MARCH OF PROGRESS

If you are unfamiliar with Threshold, they are a cross between anthemic metal a la Iron Maiden with Pink Floydian atmospheric and soaring quitar breaks. Sure, Iron Maiden times Pink Floyd is a recipe for many melody-first prog metal bands, but I think Threshold is a textbook example. They are also capable of quite good dramatic slow burners, although best examples are on other albums. Another characteristic is a powerful and "cold" production courtesy of guitarist, co-leader and producer Karl Groom, who also produces for other prog bands receiving similar sound treatment.

So, expect lots of groovy riffs, fast guitar-keyboard duels, sing-along vocals, and some song-within-song structures. Musically, an album after a five year hiatus is often a return-to-form-kind of album for loyal fans. So, less experimentation with extreme or softer metal forms here. Only what has worked for Threshold the best. Catchiness and flow.

However, something must be said for their late vocalist Mac's approach that albums should be no more than limited length. Because the sound is so pounding, the vocalist is so loud and dominating, my head literally hurts after half an album. Another thing I, being a lover of profound words myself, couldn't help myself but mention are the lyrics. Threshold's lyrics are smart, but trying to sound politically profound they overuse big -tion and -ance kind of words. Don't we find solutions in the constitution. Priceless.