DEAD RECKONING

Dead Reckoning is the most recent release of which is considered the top band from British progressive metal scene (at least I think so). Now with this new album, Threshold have given new touches to their already well known sound (got it totally on its fullness in 2001 with Hypothetical), but also, the band has been criticized for being sometimes repetitive, specifically on their musical structure (the same that it has given them the success before).

Almost 55 minutes of record's duration that it shows to a heavier band on their sound and making songs with a different focus but always respecting the traditional style of them, songs that goes from a simple, catchy and commercial line to songs that manage a more progressive way on its composition. I would like to stand out the fact that Threshold took elements from electronic music as a resource to give some variety to the album, specially on samplers and keyboards (excellent labor by Mr. West on keyboards for creating good and amusing atmospheres that gave a balance to the songs).

Highlights on the record:

Pilot in the sky of dreams: the best track, it's a compilation of Threshold's all abilities; it's melodic, complex, catchy and undoubtedly epic. Personally I think this is one of the greatest songs in years from the band (10/10).

Hollow: it's a mid tempo song loaded of sentimentalism and sophistication, a really good song (this is one of the best examples about Mr. West's keyboard work, 8/10).

Elusive and Slipstream: the heavier tracks on the album, powerful but melodic tunes that includes a short collaboration of Dan Swanö with his guttural voice in both songs (in the chorus section, 8/10 and 7/10).

Fighting for breath: forcefulness song, Threshold's classic style (7/10).

Safe to fly: a pseudo ballad, owner of a nice melody (7/10).

Concluding, this one is absolutely better than Subsurface from 2004 and gives the hope to hear in the future more aggressiveness and experimentation in Threshold to improve the current proposal, keep up the great work!.

By: Epsilon.