Fates Warning was formed in 1982 in Hartford, Connecticut with a line-up of vocalist John Arch, guitarists Jim Matheos and Victor Arduini, bassist Joe DiBiase and Steve Zimmerman on drums. They recorded a couple of demos in 1983 under their orignal name "Misfit", but changed name prior to the inclusion of their demotrack "Soldier Boy" on the Metal Massacre V compilation on Metal Blade Records in 1984.

Current line-up
Ray Alder - Vocals
Jim Matheos - Guitar
Joey Vera - Bass

Bernie Versailles - Guitar (live)

Former/past member(s)
Drums:
Steve Zimmermann (1982-88)
Mark Zonder (1988-2004)

Bass
Joe DiBiase (1982-96)

Guitars:
Frank Aresti (1986-96)
Victor Arduini (1982-86)

Vocals:
Chris Cronk (1987)
John Arch (1982-87)

Keyboards:
Kevin Moore (1997-2000)

Additional notes
Previously known as Misfit (US).

The members wanted to change their band's name (from Fates Warning) in 1987, when John Arch exited the band. Whilst Metal Blade denied the name change, Fates Warning's musical direction shifted from power to progressive metal.