Threshold – For The Journey
Review by Stephen Gould
Threshold have been around since the late 80’s and over the years they have developed their own “sound” which, for people that know of them, will instantly recognise. I suppose you could say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it eh ??
This is their first album for two years, the last one being “March Of Progress”, which was the first release without the legendary Mac, who, sad to say, is no longer with us. Old hand Damien Wilson is now back full time on lead vocals and as usual we have yet another solid performance from the main-man.
Line up consists of: Damien Wilson – Lead Vocals, Richard West – Keyboards and backing vocals, Karl Groom – Guitar, Pete Morten – Guitar, Steve Anderson – Bass, Johanne James – Drums.
The twin-guitar sound and impeccable vocal harmonies associated with Threshold are very much in evidence here, with Johanne James and Steve Anderson providing a rock solid rhythm section. Plenty of fast synth runs courtesy of Richard West, there’s a lot going on and with “The Box” weighing in at a tad under 12 mins, you won’t be getting bored soon !! The single (which is the opening track too) “Watchtower On The Moon” has all the characteristic Threshold elements; grinding riffs, intense synth runs, first class harmonies (including Vocoder at one point…) and a really tight production that doesn’t take anything away from the overall impact, I suspect a new show classic is born.
Dream Theater, Symphony X, Fates Warning and Vanden Plas fans will love it (although I suspect they probably have Threshold albums in their collection already, so it’s a done deal) – this a Prog-Metal masterpiece. There are a few quieter symphonic moments, which help to break up the thrashing guitars of Karl and Pete, but in all, it certainly keeps you interested and guessing which way it’s going next. It’s just a joy to experience a product that doesn’t rely on “cookie-monster” vocals and intense thrashing guitars, instead bringing a more melodic and balanced meal to the table.
Thought provoking lyrics, memorable hooks and solid musicianship, it’s all here folks. The band are going from strength to strength, catering for a varied cross-section, check these guys out, they’re here to stay and with every release entering the charts on the continent, maybe we should take a leaf out of our European cousins’ hat and give them the credit they so deserve !!!
