HYPOTHETICAL

Best current progressive metal band around if you'd ask me, centered around the duo- metal guitar play of Karl Groom and Nick Midson, with the fabulous strong vocals of Andrew 'Mac' Dermott, and great Keyboard play from Richard west, that gives an extra dimension to the heavy rock sound of Threshold. Did I forget to mention the bass player and the drummer, notably John Jeary, and Johanne James, they rock real hard and keep the music flowing in a natural manner. So now we know who the players are, lets proceed.

Hypothetical rocks from the first struck of a chord till the last moment after some 55 minutes. Taking influences from such metal acts as Dream theater, Metallice, and more of those Metal bands, Threshold also has some melodic space symphonic influences, most notably in the keyboard section, but the duo-guitar style from Karl and Nick lends itself beatifull for mixing heavy metal chords with melodic guitar solo's, which is a reoccuring feature in Thresholds music, alternating lead amongst each other.

Light And Space Heavy metal, with some spacy influences, alternating softer sections with strong heavy metal guitars, and strong vocals from MAC, a live favourite. Fabulous, Fabulous, Fabulous, did I mentioned this song is fabulous, just to make sure. FABULOUSLY THRILLING EXCITINGLY FABULOUS.

Turn On Tune In, same remark as for the previous song. LOL. where on Light And Space the accoustics made the difference, on Turn On it's the keyboards that provide some breathing space. a great song, with some spacy keyboards, and great guitarplay, just turn it on and tune in.

The Ravages Of Time, Does the thrill ever stop, don't think so, rock on. Listening to it, and I just get more and more excited about this album, again some spacy influences, and firm heavy metal, simple yet effective drum and bass play, good singing from Mac. An exciting heavy spaced out song. Swift changes of tone and atmosphere.

Sheltering Sky, Ahhhh breathing time on the delicate sounds of a slow starting song, a bit Metallica ballad build up, with some piano and the bass taking the lead. I needed this rest, and it came right when I needed it, so another bonus point for Threshold. Outside the confines of the album I don't think it's a really brilliant song, but within it, it gives us a point to relax a bit. Mind you, it still is a metal type ballad, so expect some fireworks near the end.

Oceanbound, Did I describe this album as having space progressive metal tendencies yet? I did now. But this is a metal song, a great bass line, augmented with heavy guitars, firm drumming, and Mac on vocals, i'm singing my heart out (my neighboors aren't happy with me today), I'm not afraid, let the sky become an ocean, loose or win cause I'm not scared. A great song.

Long Way Home, another live favourite (aren't they all?) Piano, I like piano's. Metallica riffs, I like Metallica riffs, energetic song, very intense, keeping the middle of rock ballad versus heavy metal ballad, it works perfectly for me.

Keep My Head, building up to the insanely brilliant centre-piece of the album, we get some time to prepare with this soft ballad, mostly piano and accoustics accompagnying it, with only Mac's voice a bit to load for the music. But hell, we are waiting for the grand final of the album, so we are happy to go through this pleasant, but not brilliant intermezzo.

Narcissus, The best Threshold song IMO, and a constant request on live shows. I used three repeates and one extra Fabulous to describe the opening track, I'm going to need an infinite number of Fabulouses for this song. Going through different stages, slower parts, and fast furious renditions of the theme. This song has all any metalic progger can want, fast swirling keyboards, heavy guitars and a voice to love. Available for download on this site, so go ahead if you dare.

I can only use superlatives for this album, but a little warning is in place, this review is written from the perspective of a fan of the band, who also likes metal in general, so some (not all I think) non-metal lovers might feel cheated when they buy this, so if you're not familiar with metal, listen to the available download first.

For all Metal lovers in here I strongly recommend this album to you, I really love it.

PEACE OUT