PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
In 2010, Jim Matheos (Fates Warning & OSI) and John Arch (ex Fates Warning) teamed up to form the new progressive metal band, ARCH/ MATHEOS. The band -accompanied by the talented lineup of Joey Vera on bass, Bobby Jarzombek on drums, and Frank Aresti on additional lead guitar- began tracking the drums for their debut album ‘Sympathetic Resonance’ on January 12 and continued to record through March with Jim Matheos producing.
All the 6 tracks combine various styles both musically and lyrically. There is a lot to absorb as each tracks tumbles through different moods whilst combining various lyrical styles. John has lost none of his vocal prowess over the years and is sounding fantastic.
Whilst only having 6 tracks feels like a full length release due to 3 of the tracks being over 10 minutes long. It is around 55 minutes in length. The album flows seamlessly from track to track,
It is very polished and ballsy progressive feel to it. It is definitely an aurally pleasurable journey. However the long tracks could have been made shorter without compromising the track. At a few points in the album it sounds like they are trying to cram as much different styles in as possible.
If you’re a fan of Dream Theater, Symphony X etc and/or love modern technically astute, well done, prog metal this album is for you.
Rating – 8/10
Track listing
1. Neurotically Wired
2. Midnight Serenade
3. Stained Glass Sky
4. On the Fence
5. Any Given Day (Strangers Like Me)
6. Incense and Myrrh
Band members
John Arch – vocals (former Fates Warning)
Jim Matheos – guitars (Fates Warning, OSI)
Joey Vera – bass (Armored Saint, Anthrax, Fates Warning, Seven Witches)
Bobby Jarzombek – drums (Halford, Fates Warning, Sebastian Bach, Riot)
Frank Aresti – additional lead guitar (Fates Warning)
