ARMORED SAINT bassist Joey Vera has addressed the uncertain state of progressive metal legends FATES WARNING, offering fans a mix of hope and honest realism.
Speaking to The Rock Is George podcast, Vera was candid: "Man, I wish I had an answer for everybody. It's been quiet for some time now." However, he made clear the desire to perform is still alive. "I would love to do more shows. And I know that there's offers coming in from promoters — sometimes they come to me. And I'm like, 'Hey, man, I got no pull here. You gotta go to Matheos and Ray.' But the interest is still there."
The situation has been in limbo since vocalist Ray Alder confirmed in early 2024 that founding guitarist Jim Matheos does not wish to write any more music for the band. "Jim doesn't wanna write any more music for the band. I think he just kind of feels it wouldn't be honest," Alder explained. He himself expressed openness to continuing, but Matheos' position appears firm.
The band's most recent album, 2020's "Long Day Good Night", is widely considered a towering achievement in progressive metal — a fitting potential swan song if it proves to be their last. Vera joined FATES WARNING in 1994 and has been a central member for three decades.
Whether the band can return for live shows without new material remains to be seen, but Vera's openness gives fans reason to hold cautious hope that FATES WARNING's story may not yet be fully told.