If you think Prog metal begins and ends with Dream Theater think again! If you have the notion in your head that bands like the Darkness are somehow important to the UK Rock/Metal scene don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Who and what am I talking about? Threshold, they release their 7th studio album 'Subsurface' on August 2nd and they do not disappoint.
I'm relatively new to them; I've only been listening to them for about 2 years. And I've got my hands on the limited edition of this gem.

Clocking in at just under 63.mins for 10 tracks there is no room for what people sometimes expect of a prog band long winded widdly solos or over extended set pieces. The opening track 'mission profile' has riffs galore, a great hook and deserves to be played loud, as does the rest of the cd. It also sets a standard for what has to be one of the albums of the year.

Threshold are one of those bands who continually better themselves with each release. You do get some complex arrangements and fantastic musical workouts but these never detract from the songs, these guys know how to rock

The strength of the material is head & shoulders above what most bands in the UK are putting out. The trademark Threshold sound is there and on 'the art of reason' one of my favourite tracks (on an album that's so good it's hard to say this is better than that) guitarists Groom & Midson show off their fretboard skills, tight playing underscored by solid keyboard work,
this track is brilliant from start to finish. It rocks big time! This band is consistently tight; Johanne James on drums is fantastic as is newcomer Steve Anderson on bass. The vocals on the disc are of the high standard we have come to expect from Mac, who is one fantastic vocalist and frontman. Judging from his performance on the 'Critical Energy' DVD he has no problems
recreating his studio performances live.

The album has a political undertone with a strong reference to the media and globalisation, how we have no problems signing away our freedom. In today's volatile political climate this holds some relevance and resonance for the listener.

The production is first class and the packaging is what we have come to expect from Inside Out, a label that seems to be actually into it's artists with great artwork from Thomas Ewerhard,
.
I can't praise this band enough; just when you think you have nothing to look forward to musically a band like this shows up and hits you. I haven't been this excited about a band since I first heard Spocks Beard. They are probably the best kept secret in rock at the minute and deserve bigger things. So do yourself a favour go to http://www.thinicestudios.com/threshold/download.htm and treat yourself to the opening track of this fantastic cd. Or next time your in Trash ask me to pop it into the cd player, cause this is gonna be on my playlist for some time to come.

sav

Other reviews of 'Subsurface'
Reviews

"Album of the month."
Rock Hard (D)
Metal Hammer (D)
Aardschok (NL)
Stage (B)
Rock It (D)
Metal Heart (D)

"One of the most important releases of the year both musically and lyrically
(10/10)."
Muzik Reviews (US)

"A sprawling, passion drenched progressive metal feast laden with molten
energy and pure emotion. Brilliant! (10/10)."
Powerplay (UK)

"Indispensable."
Feedback (UK)

"I can't emphasize enough how good album this is... If you're wondering what
album to buy next, your search is over, buy Threshold's Subsurface." Rock Reviews (FI)

SAV

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BAND HERE