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Tod Howarth
Tod Howarth
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Tod Howarth (born September 24, 1957) is an American rock musician from San Diego, California.[1] He is best known as serving as a keyboardist, a guitarist, and vocalist for the hard rock group Frehley's Comet, led by former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley.[2] The band recorded three albums and produced four music videos before the line-up ultimately dissolved, with Frehley moving back to solo efforts.

Howarth's music career began in the early 1980s with the group 707. He has also performed with Cheap Trick and Ted Nugent[3] and released four solo albums, the first in 1995. He also provided background vocals for Nugent's Penetrator album in 1984, and Loudness' album Hurricane Eyes in 1987.

Howarth joined Cheap Trick again in 2008; at the 30th anniversary 2008 Budokan show, he was seen on stage playing the keyboard and supplying backing vocals. He was originally scheduled to participate in the 2008 Journey / Heart / Cheap Trick tour, but budget restrictions[clarification needed] caused him to be unable to participate.

On December 14, 2008 Howarth released an acoustic version of the Frehley's Comet classic "Time Ain't Runnin' Out" exclusively on his MySpace page.

Howarth's latest solo album, Opposite Gods was released independently in April 2010. In June 2012, he released a video single on YouTube of his single *"Cold Beach", filmed on location in the California desert. The video was shot and edited primarily by Vancouver producer Brian Sword.

In June, 2016, Howarth, along with ex-Frehley's Comet bassist, John Regan, ex-Skid Row drummer, Rob Affuso, and guitarist Pat Gasperini, released an album under the band name Four By Fate. Entitled Relentless, the album was released by The End Records.[4]

Howarth also performs at charity events, such as Stand Down for veterans and their families.[5]

Solo discography

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Ace Frehley discography

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Four By Fate discography

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  • Relentless (June 3, 2016)

707 discography

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Filmography

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Tod Howarth (born September 24, 1957) is an American rock musician from , , renowned for his multifaceted roles as a , , and across several prominent bands in the and scenes. Howarth's career began in the late 1970s, gaining initial prominence with the band 707, which he joined in 1981 and with whom he achieved a charting hit single, "I Could Be Good For You," while touring alongside acts like . He subsequently performed with high-profile groups including the Band and , joining the latter in 1985 for multiple tours, including performances at Japan's Budokan arena. His most notable tenure came in 1987 when he joined , Frehley's post-Kiss project, serving as , , and guitarist; he contributed vocals to the band's debut album and songs to its follow-up, Second Sighting, and participated in live recordings such as Live +1. Beyond band work, Howarth has pursued a solo career, releasing multiple albums including (1995), Opposite Gods (2010), and the Canvas series—Heavy Canvas, Canvas, and Coastal Canvas—in 2022, and formed the supergroup Four By Fate in 2014 with bassist John Regan, producing the album Relentless (2016). His contributions extend to collaborations with artists like and producer , underscoring his enduring influence in rock music; in 2025, following the death of , he participated in tribute performances and events honoring his former bandmate.

Early life

Upbringing in San Diego

Tod Howarth was born on September 24, 1957, in San Diego, California, to a family with no specified musical heritage. His parents were notably young at the time, aged 19 and 21, which placed them in their late 60s by the early 2000s. Howarth grew up in San Diego during the late 1950s and 1960s, a formative era for the city's cultural landscape. The region fostered an emerging rock scene, blending surf rock influences from its coastal environment with the rise of garage and psychedelic bands that drew national attention, such as Iron Butterfly, which originated locally. This vibrant atmosphere provided a backdrop to his childhood, though specific details on his daily experiences or non-musical pursuits remain sparsely documented. Limited information exists regarding Howarth's early education or personal interests outside music up to high school, with records indicating he remained rooted in the area through his youth. By the late , he transitioned toward musical endeavors in the region.

