Savatage - Fates Warning

Los Angeles - Palace, 01/23/92

From: RAW magazine, apr-may ,92
Written by : Linda Moore
Contributed by: Andrea Pensalfine

THE PALACE was Rockin' again 'til the PA died and caused an unfortunate end to Savatage 's set - and the entire evening !
But the Florida act's performance was short but very sweet indeed, proving themselves to be one of the most underrated Hard Rock bands in the marketplace today.
Over their numerous independent and major label LP's they've never hesitated to explore new avenues in their genre, incorporating a heavy use of keyboards and, for their latest venture, that of Opera!
They openedwith "Hall Of The Mountain King" and ran through a brace of cuts from the excellent new 'Streets: A Rock Opera' LP and were halfway through "Jesus Saves" before a crackling noise heralded the utter failure of the PA. A crying shame !

Beforehand, Fates Warning had delivered a solid performance of Hard Rockin' melodies and high-powered guitar riffs to a packed house.
As moshers were continually dragged over the barrier by the security, I've got to admit to being surprised by such a radical reaction for the Connecticut veterans.
Ray Alder has a diverse voice, most apparent during the softer numbers like "Leave The Past Behind", which began virtually acapella !
Newer cuts such as "The Eleventh Hour", "Point Of View" and their current US hit "Eye To Eye" were the obvious highlights, older tunes like "Silent Cries" and "Quietus" were less spectacular, letting the side down somewhat. Another shame!