Threshold have returned (or should I say surfaced?) with another excellent progressive metal album. That should be enough for any fans to buy this at once. Those who don't know
Threshold probably need a bit more convincing...
Threshold is one of those bands that have been able to create their own distinct sound. While they are instantly recogniseable they also keep on evolving their sound with each release. Kind of clinical, precise and clear, strangely refreshing and pulsating with atmosphere, all the while being extremely heavy due to the killer guitar riffs by Karl Groom and Nick Midson. Singer Matthew McDermott's voice is warm and full, adding just the right emotion to the music. Musically the band is a joy to listen to and sometimes I get the feeling that I can keep listening to the music forever without tiring of it. Subsurface is an album you can dig into and keep on making small discoveries with each listen. It just has this special quality to it.
The production is fantastic. Crystal clear, heavy and powerful with every little detail showing, even the bass is given ample room. At high volume this album will shake the walls and make your neighbourghs run for cover. The drumming by Johanne James provides a unique base for the music and he really plays amazing throughout. The music is constantly enhanced by atmospheric keyboard effects and its melodies wrap around the music like a soft embrace. The keyboard never overshadows the other instruments but adds just the right detail to the music. Atmosphere is oozing from the whole album which is very consistent and has a great flow. From the rousing opener,
Mission Profile to the low key ending song
The destruction of words the album is challenging and consistently entertaining.
Highlights include dynamic
Ground control with a very soothing chorus and lots of variation and
Opium, which raises the atmosphere level in a song that creeps further and further under your skin with each listen. It has some fantastic vocal melodies, extremely heavy parts and a wonderful chorus. With just over 10 minutes
The art of reason is the album's longest track and also one of the most captivating. When the extremely cool chorus hits about half way through the song it is an amazing feeling and I can only say, wow!
Pressure is a heavy song with a huge chorus that sweeps me away and the touching
Flags and footprints is the closest the album comes to a ballad with a fantastic atmosphere, lots of melody and overflowing with emotion.
The grooving
Static and the complex
Stop dead are the only songs that have not knocked me right off my feet yet, still, they continue to grow with each listen.
Lyrically the album gives the impression that it has a lot to offer. I'm looking forward to getting the real album and booklet as I am only able to grasp bits and pieces from each song.
For a taste of
Threshold you can check out the full song
Mission control which is available for download
here. The official website also has snippets from each song online. But never mind those because Subsurface is a sure buy. It is an album that demands several listens, but it just keeps on giving, so expect many hours of listening pleasure ahead.
Written by
Steen Tuesday, August 3, 2004
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