Article By: Pat ‘Riot’ Whitaker ‡ Edited By: Leanne Ridgeway
The Connecticut-origin, Progressive metal legends Fates Warning celebrated the 30th anniversary of its third album, ‘Awaken The Guardian‘, in 2016. To celebrate this massive milestone, Jim Matheos (guitar) reassembled the ‘Awaken The Guardian’-era lineup for two special music festival appearances last year: Keep it True XIX and Prog Power USA XVII.
For those of us not lucky enough to attend either, each show was filmed and recorded in its entirety for the upcoming DVD/Blu-ray out April 28th via Metal Blade Records, ‘Awaken The Guardian Live’.
Directed and edited by Oliver ‘Bomber’ Barth, the Keep It True XIX footage was recorded on April 30th, 2016, in Lauda-Konigshofen, Germany. The Prog Power USA footage was recorded on September 9th, 2016, in Atlanta, Georgia, with sound recording and video editing by Kent Smith, plus audio and video recording services provided by Lucid Lounge Studios – Atlanta.
Everything was then mixed and mastered by Bill Metoyer at SkullSeven Studio in North Hollywood, California. ‘Awaken The Guardian Live’ also features art direction, design, and artwork by Ioannis, making this a must-have piece for any true fan’s collection.
‘Awaken The Guardian’ vocalist John Arch comments about the experience:
“It was truly a surreal experience being able to share the spirit of ‘Awaken The Guardian’ at these shows. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fans that have given back so much over the 30 year span since the album’s release. To all our family and friends, much gratitude.“
For a preview of this release, a video for “Fata Morgana” from Keep it True XIX is below. ‘Awaken The Guardian Live’ can also be ordered in the following formats at Metal Blade Webstore.
– Deluxe Edition Artbook (52 pages, 4-CD, DVD, Blu-ray – limited to 2000 copies)
– 2CD + DVD Digipak
– Blu-ray (USA exclusive)
– 180g black vinyl
– indigo blue vinyl (limited to 300 copies – EU exclusive)
– turquoise green vinyl (limited to 200 copies – EU exclusive)
– purple vinyl (limited to 300 copies – USA exclusive)
* exclusive bundles with a shirt, plus digital options are also available.