Musical beginnings

Howarth's upbringing in laid the foundation for his West Coast orientation toward , where he first developed an interest in the genre during his adolescence in the . Inspired by the guitar-driven rock of and artists, he was particularly drawn to the raw energy, powerful vocals, and intricate arrangements that defined the era's sound. His initial experiences with instruments began earlier, in 1966 at age nine, when his introduced him to her upright and arranged lessons after noticing his natural aptitude. By the late 1970s, Howarth expanded his skills to guitar, acquiring an SG copy in that fueled his passion for rock instrumentation and songwriting. These formative years honed his abilities on keyboards and guitar, blending melodic influences from his piano background with the harder edges of rock. Seeking professional opportunities amid the vibrant music scene, Howarth relocated from to the area in 1979. This move marked a pivotal step toward his career, immersing him in the competitive environment of the clubs and original band circuits.

Musical career

707 (1980–1982)

After arriving in in 1980, Tod Howarth joined the rock band 707 in early 1981 as , , and , marking his entry into the professional music scene. The band, originally formed in the late 1970s by members from and including bassist/vocalist and drummer Jim McClarty, had already signed with in 1979 and released its self-titled debut album in 1980, featuring the radio hit "I Could Be Good for You." Howarth's addition to the lineup alongside lead /vocalist Kevin Russell helped solidify the group's sound, blending AOR elements with energetic performances. During Howarth's tenure from 1981 to 1982, 707 released two more albums on and its affiliate Records: The Second Album in 1981 and Mega Force in 1982. These records captured the band's evolving style, with Howarth contributing significantly to songwriting and arrangements; notably, he co-wrote the title track "Mega Force," which became a minor radio hit and later gained attention through its association with the 1982 film . Howarth also provided lead vocals on select tracks across these albums, showcasing his versatile voice in the genre. Building on his musical training from the late , this period represented Howarth's foundational experience in and live performance within a major-label context. The band toured extensively during this time, opening for prominent acts at their commercial peaks to build exposure, including on their 1981-1982 Good Trouble tour, , , Scorpions, and . These high-profile slots, often in arenas and stadiums, allowed 707 to refine their stage presence and connect with rock audiences, though the group struggled to convert radio success into broader commercial breakthroughs amid shifting industry dynamics. By late 1982, facing internal conflicts and label pressures, 707 disbanded in 1983 without achieving sustained success, ending Howarth's initial foray into the professional rock world.

Frehley's Comet (1984–1988)

In 1987, Tod Howarth, drawing on his prior experience as a and vocalist with the AOR band 707, auditioned multiple times before joining as a , handling keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals. The band had formed two years earlier under Ace Frehley's leadership following his departure from , with initial lineups featuring drummer and bassist John Regan, but Howarth's addition came after guitarist Richie Scarlet's exit, bringing a fresh dynamic to the group's sound through his keyboard contributions and shared lead vocal duties. Howarth played a key role in the band's creative output during its active years, contributing to the recording of three albums between 1987 and 1988. The self-titled debut , released in July 1987 and produced by , marked the band's major-label introduction on and peaked at No. 43 on the , with Howarth co-writing and providing lead vocals on tracks like "Calling to You" (co-written with Jim McClarty and Kevin Russell) and "Something Moved." The follow-up , rushed into production in early 1988 amid Frehley's health challenges including , saw Howarth expand his songwriting involvement, co-authoring songs such as "Loser in a Fight" with John Regan and taking lead vocals on several cuts, though the album received mixed reviews for its inconsistent execution. That same year, the live EP Live +1 captured performances from the ongoing tour, showcasing the band's stage energy with Howarth's contributions on guitar and keyboards. The period also included the production of four official music videos to promote the albums: "Into the Night" and "Rip It Out" from the debut, and "Fallen Angel" and "It's Over Now" from Second Sighting, which highlighted the band's style and featured Howarth prominently in vocal and instrumental spots. Frehley's Comet undertook extensive touring from mid-1987 through 1988, headlining U.S. theater and arena shows to support the debut album—drawing strong crowds from Kiss's fanbase—and later opening for acts like on select dates while maintaining international outings, including a notable March 1988 performance at London's Hammersmith Odeon. By late 1988, internal tensions and label pressures led to the band's dissolution, as pushed Frehley toward a solo career emphasizing his individual songwriting and vocals, leaving Howarth without a creative outlet in the project; he departed before Frehley's subsequent solo album Trouble Walkin' in 1989, shifting focus to other endeavors. Following Ace Frehley's death on October 16, 2025, Howarth participated in tributes honoring his former bandmate, including discussions and performances of material as of November 2025.

