I think I may have said this already in this thread, but: For some reason, Fates Warning in general has never clicked with me. On paper, they bring everything to the table that I like in music. But somehow, it just doesn't work. I love Ray Alder in Redemption. And I love what the rest of the band has done in some other projects, such as Arch/Matheos. But together, their songs just don't do anything for me, with the exception of the odd song here or there (Monument is probably my favorite).
X is the first Fates Warning
album I found myelf enjoying and wanting to listen to. The latest album is even a big leap over that, and I would consider it their finest work. Some really good songs on there. I have probably spun it more than all other Fates albums combined.
Related: I ever so briefly met Frank Aresti at the Dream Theater show last week after sound check. He introduced himself to me simply as "Frank," and it did not click right away who he was until John Petrucci gave his full name. I felt a little silly then.
I did not say anything about the new album, partly because I was caught off guard by not recognizing him, and partly because, honestly, I have not paid enough attention to know whether he is on the latest album. I believe he is, but I did not want to put my foot in my mouth and say how awsome it was if it turns out he isn't even on it. Anyhow, seems like a really nice guy from what I could tell from such a brief meeting. I caught a few glimpses of he and his wife watching the DT show from over behind JP's guitar world area, hanging out next to Maddi.