Arch/Matheos | Sympathetic Resonance

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by Joe Mis
Staff Writer

A real treat for progressive metal fans in on the way. Prog metal pioneers John Arch and Jim Matheos, both founding members of the groundbreaking band Fates Warning, have reunited and will be releasing a new album as Arch/Matheos entitled Sympathetic Resonance. Far more than a “reunion”, Sympathetic Resonance is the apex of the progressive metal genre, a full evolutionary leap that also brings a number of Fates Warning’ members back together.

One must use the term “super-group” cautiously, but Arch/Matheos is about as close as one can get to a super-group in the prog metal arena. Vocalist John Arch (Fates Warning) and guitarist Jim Matheos (Fates Warning, OSI) began musical collaboration in 1982 (yes, there was progressive metal before Dream Theater) and fronted the band until Arch moved on in 1987. They are joined by ex-Fates Warning guitarist Frank Aresti (with FW from 1986 to 1996), bassist Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Anthrax, Fates Warning 2000-present, Seven Witches) and drummer Bobby Jarzombek (Halford, Fates Warning 2007-present, Sebastian Bach, Riot). Jim Matheos also handled the recording and production with a deft hand, bringing the strength of each performer to the fore as needed. With each and every member of Arch/Matheos bringing an impressive resume and broad experience to the table the music is mature, complex and technically difficult – a feast for the ears.

Odd chord patterns and unusual time signatures are the hallmarks of the Arch/Matheos style. The epic 11-minute opening track, “Neurotically Wired,” features these and more – soft distorted guitars, ripping aggressive riffs, big gurgling bass and machine gun drums, quick tempos fading into ethereal slow passages. John Arch hasn’t lost a step vocally – his high range and reedy tone sound just as solid in 2011 as they did back in 1982 – and he delivers the somewhat metaphysical lyrics crisply and cleanly. Moody synthesizers and low key guitars open up “Midnight Serenade” before giving way to brassy guitars and Arch’s sweeping vocals. Intense bass, booming double bass drums and blistering guitars (both electric and acoustic) characterize “Stained Glass Sky,” a track that seems to go through multiple moods before settling into a power duet between Arch’s voice and Matheos’ versatile guitars. This song is a technical masterpiece and it displays the vast talents of Vera, Aresti and Jarzombek as it walks through various tempos and moods.

Softer acoustics open “On The Fence” before complex bass and drum lines kick in, although this track is relatively low key and a bit moodier than the others. “Any Given Day” cranks the energy back up and is all about the rhythm line. It features some amazing work by Vera and Jarzombek as well as intricate guitars and a great vocal performance. “Incense And Myrrh” closes the album on a lighter note with great acoustic guitars, fine vocals and a simple rolling rhythm line.

The six tracks of Sympathetic Resonance run almost an hour, filled with many long and complex instrumental passages that are technical marvels. The song lyrics are rich in symbolism and rife with metaphors focusing on the concepts of memory, reality and dreams. Well engineered and recorded, each song is layered and intricate – individual journeys filled with odd timings, ethereal vocal lines and rich harmonies.

In short, Arch/Matheos is a must have for anyone who considers themselves to be a fan of progressive metal. Fans of the original lineup of Fates Warning will be thrilled, but this isn’t old style prog metal – it is cutting edge. Sympathetic Resonance will be released on 13-September-2011 on Metal Blade Records. If you are progressive, get it.

Genre: Progressive Metal

Band:
John Arch – vocals
Jim Matheos – guitars
Joey Vera – bass
Bobby Jarzombek – drums
Frank Aresti – additional lead guitar

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

Label: Metal Blade

Website: http://www.archmatheos.com/

Hardrock Haven rating: 9.5/10