Threshold appreciation?
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
Forum Description: Discuss specific prog bands and their members or a specific sub-genre
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=86216
Printed Date: April 26 2024 at 16:11
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Topic: Threshold appreciation?
Posted By: Mutez
Subject: Threshold appreciation?
Date Posted: April 13 2012 at 12:04
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I know threads on the progressive metal band Threshold have been done before, i even did a keyword search on them, but nearly all of the threads go back to 2007 and are locked. I know its sad and unfortunent that Andrew Mcdermott died last year, and ive already made a thread about that aswell.
I grew to like Threshold very quickly, and in less than a year they pushed themselves to the number 2 spot on my favourite progressive metal bands (its still Savatage at number 1 for me). I discovered them in 2007, when i went to Progressive Powerfest UK festival, and they gave us all goodie bags with promo CD's in. On one of those promo CD's was the Threshold song Slipstream, and compared to all the other prog metal band songs on the CD, Thresholds stood out a mile. After that i decided to look on their myspace page and was introduced to Mission Profile, then discovered Narcisiss on this very site, and all them songs to me were amazing, so i had to then buy their albums. To date i have all of their studio albums barr one. My top 3 albums in order, best to least best would have to be
Subsurface (lacks the heavyness of the other 2, but very rich in melody)
Hypothetical
Dead Reckoning
My favourite frontmen in order would be
Mac
Glynn Morgan
Damien Wilson
I also have an album called Hound of the Baskervilles by Nolan and Wakeman , and Karl Groom is credited amoungst the musicians for it.
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Replies:
Posted By: Nightfly
Date Posted: April 13 2012 at 13:50
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A great band - Hypothetical being my favourite. They've never really released a bad album but overall i prefer the earlier stuff to the last couple. Looking forward to the new one. Curious to know if the return of Damien Wilson will mark a return to the earlier style.
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: April 14 2012 at 02:47
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They're one of the better vanilla prog metal bands, and though there appraoch is much more straight ahead than most it works extremely well. It helps that they've got some of the best lyrics in modern prog too. I expect the new album, March of Progress, will see a slight change in their style again, but Wilson and guitarist Paul Morten are getting in on the writting now as well so I doubt it would exactly be a return to the sound of early albums. Clone and Wounded Land would probably be my two favourites. Hypothetical used to occupy that slot but other than Ravages of Time it's worn off over the years. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005  |
Posted By: Mutez
Date Posted: April 14 2012 at 05:25
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Here's an interesting bit of trivia. Through all of Thresholds discography, it is possible to have versions of the song Paradox of Man sung by every single vocalist Threshold have ever had lol. You get the studio versions of the song from the wounded land album by Damien Wilson and a version of it by their very very first ever vocalist (who left the band before their first studio album) as a bonus track.
And you can get live versions of the song sung by Mac and Glynn Morgan from other albums.
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Posted By: Harry Hood
Date Posted: April 14 2012 at 09:33
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I've only heard Critical Mass and the Critical Energy DVD but both are in regular rotation. Their drummer is amazing. ------------- 
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Posted By: Kotro
Date Posted: April 14 2012 at 11:30
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I have
Hypothetical and
Critical Mass, but haven't heard them yet - got them from the bargain bin at my local culture supermarket (recognized the name of the band from PA), then came home and kinda forgot about them. Might give a spin to both records this week. ------------- Bigger on the inside. |
Posted By: Mutez
Date Posted: April 15 2012 at 07:30
I would suggest give the Hypothetical album a go first, cause in my opinion its definently the better album. What lets down Critical Mass is that i think the songs are A) too alike to each other, and B) there isnt really a song on there that amazingly stands out, there's quite a fair few on Hypothetical, like Narcissis.
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Kotro wrote:Posted By: xeokym
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 01:24
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^^^ what the hell? ^^^^ I prefer their earlier work myself, as well. |
Posted By: prog4evr
Date Posted: April 20 2012 at 12:05
For me, "Narcissus" is Threshold at its best...
