Ray Alder - II

Ray Alder
II
(InsideOutMusic)
By Paul Davies
            Frontman of progressive metal pioneers Fates Warning, not forgetting the five albums recorded with Redemption, Ray Alder is nothing if not prolific. II is his second solo release since his What The Water Wants 2019 debut. The heavy prog vibes reverberate with stylish power as Alder unleashes his outstanding vocal range across these shuddering tracks. With thrilling results, he’s backed up by Mike Abdow, Fates Warning; Tony Hernando, Lords Of Black; and Ignite’s Craig Anderson. They create a monumental landscape of sound that’s pitch perfect for Alder to showcase his still outstanding vocals.

            The combination of smooth and fiery power and precision begins on the brooding This Hollow Shell and it’s properly abetted by follow up song My Oblivion. Alder’s tracking of vocal harmonies come to the fore on The Words I Bled. The killer guitar passages on Waiting For Some Sun is worth spinning this vinyl record alone; then again, this 33 1/3rd vinyl edition is chock full of magnificent and distinctive sounds in its grooves. The final track’s, Changes, declaration ‘when the story ends, another begins’ augurs well for a third solo recording to follow up this impressive statement.