FATES WARNING - Interview With John Arch

Interview: Diego Oregón

Exclusive for Jump Metal, the original vocalist of the metal progressive legends Fates Warning, John Arch, tells us the details of the new DVD/Blu-ray "Awaken the Guardian", his beginnings in the music, his composition process and future projects.

Arch comments about the experience: "It was an awesome experience. I'm glad that German press received us so well for second time, the first one was in 2012. I really liked this show".

Legendary progressive metal act Fates Warning celebrated the 30th anniversary of its third album, "Awaken The Guardian", in 2016. The album was to become their final release to feature vocalist John Arch. That era's lineup was rounded out by bassist Joe DiBiase, drummer Steve Zimmerman, along with current guitarist Frank Aresti and, of course, guitarist and main songwriter Jim Matheos. "Awaken The Guardian" also holds the honor as the band's very first release to debut on the Billboard chart.

"Awaken The Guardian" remains an important album for the band's fans worldwide. Decibel magazine remarked in its "Hall Of Fame" No. 134 entry that "Each member still talks with great pride of its creation, each blown away by the feedback it has received since its release 30 years ago, each amazed at the powerful and positive impact it has had on so many lives."

To celebrate 30 years since the album's release, Matheos reassembled the "Awaken The Guardian"-era lineup for two special festival appearances: Keep It True XIX in Lauda-Konigshofen, Germany and Prog Power USA XVII in Atlanta, Georgia. Fortunately for fans that were not able to attend, each show was filmed and recorded.