Involvement with Cheap Trick

Tod Howarth first joined in 1985 as a touring and , filling in during a period of lineup flux that included prior associations with bassist Pete Comita and , whom he had played alongside in earlier Los Angeles-based projects. His role involved supporting the band's live performances without prior rehearsals, learning material from cassette tapes and records, and contributing to tours that featured co-headlining shows with artists like , fostering key industry relationships. This stint lasted until December 1986, when Howarth departed to join Ace Frehley's band. Following the dissolution of in 1988, Howarth rejoined in 1990 to support the ongoing tour, providing guitar, keyboards, and vocals amid continued lineup adjustments involving Comita and Brant. He remained a consistent touring member through 1997, enhancing the band's live energy during a resurgence sparked by the album's hit single "The Flame," though he contributed no studio recordings. These performances solidified his rapport with the group, particularly through shared tours with Waite that influenced his production approaches in later projects. Howarth participated in Cheap Trick's 25th anniversary celebration on August 31, 1999, at Davis Park in , documented on the Silver DVD where he is credited for keyboards and backing vocals alongside guest appearances by Slash and . This homecoming event highlighted the band's enduring appeal, with Howarth's contributions adding layered harmonies and keyboard textures to classics like "Surrender" and "I Want You to Want Me." In 2008, Howarth returned for Cheap Trick's 30th anniversary concert at the Budokan in Tokyo, Japan, reprising his role on keyboards and backing vocals for the live recording that commemorated the band's iconic 1978 album. His intermittent involvement underscored a supportive, non-permanent dynamic, focused on elevating live spectacles rather than core membership.

Collaborations with other artists

In the mid-1980s, following his tenure with 707, Tod Howarth contributed backing vocals to Ted Nugent's eighth studio album, Penetrator, released in 1984 on . His vocal support appeared alongside contributions from other musicians on several tracks, helping to bolster the album's edge during Nugent's shift toward a more commercial sound. Howarth's freelance work extended to the Japanese heavy metal band 's seventh studio album, Hurricane Eyes, issued in 1987 on . He provided backing vocals and assisted with English lyrics, aiding the album's production to appeal to American audiences through a polished, Western-influenced style produced by . These guest appearances on established artists' records underscored Howarth's growing versatility and reputation within the 1980s community, where such session contributions often led to broader opportunities in the genre.

Four by Fate (2011–present)

Four by Fate is a supergroup formed in 2014 by vocalist and guitarist Tod Howarth and bassist John Regan, who had previously collaborated during Regan's tenure with in the . The initial lineup also included drummer of and guitarist Pat Gasperini, though Pero's untimely death from a heart attack in March 2015 led to Rob Affuso, formerly of , joining on drums to complete the recording sessions. Howarth serves as the band's lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist, contributing significantly to songwriting and production alongside the other members. The group released its debut , Relentless, on June 3, 2016, through Amazing Record Co. in and The End Records in . Recorded primarily at Howarth's home studio in , the album features 13 tracks blending melodic with influences from the members' pedigrees, including contributions from Pero on six songs. Howarth's dual role on guitar and vocals is prominent throughout, delivering high-energy riffs and harmonies that evoke the era. Following the album's release, Four by Fate embarked on live performances to promote Relentless, including a headline slot at the Rock Carnival festival in , in September 2016, where they debuted several tracks live. The band toured in 2017 as part of the Thunder Down Under Tour, performing to enthusiastic crowds in venues like The Basement in , and continued with U.S. shows, such as a 2018 appearance at The Chance Theater in . These outings showcased the band's tight chemistry, with Howarth often incorporating Frehley's Comet-era material into sets alongside new songs. As of 2025, Four by Fate remains active in a tribute capacity following the deaths of key members: drummer in 2015 and bassist , who passed away on April 7, 2023, at age 71. The band has maintained lineup stability around Howarth, Affuso, and Gasperini for live tributes, including a 2024 memorial show honoring that featured performances of Four by Fate material. No new studio has been released since Relentless, though Howarth has indicated ongoing discussions about unreleased tracks from the original sessions potentially seeing the light of day in the future.

