*. Threshold .*

Album: March of Progress (2012)
Genre: Progressive Metal  /  UK

Threshold's latest release is very much a mature and inspired work of art, which brings finely balanced and well arranged songs. The intriguingly dark atmosphere is but enhanced by the out of this world timbre of Damian Wilson, where each note is in perfect harmony with the weeping quality of his voice. As expected the whole package is relying on crisp, innovative production and rich full sound. Ashes is a proud opener, marking the band's full on comeback. It's woven through with such uplifting melodies and bountiful energy, just a marriage of harmonies and rhythm. Return of the Thought Police bears a deep moody tone, with a climactic build-up in the chorus. The vocals' clean and ethereal properties draw you in, softly leading the dance. Simple melodic ingenuity is just incomparable. The shortest song Staring at the Sun plays contrast between bleak verse and full textured chorus, where the instruments sing in unison. The title Liberty, Complacency, Dependency explains itself lyrically, whilst musically is a reminiscent of the band's early albums. What's so intellectual about it is the multi-layered nature of the song. It's abundant in complex details and is simply brimming with the original vibrations that Damian's voice resonates with. A beautiful atmospheric solo crowns the middle section. Colophon is yet another prog gem ? a gripping intro builds up concisely into almost a music score with a military theme. Shades of both slow and up-tempo beats expose the complexity of Damian's full range, with the momentum that keeps expanding and the guitar solo attack at the end. Inner struggle dominates The Hours, carefully structured and dramatic piece that opens up into an embracing chorus. Unexpectedly different and intimate vocals in the slow section unveil the underlying tension. That's Why We Came has its origins in the acoustic Pink Floyd sound, with the majestic high notes that consume you, whereas the character of Don't Look Down is more of a catchy one, but balanced out by the rock elements and a phenomenal instrumental section. Slightly unusual and surprisingly addictive Coda starts off with the early 90's metal riff, followed by the late 80's pop keyboards, to be blended in nicely by its guitar solo with the recognizable Threshold style. If there ever has been a song written to glorify a single musical segment this one had certainly given such an event a completely new meaning. Epic, yet personal, The Rubicon is a story of Threshold, of doubts and achievements, future and past. The poignant outro never fails to leave me untouched ? emotionally heavy organ, combined with the most outstanding backing vocals in the answering phrases and topped with the soaring vocal lines that are framed by the semantically opposing verses. The big and passionate solo sadly brings the album to a close. Bonus track Divinity has got a hint of quirkiness and melancholy, followed by a bittersweet feeling in its coda, by which this colourful repertoire is concluded. Combining power and melody on such unique level, Threshold have once again proved their worth on the world's progressive scene. Thought provoking, their music is driven to stir individual emotions by embodying universally profound values in its artistic form. Moreover, March of Progress has got a dynamic flow and fresh approach to the songwriting, showing off another dimension to this talented band. It's an album of pure genius and I just cannot fault it. (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.75 / 10  **GREAT**

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