DEAD RECKONING

3,5 stars and 4 stars as a metal album. I was skeptical after Damian Wilson left the band but Andrew McDermott is a great vocalist and I like his harmonies even more than Wilson's. In fact, it is the vocal and drums that I like most about this album. Threshold produce albums of even quality, less or more progressive, but always very accessible. The first track starts with a brilliant melody and passionate vocals in mid tempo. The speed gains on the second track "This is your life" which may be the heaviest track on the album constantly supported by heavy riffs, featuring the 90's sound. "Elusive" in addition to the first track even has some brief growling which I consider an interesting experiment. A truly progressive track with vocal harmonies and rhythm changes and classic guitar and keyboard soloing. The highlight of "Hollow" is a strong melody and piano parts in the end. The memorable "Pilot in the sky of dreams" is arguably one of the most effective Threshold ballads with emotional instrumentation, but the first impression can be deceiving: after two minutes, things get heavier but still sometimes interrupted by piano chords. The dynamic instrumental part is outstanding. The songs ends on a mellow note just like it started. "Fighting for breath" features a long instrumental progressive section that has its gradient apart from soloing. The vocals stay in the background interested in this track. "Disappear" is one of the most accessible and straightforward tracks on the album, not much to explore here apart from the strong vocal line. "Safe to fly" is another metal ballad. "One degree down" has the momentum and great contributions from all band members - it is the most pompous track on this album. Overall, a very good album but non-essential for a progressive metal lover.