THRESHOLD „Subsurface”

Music: Prog Metal
Duration: 62.13 (10 songs)


Cool songs: Mission Profile, The Art of Reason, Pressure, Static, Ground Control.
Website: www.thresh.net

Just like they achieved on 2002’s ‘Critical Mass’, UK Prog metallers Threshold have stepped up to another level. Now onto their third album (seventh overall) with the same line up, it seems as though the chemistry that exists between members is really starting to gel. The absolute strength of ‘Subsurface’ suggests as much.

The great thing about Threshold is that they represent almost the perfect marriage between ‘metal’ and ‘prog-rock’. Like ‘Critical Mass’ there is a massive ‘crunch’ factor about the riffs of twin axe kings Karl Groom Nick Midson, although on this occasion there seems to be a tad more emphasis on forging up-tempo rhythms – ‘Critical Mass’ had some heavy moments, but ‘Subsurface’ is a thoroughly more memorable platter riff wise. Of course, the proggy keyboard elements of Richard West are even present, yet I can’t say that his work is at all overbearing, more so his performance sits quite comfortably within the scheme of his band mates responsibilities – Nothing overstated, nothing flashy, just simple effective keys that provide both light, shade and character to his bands music.

As much as the above elements are critical to the Threshold sound, there are TWO other more important factors. Firstly, the vocal performance of Andrew ‘Mac’ McDermott – the man has a set of pipes. Notwithstanding that some may find ‘Mac’s’ tone somewhat effeminate in that he lacks an aggressive bottom end, I find his style quite appealing; his clean phrasing is quite unique and although I don’t rate him in the Russell Allen or Ray Alder category just yet, it is clear that his ability to pull off a melodic verse and chorus is a major plus for Threshold. This brings me to Threshold’s raison d’etre – their harmonies. Prog-metal/rock bands are a dime a dozen and whilst the likes of Dream Theater, Symphony X and Vanden Plas have their fingers on the pulse melody wise, Threshold continue to make a bold stand as one of the more individual bands in this genre. Their melodies, or more specifically, their chorus harmonies draw more from the AOR genre than most others- the likes of Rush, Journey and hell, even REO Speedwagon can be heard throughout this disc.

Subsurface has maintained the heavy crunchy riff sound that was so appealing on ‘Critical Mass’. However, it is clear that this is a much more consistent album song wise. The riffs and more memorable, the moods more varied and the melodies more captivating that ever before. If you love your prog metal to emphasise the ‘metal’ but also provide ample musical exploration and harmonic songs, Threshold have just about delivered the perfect combination. Subsurface is sublime. Seek immediately.

note: 8.5/10

Tracklist

1.Mission Profile
2.Ground Control
3.Opium
4.Stop Dead
5.The Art Of Reason
6.Pressure
7.Flags And Footprints
8. Static
9.The Destruction Of Words
10.What About Me (Special Edition Bonus)