Solo career

Studio albums

Tod Howarth launched his solo recording career in 1995 with , a self-produced that blended energy with introspective ballads, reflecting his transition from band dynamics to personal expression. Recorded independently, the featured Howarth handling most instruments and production duties, showcasing his distinctive guitar tones and vocal style honed during his time with . His follow-up, Cobalt Parlor (1997), continued the independent ethos with self-production, delving deeper into heavier, more melancholic territories described by Howarth as "not a happy record," emphasizing raw emotional depth over commercial polish. By West of Eight (2000), Howarth incorporated a fuller band sound while maintaining creative control, shifting toward grunge-influenced alternative rock with unique lyrical perspectives that marked a departure from his earlier power rock roots. Winter (2002) followed as a laid-back AOR effort, self-recorded to capture an appealing, introspective vibe that grew more resonant over time. The 2010 release Opposite Gods represented a culmination of Howarth's solo evolution, where he again performed, produced, and engineered the entire project independently, resulting in what he called his "best work" lyrically and musically, blending alternative edges with mature thematic exploration. In 2022, Howarth released three self-produced albums as part of the Canvas series, further showcasing his versatility. Heavy Canvas is a rock-oriented effort, while Coastal Canvas explores easy-listening styles with and acoustic elements, and Canvas features acoustic re-recordings of songs he wrote and sang for Frehley's Comet. All were written, performed, and produced by Howarth independently. Across these releases, Howarth's style progressed from the 1990s' power rock foundations—evident in the driving riffs of Silhouette and Cobalt Parlor—to the 2000s' grunge-tinged alternative sounds in West of Eight, Winter, and Opposite Gods, and into the with the varied Canvas series, allowing greater experimentation in mood and arrangement while staying true to his rock core.

Singles and videos

Howarth ventured into digital-era solo releases with non-album singles that emphasized personal reinterpretations and visual storytelling to connect with fans online. On December 14, 2008, he issued an acoustic rendition of his track "Time Ain’t Runnin’ Out" exclusively through , serving as an early foray into platform-specific digital experimentation ahead of his full-length album Opposite Gods. Building on this digital pivot, Howarth released the original single "Cold Beach" in June 2012, accompanied by an official uploaded to . The video, filmed in the stark landscapes of the desert, captures a raw, introspective aesthetic aligned with the song's themes of isolation and reflection. Produced and engineered by Brian Sword at Golden Ure Gopher Studios in , it features a standout by Jeffery Marshall and basic and bass recordings that underscore Howarth's multi-instrumental approach. These singles functioned as creative bridges between Howarth's studio albums, such as the 2010 release Opposite Gods and his later 2022 Canvas series, allowing him to target niche online audiences through accessible streaming and video platforms without committing to comprehensive album cycles. While no additional EPs emerged post-2010, Howarth periodically shared promotional uploads on , including live acoustic clips and song teasers, to maintain direct fan engagement in the streaming age.

Later activities

Charity involvement

Tod Howarth has actively participated in charitable music events supporting veterans and , leveraging his background in to contribute to community causes. On November 4, 2015, he performed his original song "Amber Waves," honoring the American flag and military service, at Holyoke Community College's celebration in , which drew veterans from the Holyoke Soldiers' Home and surrounding areas as part of the college's largest such event to date. In December 2024, Howarth appeared at the Cancer Goodbye III benefit concert in , a three-day and fundraiser for the that featured -themed performances and memorabilia sales to maximize donations. He delivered a setlist including material during the event on December 8 at The Venue at Harvest House. Following his performance, Howarth discussed the event's significance in supporting cancer initiatives during an interview at the venue.

Tribute to Ace Frehley (2025)

, the co-founder and leader of the band in which Tod Howarth served as guitarist and co-lead vocalist from 1984 to 1988, died on October 16, 2025, at age 74 from blunt force injuries sustained in a fall at his home. The ruled the death accidental, following Frehley's recent cancellation of tour dates due to health issues. Howarth publicly mourned Frehley on October 24, 2025, via an post reflecting on the passage of time since his passing and referring to him as his "old boss and band mate," underscoring their close professional relationship during the era. On November 11, 2025, Howarth appeared as a special guest on the Fun Never Ends Podcast's tribute episode dedicated to Frehley, where he shared personal memories and anecdotes from their time collaborating in . The episode featured discussions on Frehley's influence and legacy, with Howarth highlighting the creative dynamics and touring experiences of the band.

