What makes Theories of Flight by Fates Warning notable?

Theories of Flight received positive reviews from critics, showcasing the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with thoughtful lyrics. It marked a successful return after a long hiatus, demonstrating their ongoing influence in the progressive metal scene and debuting at number 16 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Released on July 1, 2016, Theories of Flight is Fates Warning's twelfth studio album and their first in nearly a decade following 2004's FWX. At this point, the band had solidified their status in progressive metal, continuously evolving while maintaining a loyal fan base.

Who is Theories of Flight for?

Theories of Flight works well if you're into steady pacing for focused listening, soaring melodies that uplift spirit and gradual builds with rewarding crescendos.

How many songs are on Theories of Flight?

Theories of Flight has 8 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Theories of Flight

Fates Warning · 2016

52 min · 8 tracks · progressive metal

Melodic complexity intertwines with intricate rhythms, creating an expansive soundscape that reflects both introspection and epic storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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From the Rooftops — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its soaring melodies and profound lyrical themes about personal freedom and reflection.
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The Light and Shade of Things — A centerpiece of the album, this track showcases the band's signature blend of complex arrangements and emotional depth, highlighting their lyrical prowess.
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Theories of Flight — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of exploration and existential inquiry, featuring dynamic shifts that mirror its introspective lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong performances, though it may not fully stand out in the progressive metal genre.

What we noticed

Each song typically includes multiple sections that vary in intensity, with softer passages often leading into heavier, more aggressive segments.
The lyrics are introspective and narrative-driven, with themes of personal struggle and existential reflection woven throughout the tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for focused listening
soaring melodies that uplift spirit
gradual builds with rewarding crescendos
intricate rhythms for detail-oriented ears

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on July 1, 2016, Theories of Flight is Fates Warning's twelfth studio album and their first in nearly a decade following 2004's FWX. At this point, the band had solidified their status in progressive metal, continuously evolving while maintaining a loyal fan base.
Stylistic neighbors: Dream Theater· Symphony X· Queensrÿche