Threshold released their first album in 1993 entitled Wounded Land. Upon it’s release, the band was hailed as England’s answer to Dream Theater. However, the band would have many problems with lineup changes, including now legendary vocalist Damian Wilson leaving the group not once, but twice. Remaining original members Karl Groom (guitars), Nick Midson (guitars) and Richard West (keyboards) finally were able to keep a consistent lineup together for 2002’s Critical Mass, which featured vocalist Andrew “Mac” Mcdermott and the rhythm section of bassist Steve Anderson and drummer Johanne James. This lineup remained together for the recording of their 2004 release, Subsurface.

First off, I won’t lie to you. The rare Pennsylvania snow owl will never let a lie slip from his beak. Subsurface is the first release by Threshold that I have had the privilege of owning. I do not know much about the background of this band other than that Damian Wilson was their vocalist, and he is awesome! I love his work with Star One and Ayreon. But I had no clue that Threshold was a great band even without Wilson on the mic. That changed when I heard a few tracks from Subsurface on Beyond Ear Candy.com Radio! (Website Admin. - That's what we're all about, cool!)  Then I was like, HOLY SH*T!! I must own this album! And here we are today, with your humble little owl writing this review. I love my work! And YOU will love this album! I guarantee!!

Subsurface kicks off in great form with the crunchy yet melodic riff of “Mission Profile” , a song which caught my ear straight away.  I cannot give a track by track dissertation of this album because each song flows so well and the album works so well as a whole, you would think it is a concept album, but it is not. The lyrical matter on most of the songs seem to be a criticism of the current state of world affairs, whether it be the to the backing of the crunchy riffing on “Mission Profile”, the air raid siren like keyboards on “Ground Control”, the soothing melody and awesome vocal harmonies on “Opium” (that song is so awesome!) or the 10 minute plus masterpiece “The Art of Reason” . While I may not agree with some of their points lyrically, I do believe they make an intelligent and compelling argument without sounding nihilistic or too radical. It will not turn off people who may not agree with their viewpoints, either because they sound so intelligent, or because the music is just so damn good on this album, you won’t care! Case in point are the lyrics to “The Art of Reason“ : 

We thought you’d do your best for future generations
But all you left was a mounting debt (I don’t believe that it’s right)
We thought your peace could flow like water through the nations
But you shut down the fountainhead (I don’t believe that it’s right)

Can you give an account now as the truth’s coming out now
It’s the end of the countdown (I don’t believe that it’s right)
Now we’ve lost all our patience with your forced liquidation
Of our land of our nation (I don’t believe that it’s right)

We thought you’d right the wrongs that others brought upon us
But you sold off our right to choose (I don’t believe that it’s right)
We thought you’d fight for us but you just fought among us
And you sold off your servitude (I don’t believe that it’s right)

Agree with them or not, they write some damn good lyrics.  And the music! It’s great! While it may not be the mind blowing instrumental workouts that make Dream Theater famous, the musicians of Threshold can hold their own! The heaviness and the melodic qualities of the guitar work of Groom and Midson (that’s always a great combination), the excellent yet not overindulgent keyboard work of West, and the solid bass work and drumming of Anderson and James all make a great prog rock pizza that is not oversaturated with toppings. While some people may enjoy the overly complex workouts of bands like Dream Theater and Symphony X (me included!), others may appreciate the fact that the members don’t just play to “show off”, and they complement each other well and only add to the music, instead of battling each other with virtuosity. In fact, as far as prog-metal albums go, this is one of the least complex albums I have heard, yet I love it!

The singing? Oh yeah, that’s great too! All fans who thought the band was finished after Wilson’s second departure from the fold, need to open their minds and ears. Mac has one of the best voices in progressive metal, and those who have closed their minds to post-Wilson Threshold don’t know what they are missing! He has a powerful, yet raspy voice that fits the music perfectly. Mac also has more gentle side to his voice which he showcases on songs like “Opium” and the ballad “Flags and Footprints”. He multi tracks his voice in many parts, and it makes for some killer harmonies! HEY! Give this guy a chance! He is a great singer!

Song highlights…well, as I said before, every song on this album is a killer. No weak material or filler here! Even the bonus track on the limited edition release is a great track! “What About Me” is a nice mid paced chug along that sounds very radio friendly and is so catchy you could use it as fishing bait! Buy the limited edition if you find it! The bonus track is worth it!

So do you think I am a Threshold fan now? YOU BET! This album has won Album of the Month awards in at least 7 magazines and it is deserving of all accolades! Run, don’t walk to your nearest record store and buy this puppy! And if they don’t have it, DEMAND THEY STOCK IT! Another Album of the Year contender in my opinion! Pure musical bliss!

Reviewer:  Matt "Snowy Owl" Bankes

   (5 out of 5)
 

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