Discography

Solo discography

Tod Howarth's solo discography consists primarily of independently released studio albums spanning from 1995 to 2010, with most issued on and self-produced by the artist. These releases showcase his shift toward introspective and grunge-influenced sounds, often featuring Howarth handling vocals, guitars, and multiple instruments. No major-label distribution occurred, and formats were limited to and digital, with no confirmed vinyl pressings beyond potential limited runs for .

Studio Albums

Album TitleRelease DateLabelFormatTrack CountKey Production Notes
Silhouette1995Self-released (Not On Label)CD9Self-produced by Tod Howarth; features tracks like "Far Cry From Heaven" and "Silhouette."
Cobalt Parlor1997Shock RecordsCD10Self-produced; includes "California Burns" and "Cobalt Parlor," blending elements.
West of Eight2000Self-releasedCD10Self-produced; notable tracks include "Rough and Tumble" and "October Son."
Winter2002Self-releasedCD10Self-produced; features acoustic-leaning songs such as "I Miss" and "Forgiven."
Opposite GodsApril 4, 2010Self-releasedCD, Digital13Self-produced and performed entirely by Howarth; tracks include "Drown," "Way Down South," and "Veterans."
No reissues or compilations of Howarth's solo material have been released as of 2025.

Singles

  • "Time Ain’t Runnin’ Out" (acoustic re-recording): Released December 14, 2008, as a digital single exclusively via MySpace; originally from Frehley's Comet's Second Sighting (1988), but issued as a solo effort.
  • "Cold Beach": Released June 21, 2012, as a digital single with accompanying music video; produced by Howarth, directed and edited by Brian Sword, filmed in the California desert.

707 discography

During Tod Howarth's tenure with 707 from 1981 to 1983, the band released two studio albums on and its successor label, reflecting the group's shift toward a harder-edged AOR sound with Howarth contributing on keyboards, , and backing vocals, as well as co-writing key tracks. The band's active period in this lineup spanned 1980–1982 overall, but Howarth's involvement began with the second release. These albums achieved modest commercial success, with The Second Album peaking at No. 159 on the and singles like "I Could Be Good for You" reaching No. 52 on the , alongside notable AOR radio airplay. Both albums were later reissued in remastered editions by Rock Candy Records in 2017, featuring expanded and bonus tracks.

The Second Album (1981, Casablanca)

Howarth joined the band prior to recording this sophomore effort, replacing departing keyboardist Duke McFadden and infusing the material with his multi-instrumental and vocal support. The album emphasized melodic , produced by , and showcased the core lineup of Kevin Russell (lead vocals, guitar), Phil Bryant (bass, vocals), Jim McClarty (drums), and Howarth. While specific songwriting credits for Howarth on this release are limited in available records, his arrangement contributions helped shape tracks like "Tonite's Your Nite," which earned a live performance slot on The Midnight Special .
TrackTitleLength
1Tonite's Your Nite4:02
2Millionaire3:48
3Live With The Girl3:45
4Strings Around My Heart3:51
5Pressure Rise3:45
6Rockin' Is Easy3:30
7City Life3:58
8Live Without Her3:54
9Love On The Run3:32
10The Party's Over4:23
The album spawned the single "Live With The Girl," which received regional AOR rotation but did not chart nationally.

Mega Force (1982, Boardwalk)

This final studio album during Howarth's time marked a lineup evolution, with joining as lead vocalist while Russell shifted focus to guitar and shared vocal duties; Howarth remained on keyboards, , and backing vocals, co-writing several tracks including the title song and "Can't Hold Back" alongside bandmates and external collaborator . Produced by George Tutko, the record leaned into anthemic , with Howarth's guitar work prominent on high-energy cuts. The title track "Mega Force" peaked at No. 62 on the and gained traction as the theme for the 1982 film of the same name, boosting AOR play.
TrackTitleLength
1Mega Force4:02
2Can't Hold Back3:52
3Get To You3:32
4Out Of The Dark2:59
5Hell Or High Water3:40
6We Will Last3:15
7Hello Girl3:28
8Write Again3:20
9No Better Feeling3:10
10Heartbeat3:03
Additional singles included "Out of the Dark" and the double A-side "We Will Last / No Better Feeling," both benefiting from moderate AOR exposure. The album was remastered and reissued by in 2017. Although a third album, The Bridge, was recorded with Howarth in 1982, contractual issues delayed its release until 2004 on a different label, outside the band's original Elektra/ era.

