October 2025 Feature Release - The Infinite Edition

So just like that we find that a new month is upon us which of course means that we’ll be nominating a brand new monthly feature release for each clan. This essentially means that we’re asking you to rate, review & discuss our chosen features for no other reason than because we enjoy the process & banter. We’re really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on our chosen releases so don’t be shy.

This month's feature release for The Infinite, a last-minute nomination by me (Shadowdoom9 (Andi)) in Saxy's absence, is the 1985 sophomore album by Connecticut-based progressive metal pioneers Fates Warning, The Spectre Within. Revisiting this band, I still love this album that marks the beginning of their transition from the classic heavy/US power metal of their debut Night on Brocken to the melodic progressive metal of subsequent albums. Anyone who enjoys melodic progressive metal and has listened to the majority of Fates Warning's discography but not yet this masterpiece should give it a go.

https://metal.academy/releases/2306

I've always really enjoyed "The Spectre Within" (4/5) & I regard it as a step up from the records either side of it (both 3.5/5). 1991's "Parallels" (4/5) is still my favourite Fates Warning release though.

I've done my review, here's its summary:

The Spectre Within is a true progressive/US power metal gem! It even has a slight edge over their next album Awaken the Guardian that other fans prefer. Their second album with they really start to add progressiveness to their US power metal sound. My first full experience with this band's material was 5 years ago. I was more focused on heavier modern metal than the more melodic old-school metal of yore. I enjoyed the music a lot but eventually got tired of it, especially the vocals. Some things need some time away from me to restore the glory, and when I came back just a few days before this review, I can hear it again as the masterpiece I first thought it was. And I've realized that I enjoy the earlier heavy/progressive metal era of their first 3 albums more than their subsequent melodic progressive metal era. John Arch is one of the best vocalists of the genre. He may sound annoying at first but then you realize how amazing he is with his unique voice. The classic heavy/US power metal side is mixed together with the progressiveness of the band's subsequent albums, the latter best hinted at in a long 12-minute closing epic. In fact, I may just say that The Spectre Within is the true start to the progressive metal genre. Every metalhead should get that offering and listen to this incredible talent. All praise Fates Warning!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Traveler in Time", "Without a Trace", "The Apparition", "Epitaph"

For fans of: Crimson Glory, Dream Theater, Queensryche (especially their earlier material at that time)