a band. Its impact on the progressive metal genre, however, is often overshadowed by other releases of the era.