- Genre: Rock & Alternative
- Influenced by: Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Queensrÿche
Without Warning began its life as a project of five college students in New York in 1991. After a few years of requisite gigging, the band recorded their debut disc Making Time in 1993. Produced by Eddie Kramer (Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Kiss), Making Time made a slight impact in Japan, where it was released. It was followed in 1995 by Believe, a strong album that saw the band begin to develop their progressive sound. Vinnie Fontanetta's strong, Hammond-influenced keyboard parts alternated against Ted Burger's restrained and confident guitar work to form songs that are complex yet filled with catchy hooks. On top of it all, the powerful vocals of Jack Bielata -- whose voice is reminiscent of Jon Bon Jovi at his best -- becomes one of the defining elements of the band's sound.
"Believe" was produced by Alex Perialas (of Anthrax and Metallica fame). Like Making Time, it is only available in the U.S. as an import. Both of these discs can clearly be seen as paving the way for Step Beyond, the masterpiece released in the summer of 1998.
Step Beyond is the band's first worldwide release, and is filled with solid musicianship that is a quantum leap above their previous work. With Step Beyond, Without Warning manages to pull off the trickiest of tasks: to write intricate, progressive music that is instantly accessible to the casual listener. As such, it is an album that will appeal to progheads and traditional metalhearts alike -- the product of a uniquely talented group of artists. ~ James Bickers, All Music Guide