SUBSURFACE

Threshold is an essential but underrated by many people band of the progressive metal scene. And they 've been around for some time. Many prog metal bands sound DreamTheater alike but this one is something different. Maybe you don't understand that in the beginning but every threshold album has a lot to offer. Subsurface follows that rule.

The music is straight prog metal, virtuoso and melodic. Also, being british, there is something neo-progish in their sound. Well chosen lyrics and sticky melodies. Strong guitars and well put solos. You can feel that they master their music. Some songs are double efforts, changing the music and the tempo in the middle. You can feel that there is not a simple track in the record. And they achieve that without being or sounding too complex. The hidden ideas just lay there to be found by the listener.

To summarize this album the words that come up are heavy, melodious, catchy and forward. But there is only one problem: Critical Mass

I can't explain it but Critical Mass is their finest. Maybe Subsurface is not so prog or maybe it is easier. Don't get it wrong, both albums are of the highest quality of prog metal. Maybe Subsurface lacks of this small step forward.

Nevertheless I give it 4 stars. I am just saving the "five star" review for their new album (I hope)...