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Posted By: Kotro
Date Posted: May 12 2012 at 04:55
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Finnaly got to hear those albums. Definitly enjoyed Hypothetical, some great material there. Still waiting for Critical Mass to click, though. ------------- Bigger on the inside. |
Posted By: Jbird
Date Posted: May 12 2012 at 06:17
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Subsurface is my favorite.
Heavy, melodic, and the lyrics make you think.
I have everything from the Mac era, but nothing of the earlier albums. What should be my 1st 'pre-Mac' album?
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Posted By: rdtprog
Date Posted: May 12 2012 at 06:25
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Album coming up later this year. Good news! http://www.thresh.net/" rel="nofollow - http://www.thresh.net/ |
Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: May 12 2012 at 06:34
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In a recent (26/4/12) one-man gig Damian Wilson joked that delays to the new Threshold and the debut Headspace album were "his fault", he didn't elaborate further on that, but all being well we shall have two Prog releases this year featuring Wilson's volcals, and that can't be bad. ------------- What? |
Posted By: tupan
Date Posted: May 12 2012 at 10:25
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^Indeed! Ah, and the song below is beautiful: ------------- "Prog is Not Dead and never has been." (Will Sergeant, from Echo And The Bunnymen) |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: July 08 2012 at 01:08
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One of my favourite progressive metal bands; I especially love the albums with Andrew MacDermott on vocals (RIP  ). I am hopeful with the new album, Damian Wilson's vocals have improved, I was impressed with his vocal performance on the recent Headspace album. I am looking forward to the new album.
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Posted By: aapatsos
Date Posted: July 08 2012 at 05:31
I very much like all the albums I own from them - I am eagerly waiting for that one masterpiece album though  I am possibly more in favour of Dead Reckoning |
Posted By: rdtprog
Date Posted: July 08 2012 at 05:40
| It's going to be very enjoyable, just a question of degrees... |
Posted By: DaveyByTheSea
Date Posted: July 08 2012 at 08:10
Only recently bought my first Threshold CD ( Dead Reckoning)...very impressed with it and shall definitely be buying more  ------------- Skyline Teacher taught me everything! |
Posted By: CCVP
Date Posted: July 08 2012 at 10:30
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This is one of those bands I have always wanted to check but never did. . . -------------   
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: July 08 2012 at 14:57
I'm surprised you never got an answer to this. Wounded Land is the best of the early ones, songs like Consume to Live, Paradox of Man, Sanitie's End and Surface to Air are amazing. Eagerly awaiting the new album. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005 |
Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: August 26 2012 at 11:08
| The new album, March of Progress, is really good. |
Posted By: Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Date Posted: August 26 2012 at 11:15
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Timothy! Is the album worth snapping up the vinyl copy of quickly? I was very curious about this one, and was hoping to know if it's worth the bit of extra money for the LP version/postage etc. Very striking cover too, would look lovely on LP! |
Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: August 26 2012 at 11:24
| It is an album i want to hear more of but my initial listening was yes it is tight |
Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: August 26 2012 at 11:30
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Posted By: Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Date Posted: August 26 2012 at 11:43
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Thanks, Tim, I'll give that a listen when I'm back at home (at work right now)! From what you've heard of this album, do you think it's an accessible enough entry point for someone that hasn't heard any of their full previous albums? I do know Damian Wilson from one or two other projects, though. |
Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: August 26 2012 at 11:49
| Awesome vocalist. In my opinion you cannot go wrong on any Threshold album. In answer to your ?. There is nothing wrong with working backwards thru a discography. |
Posted By: Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Date Posted: August 27 2012 at 08:38
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Hey Timothy! That track is pretty damn good! Powerful vocals, snappy and tight playing, catchy as, too! Cool instrumental bit in the middle. The track kind of reminds me of the last Arena album, but better? (But I actually grew rather fond of that `Seventh Degree' Arena album after a few listens, though, so I'm not knocking it!)
