Fates Warning, hailing from Cincinnati (Ohio), evolved form the derivative Iron Maiden-esque sound of Night On Broken (Metal Blade, 1984), via The Spectre Within (1985) and Awaken The Guardian (1986), to the Queensryche-esque progressive-metal of No Exit (1988), with a completely restructured line-up (Ray Alder on vocals, Frank Arresti and Jim Matheos on guitars).

Perfect Symmetry (1989), with Moore of Dream Theater on keyboards, possibly their artistic peak, and the exotic/exoteric Parallels (Metal Blade, 1991) further refined their style.

After the transitional Inside Out (Metal Blade, 1994), the group further increased the level of abstraction with the 12-movement concept album Pleasant Shade of Gray (1997)

Disconnected (2000)

Jim Matheos released the solo instrumental albums First Impressions (1993) and Away With Words (Metal Blade, 1999).