I have been looking forward to this release ever since I received their latest work, Subsurface, which was amazing. Dead Reckoning continues in that direction while still being completely inspiring and intriguing.
To put it shortly the band roams in the absolute top in the Premier League of Progressive Metal and with Dead Reckoning they are showing absolute stunning form.
Most songs are mid-tempo, detailed, added memorable refrains, brilliantly structured, forcefully performed and totally addictive to the mind. The opener
Slipstream represents this point clearly, the idea of attaching the catchy chorus to a melodic lick is one genius idea in a never ending...stream.
An important element in giving this album a unique touch is a production product of world class, the level of clearness, balance and vigour is magnificent, a professional job giving these songs the package they deserve, I can't remember when I heard a sound this eminent.
The lyrics match the songs in a great way, having personal doubts, choices and reflections as an ongoing element. There's a range of positive energies to feed upon, as in the up-tempo and energetic
This Is Your Life.
The bands abilities as musicians are one crucial aspect when judging the quality of
Threshold.
Hollow shows Richard West's very versatile talent, bringing along atmospheric piano work and experimental key arrangements with Steve Anderson laying down a heavy and diverse bass structure.
Mac's soulful and charismatic voice is such an essential piece in the
Threshold puzzle, his sensitive interpretation towards the end has burnt itself into my brain and that's by no means a one case scenario.
Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams nears the 10-minute mark and is a monumental piece of precise engineering. The ingenious drumming follows a remarkable path where I had to give up counting the minor detours making that single instrument so exciting to pin out. On top of that the rhythm guitar work adds ton of power and weight to the structure.
Fighting For Breath is another Progressive tour de force of remarkable song writing skills. The key soloing is breathtaking and the speedy chorus fits in just right.
To help set Dead Reckoning aside from previous works, five tracks range from 3.41 to 5.06 minutes, which in the world of
Threshold can be categorized as short.
This gives the album a more direct and accessible point of entry; another thing separating this disc from earlier works is the shortage of calmer, ballad type of songs.
Safe To Fly is the exception you wanted them to include with its overwhelming melodic refrain.
With the closure
One Degree Down the band reveals one completely stunning track. The keyboard atmospheres and harmonies make it stand so much clearer that this is one of the finest and most
ubiquitous performances of this instrument through a complete album that I can think of.
The grand ending featuring elaborate guitar soloing and high tech drumming leaves you with a concluding impression of an astounding effort.
It's almost impossible to point at anything not working here, but I would have liked it if the basis rhythm of
Disappear had been slightly more interesting. The keyboard moods are hypnotic and saves a lot of the day I have to add.
Dead Reckoning serves a massive blast of compressed Progressive Metal piercing through whatever you put in front of it. I'm once again entertained and truly enlightened.
Written by
Tommy Saturday, April 7, 2007
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