SUBSURFACE

The Best Threshold CD yet? Yup, I think so. On their 7th studio recording Threshold no longer really resemble the band that recorded their debut CD Wounded Land in 1992. Of coarse they changed drummers and singers like Spinal Tap (especially drummers) and that would account for some changes but it's more in the song writing of the core members Karl Groom/gtr. Richard West/keys, Jon Jeary/bass and Nick Midson/gtr. Also a big turning point came when they picked up singer Mac for the CD Clone. Mac has a completely different voice and range then that of Threshold's 2 previous singers. He is much more in the mid-range, unlike Damian Wilson and Glynn Morgan who sang in a much higher register. That, and the addition of new (and still present!!!) drummer Johanne James for their following CD Hypothetical. Johanne is much more of a rock drummer than any of their previous. The others had more of a jazzy and loose feel where Mr. James is rock solid to the bone. Now Threshold's music has become quite sophisticated with HUGE vocal tracks (all done by Mac). They do not harmonize vocally with each other in the studio it's just layer upon layer of Mac's beautiful soaring voice. (of coarse live they utilize everyone's voice to try and recreate as best as they can the studio version). And since Hypothetical they really have gotten into odd time signatures. Where as the first 4 CDs had nary a one. Now their all over the place (a huge amount really) Also the keyboards have come even more to the forefront of the basic sound. So basically Threshold, who was always considered a prog band have one upped themselves in the progressive rock/ (metal ?) sound. With Threshold's latest release Subsurface they took their sound, song writing and musicianship up one more notch. In my opinion there is not even one mediocre song. All of them are superbly written, arranged and performed This is the 1st time I can say that I like every song on a Threshold CD (and I got em all.) There is a vocal effect that they use a lot on this CD. It's a breathy and somewhat phased effect that when used is quite startling and effective. As a side note, founding member Jon Jeary is replaced on this CD by Steve Anderson but I don't think you will notice the difference. (I didn't) I really cant say that I have a favorite song here because they all are quite excellent. Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo 5 star's it is!! If you liked Threshold's last 3 Cds you have to get his one. I can GUARANTEE you will be pleased.