Frehley's Comet contributions

Tod Howarth served as guitarist, keyboardist, and co-lead vocalist in from 1987 to 1988, contributing significantly to the band's three releases during that period. On the band's self-titled debut album (1987, ), Howarth provided lead vocals on "Breakout," "Something Moved," and "Calling to You," while also performing guitar and keyboards across the record. He solely wrote the lyrics and music for "Something Moved," and co-wrote "Calling to You" with Jim McClarty and Kevin Russell. For the follow-up (1988, ), Howarth expanded his role amid Ace Frehley's health challenges, handling lead vocals on four tracks—including "It's Over Now" and ""—and sharing leads on two others, alongside keyboards and guitar performances throughout. His songwriting credits included sole authorship of "Time Ain't Runnin' Out," "It's Over Now," "," and "New Kind of Lover," plus a co-write with John Regan on "Loser in a Fight." He also contributed keyboards and vocals to the instrumental "Questionable." The live EP Live +1 (1988, ) captured Frehley's Comet's tour performances from 1987, with Howarth delivering guitar, lead vocals, and keyboards on tracks like "Breakout" and "Something Moved," showcasing his dynamic stage presence during the band's active years. Howarth appeared in the band's four promotional —"Into the Night" and "Rock Soldiers" from the debut, plus "It's Over Now" and "" from —frequently taking prominent vocal and instrumental spots. He made no further contributions to after 1988, departing following the Second Sighting tour. In 2025, Howarth contributed lead vocals to a re-recorded version of "Breakout" on Ace Frehley's solo album Now Playing.

Four by Fate discography

Four by Fate, formed in 2011 as a supergroup featuring Tod Howarth on vocals, guitar, and keyboards, alongside bassist John Regan, guitarist/vocalist Pat Gasperini, and drummers Rob Affuso and the late A.J. Pero, released its sole album to date in 2016. The independent release Relentless, issued on June 3, 2016, via The End Records in North America and Amazing Record Co. in Europe, showcases Howarth's prominent role as lead vocalist and guitarist across all tracks, with additional keyboard contributions. Produced by John Regan at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California, the album blends melodic hard rock with modern production edges, incorporating both original compositions and covers. Drums were split between Affuso (on tracks 1, 2, 3, and 7) and Pero (on tracks 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10). The full track listing for Relentless is as follows:
  1. "These Times Are Hard for Lovers" (cover; written by and )
  2. "Moonshine" (written by Gasperini)
  3. "Hangin' On" (written by Gasperini)
  4. "Levee Breach" (written by Howarth and )
  5. "It's Over Now" (Howarth original, previously recorded with )
  6. "Follow Me" (written by Howarth and Gasperini)
  7. "On My Own" (written by Gasperini)
  8. "I Give" (written by Howarth)
  9. "Relentless" (written by Gasperini)
  10. "One More Time" (written by )
Howarth co-wrote or solely penned several tracks, including "Levee Breach," "Follow Me," and "I Give," while delivering lead vocals and guitar parts that highlight his experience from prior bands like Frehley's Comet. No singles or EPs were issued from the album, though some editions include bonus covers such as "Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo" (Rick Derringer) and "Amber Waves" (Howarth original with an acoustic version). The album is available digitally on platforms including and , as well as in physical CD format through independent retailers and the band's official site. Fan reception has been generally positive among enthusiasts, with reviews praising the veteran lineup's chemistry and Howarth's vocal delivery, earning average ratings of 3 to 4 stars on sites like Sleaze Roxx and for its nostalgic yet fresh sound. No further releases from Four by Fate have been announced as of November 2025.

References

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