THRESHOLD – March Of Progress [Limited Edition] (2012)

*

After long five years, UK prog-metallers THRESHOLD are back with a brand-new studio album entitled “March Of Progress” with original singer Damian Wilson rejoining the band.

Threshold has always been a different beast in the Prog Metal scene, crafting their very own trademark style that is a far cry from the typical contemporary sound in the genre.

“March of Progress” is an all encompassing effort, blending the atmosphere and edge of the band’s earlier albums – particularly the use of massive arrangements with the commercial gloss and almost Melodic Hard Rock accessibility.

This is a colossal album at over an hour in length plenty of different atmospheres, arrangements and thought provoking lyrics. A majestic, grandiose effort that pours out the speakers flooding and drenching the room thanks to a vibrant, crystalline mix.

Damian Wilson sounds the best he’s ever sounded, age has done nothing but favours to him stepping from strength to strength over the years and it’s about time he received unanimous praise. Not only does Wilson sound great, but as Threshold have grown as a band so has the way they write their vocal melodies.

This means Damian is singing some of the best vocal lines of his career coupled with the band’s highly professional and massively enjoyable style of backing vocals (which I would say unique to the band).

Take a listen at the sublime opener “Ashes” or the majesty of “Colophon” for proof.

Musically, “March Of Progress” is an amalgamation of Threshold’s discography with the band shifting dynamics right the way through the record. From atmospheric, quasi ethereal progressive backdrops, to some of the band’s very heaviest riffage, with melodious passsages in between for a perfect balance.

Guitarist Karl Groom laid down some of the finest riffs he’s ever wrote as well as some of his most awe-inspiring leads while Richard West proves his skill as a musician on every level, with excellent piano style pieces, flawless synth fills and some technically tasty leads.

The addition of former Power Quest axe-slinger Pete Morton on rhythm guitars really helps round out the guitar sound giving a good deal of crunch. The rhythm section of Johanne James and Steve Anderson is tighter the the bark on a tree, with Johanne’s tasteful stick work demanding of your sole attention and Steve’s bass having a perfect spot in the mix, always relevant and anchoring everything perfectly.

I have extensively described the musicianship here because if you never heard Threshold, you should notice they’re brilliant in this department.

And what about the songs (writing). As on all Threshold albums, “March Of Progress” works best listened to in one go for the experience, and I will also say that just about every track is ultimately a standout.

Special attention has to go to “Don’t Look Down” which is up there with the best songs the band have ever wrote and it could stand as the flagship-song for Threshold; superb vocals, stupendous musicianship that is heavy and never overtly indulgent, meaty melody and subtle dynamic shifts. In short; all what Threshold is all about.

Also particularly remarkable is the longest track here, “The Rubicon”. The song has superb dynamics and breaks with a very dark vibe, especially when it busts into an absolutely punishing dirge towards the end.

If you care at all about Progressive Metal (and much more in-between), with “March Of Progress” prepare yourself for an incredibly stunning release.

I doubt anything is going to come out this year in the genre and match the quality displayed on this CD. It boasts depth in spades, it’s intelligent, thought provoking and masterfully crafted in all aspects.

It is a long journey clocking over an hour but flowing easily if you want to, however, it’s an album worthy of investing a good amount of time and concentration and I can assure you the more time you invest, the greater the bearing fruits become.

“March Of Progress” sees Threshold catapulted to the very top of their genre, and I hope the guys see a lot of success with this release as it is completely deserved.

Close to perfection.

01 – Ashes

02 – Return Of The Thought Police

03 – Staring At The Sun

04 – Liberty, Complacency, Dependency

05 – Colophon

06 – The Hours

07 – That’s Why We Come

08 – Don’t Look Down

09 – Coda

10 – The Rubicon

11 – Divinity (digi bonus track)

Damian Wilson – vocals

Karl Groom – guitar

Pete Morten – guitar

Steve Anderson – bass

Richard West – keyboards

Johanne James – drums

BUY IT !

hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?sku=903909