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Posted By: Nightfly
Date Posted: August 29 2012 at 16:12
| Only played it once but on first impression's March Of Progress is sounding really good. Without wanting to make any hasty judgement it could well be their best since Hypothetical but I'll have to play it a few more times before I commit. while it's pretty heavy there seems to be more of an emphasis on strong melodies over the more modern metal approach of the last couple - a return to their older style in other words. I'm sure Wilson will have played a part in this. |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: February 08 2016 at 09:37
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I guess I should respond to this tread. Been pretty dormant. I love Threshold. Have all their albums and all 3 vocalists in their history are great, but Damian Wilson is on a different level and tier, which makes him by far the best in my opinion. Great guitar work, drumming and audio quality (from critical mass to present (for the journey.) The bands last 2 albums are some of their best work, but Instinct Extinct remains my favored and beloved classic. ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: aapatsos
Date Posted: February 08 2016 at 15:25
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Slightly disappointed with their latest following the March of Progress masterpiece |
Posted By: Prog Geo
Date Posted: February 09 2016 at 03:20
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Nice group generally but I mostly prefer the McDermott era!!! ------------- Sonorous Meal show every Sunday at 20:00 (greek time) on http://www.justincaseradio.com |
Posted By: Cookie13
Date Posted: March 11 2016 at 16:02
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My favourite frontman; Damian Wilson My favourite album; For The Journey (2014) ------------- "Clipside of the pinkeye flight I'm not the percent you think survives I need sanctuary in the pages of this book." Son Et Lumiere - The Mars Volta |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: March 23 2016 at 11:02
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If anyone here loves Damian Wilson's vocals I really recommend His other fronted band, Headspace [ ] 2 albums to date. Both are incredible vocally and instrumentally. Some of the very best heavy Prog around. I mean that. It's quality all around. ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: March 23 2016 at 11:22
I can understand why you say that. They kind of trimmed a bit of fat if you will, by making the album sound a bit more streamlined and accessible. I do have to admit though, The Box and Watch tower on the moon are killer tracks! Really good work. Siren Sky is a great track as well, especially to end the album. :) ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: backtothegarden
Date Posted: March 23 2016 at 15:21
I second the Headspace recommendation. I never really could get into Threshold, but Headspace definitely does the trick for me. It's a bunch of veteran prog musicians that aren't writing retro-prog for a change. Their sound is very modern, and man, can they write some great grooves. For what it's worth, I happen to enjoy retro-prog, but this a pleasant change of pace from what most old-school musicians do when they make an album.
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Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: July 31 2016 at 16:16
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Well, I thought I'd give this thread some life again cause i think the world of Threshold and find their music very inspiring. recently spun Dead Reckoning. I find that this is a special album. Its Mac's last and he delivers some pretty great emotional vocal performences. Anyway, Threshold still interest me greatly. Quality band. ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: I Love Internet
Date Posted: August 07 2016 at 05:36
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I really can´t put my favorite albums in order, but top3 would be March of progress, Wounded land and Subsurface. It took me quite a while to get into March of progress. For the journey really doesn´t seem to do anything for me. ------------- I like my eggs boiled and that´s it! |
Posted By: Flight123
Date Posted: August 22 2016 at 06:21
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Duh! I thought the thread was about the Moody Blues' 'Threshold' label...I'll get my coat! |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: August 22 2016 at 12:58
You might not want to put that coat on just yet.  Explore this lovely band!  ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: May 02 2017 at 17:34
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To cross a Threshold. Some big news from www.teamrock.com Damian Wilson is out of Threshold once again. Will now be replaced by Glyn Morgan. As much as I love Wilson's vocals I'm kind of excited to hear GM at the helm of the mic again. Been spinning Psychedelicatessen lately and I am having more of an appreciation for that album more than ever before. Anyhow. Looking forward to late 2017 or early 2018 when their new concept album will be released. :) ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: verslibre
