Fates Warning – Parallels (Re-Issue Special Edition) (2010)

Almost 20 years after the original release of “Parallels” we get a great re-issuse that features a bunch of goodies that will please ALL the fans of this legendary band. And to top it all there will be a few select reunion shows to support this re-release, so be ready to travel in order to catch a glimpse of the band live.

This re-release features the full original album completely re-mastered and sounding more impressive than even. The extra CD features 8 live tracks (that have great audio quality) and 6 demo versions of tracks from “Parallels”. We particularly love the demo tracks, which allow you to get a more in-depth insight of how the band intended the tracks to sound originally, before going to the studio. They also allow you to discover little differences here and there.

For those of you who don’t know, “Parallels” was a landmark release in the genre of Progressive Metal back in 1991. It also propelled Fates Warning into ‘super stardom’. This release is probably one of my favorite Prog. Metal albums of all times, and its great to have it all re-mastered and with tons of extras.

The audio on the live tracks is great and sounds amazing for the time they where recorded (1992!). Featuring almost the entire “Parallel” album, with the exception of “Life In still Water”, “We Only Say Goodbye” and “The Road Goes Forever”, making it an excellent experience for people wanting to listen to these tracks live.

There is an extra DVD included with an 80 minute concert recorded back in 1992 (different show than the one of the live tracks). But we can’t say anything about the quality since we didn’t get to review that DVD.

It’s great that Metal Blade re-released this legendary album, fully re-mastered and with tons of extras, great addition for any fan of the band. If they could have removed James LaBrie (terrible) vocals from the “Life In Still Water” track this re-release would have topped the original version of the album.

Release: March 16th, 2010

Country: USA