HYPOTHETICAL

Although Threshold released their first album in 1993 and are still going in 2007 any significant success has so far eluded them. That's a shame as they are one of the better Progressive Metal bands around. Hypothetical is their fifth studio release and really captures them at their very best. Although they have released some very good albums before and since, none of them quite match up to the quality on display here. On Hypothetical they seem to get the balance just right. Heavy Metal guitar riffs are all over the place, yet the songs still retain strong melodies helped by the strong vocals of Andrew "Mac" Mcdermott.

Light and Space opens the album in fine style with a great riff and shows that Threshold know how to play in different time signatures other than 4/4. The power doesn't let up on Turn on Tune in and has a particularly strong vocal melody.

Best track on the album goes to following song, the 10 minute long; The Ravages of Time. Many twists and turns are evident here and all the band excel with some great playing, Richard West's Keyboards sounding particularly good and it's a credit to a well balanced production that they can be heard amongst such heavy guitar riffs. In fact it's worth pointing out that he's never sounded quite so upfront since due to the heavier riffing, particularly on their latest album Dead Reckoning.

Although not quite in the same league as the first 3 songs, the more laid back Sheltering Sky, the heavier Oceanbound and Long Way Home keep the flow of quality Progressive Metal going nicely. Ballad, Keep my Head offers a respite from the overall heaviness before final track Narcissus kicks in with another great riff and is the second epic at over 11 minutes long and again many changes are present.

My only criticism of a fantastic album would be Johanne James' Drum sound which is a little synthetic, although it has to be said that's he's an excellent player.

Anyone wanting to check out Threshold would be recommended to start here.