Date Posted: May 03 2017 at 09:11
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I also like Psychedelicatessen a lot. If Damian's out again, Glyn's the next best guy. The new albums with Damian are superb. ------------- https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ipg=50&_sop=1&_rdc=1&_ssn=musicosm" rel="nofollow - eBay |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: May 06 2017 at 06:00
Alright! Yeah. I think I like GM a bit more than I did before. Psychedelicatessen has grown on me immensely. Dude. I'm listening to it right now. 👍 ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: Trollheart
Date Posted: October 11 2017 at 19:37
New album out now! Not sure if it's anything to do with Lord of the Rings, but the title is Legends of the Shires. And .... wait for it ... it's a double! ------------- Trollheart: as Irish as losing a 3-0 lead in a must-win fixture! |
Posted By: essexboyinwales
Date Posted: October 12 2017 at 09:26
Nothing to do with LOTR, but it's very very good.... |
Posted By: Trollheart
Date Posted: October 12 2017 at 13:20
I didn't think so, but given that there are three tracks on it called "The Shire", and then the artwork... ------------- Trollheart: as Irish as losing a 3-0 lead in a must-win fixture! |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: October 12 2017 at 14:14
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I got quite a deal on this album from Amazon. I attempted to purchase the special edition CD release. They sent me the MP3 download of the album. After a few weeks they sent me a message that the CD was still not available and that I could cancel the order or continue to wait. I cancelled the order but still have the MP3 download. :) This happened to me with the Blackfield V album too. on that one I am still waiting for them to send me the special edition CD (a year + later) but I have had the MP3 download since I ordered it. They haven't charged me yet for the CD, which at this point I assume that I am never going to get. ------------- 
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Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: October 26 2017 at 17:23
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Fairly new to Threshold - don't know why I've been slow to catch on - just one of those things! However, enjoyed "For the Journey" very much, but have to say "Legends of the Shires" is wonderful - a real immersive experience with a great chunk of proper prog within the metal - giving Dream Theater a lesson or two, in my view. Album of the year at present - thought I'd give the post some support! Working through the back catalogue over the next few months hopefully - any pointers? No harsh vocals or the death voice lurking back there guys? Good blend of prog and metal still???? ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: essexboyinwales
Date Posted: October 27 2017 at 04:28
I only have March Of Progress from their back catalogue, mainly because I love Damian Wilson's voice - it's good, but LOTS is, er, lots and lots better (sorry, it's been a long week  ). I've been told that Hypothetical, Subsurface and Critical Mass are all excellent...I got into Damian Wilson through Ayreon. If you're unaware of this "outfit", then I seriously suggest you get to know them/him, and that will be a very satisfactory journey... |
Posted By: verslibre
Date Posted: October 27 2017 at 12:05
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If you want more Damian Wilson, check out Rick Wakeman's superb album Out There. Also, the first three albums by Landmarq (all OOP). ------------- https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ipg=50&_sop=1&_rdc=1&_ssn=musicosm" rel="nofollow - eBay |
Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: October 27 2017 at 14:25
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I've known Damian Wilson's vocals for quite a while - I do like the Headspace albums (and Landmarq too). Looking forward to hearing more in earlier Threshold albums too. Might check out that Wakeman album out of curiosity. Thanks. ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |
Posted By: verslibre
Date Posted: October 27 2017 at 14:58
It's on YT. It's one of Rick's best albums. Top-shelf symph in the Wakeman tradition. ------------- https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ipg=50&_sop=1&_rdc=1&_ssn=musicosm" rel="nofollow - eBay |
Posted By: Squonk19
Date Posted: December 22 2017 at 17:00
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Really like 'Stars and Satellites' as a track - but since my daughter pointed out the similarity between it and the main riff to 'Youth Gone Wild' by Skid Row - it's taken the edge off it! Don't you just hate kids?! ------------- “Living in their pools, they soon forget about the sea.” |