Nuclear Assault
2007
1. Slipstream
2. This Is Your Life
3. Elusive
4. Hollow
5. Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams
6. Fighting for Breath
7. Disappear
8. Safe To Fly
9. One Degree Down
Though Threshold is by no means a household name, they are probably one of the bigger progressive metal bands out there today. With this one marking their 8th regular studio release, they have secured at least a minor legacy for themselves in the progressive metal scene.
One thing that strikes me about Threshold, and a fact I've always enjoyed about them, is they've never been a band just focused on showing off in my opinion. Among progressive metal there is a commonly known term for this and it is of course... wankery. I've never been a big fan of this sort of style as I don't really care how skilled someone is if they can't put together a coherent song structure. Just because you can do something does not necessarily mean it's beneficial to the songs.
With that minor rant out of the way and a general idea of the band... I'll say that this album is pretty much what one has come to expect of Threshold. The songs have a flowing, melodic nature with soaring choruses in an almost power metal structure but with some rather interesting arrangements. There does seem to be a bit more muscle behind the guitar in some tracks however and the inclusion of a few backing death vocals from one Dan Swano is an interesting inclusion. I wasn't too sure about the later but they're used sparingly and oddly blend into the smooth atmosphere of the songs. Considering their style I didn't see it working but it really does manage to. The guitar sound and usage is also excellent as it gives the songs a fair dose of metal while blending into the mix and not hampering the atmosphere of the songs. I think Threshold really manages to strike a great balance between sounding heavy, establishing mood, and adding a dose of technicality. I think my only minor gripe would be that the songs seem to lose a little steam about halfway through. The best and most memorable tracks seem to all be found on side one, but that's not to say the rest is bad. All that's to say is that if the entire album was as strong as the first 5 then this would be rated a bit higher.
For progressive metal fans this would be a most worthy purchase I would think and for Threshold fans this is a must. The song Slipstream may be my favorite song they have done to date. Anyone into progressive with a touch of power and melodic rock such as Balance Of Power and Nightingale would be wise to give this one a shot.
Highlights: Slipstream, This Is Your Life, Hollow
Rating - 3.5/5
2. This Is Your Life
3. Elusive
4. Hollow
5. Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams
6. Fighting for Breath
7. Disappear
8. Safe To Fly
9. One Degree Down
Though Threshold is by no means a household name, they are probably one of the bigger progressive metal bands out there today. With this one marking their 8th regular studio release, they have secured at least a minor legacy for themselves in the progressive metal scene.
One thing that strikes me about Threshold, and a fact I've always enjoyed about them, is they've never been a band just focused on showing off in my opinion. Among progressive metal there is a commonly known term for this and it is of course... wankery. I've never been a big fan of this sort of style as I don't really care how skilled someone is if they can't put together a coherent song structure. Just because you can do something does not necessarily mean it's beneficial to the songs.
With that minor rant out of the way and a general idea of the band... I'll say that this album is pretty much what one has come to expect of Threshold. The songs have a flowing, melodic nature with soaring choruses in an almost power metal structure but with some rather interesting arrangements. There does seem to be a bit more muscle behind the guitar in some tracks however and the inclusion of a few backing death vocals from one Dan Swano is an interesting inclusion. I wasn't too sure about the later but they're used sparingly and oddly blend into the smooth atmosphere of the songs. Considering their style I didn't see it working but it really does manage to. The guitar sound and usage is also excellent as it gives the songs a fair dose of metal while blending into the mix and not hampering the atmosphere of the songs. I think Threshold really manages to strike a great balance between sounding heavy, establishing mood, and adding a dose of technicality. I think my only minor gripe would be that the songs seem to lose a little steam about halfway through. The best and most memorable tracks seem to all be found on side one, but that's not to say the rest is bad. All that's to say is that if the entire album was as strong as the first 5 then this would be rated a bit higher.
For progressive metal fans this would be a most worthy purchase I would think and for Threshold fans this is a must. The song Slipstream may be my favorite song they have done to date. Anyone into progressive with a touch of power and melodic rock such as Balance Of Power and Nightingale would be wise to give this one a shot.
Highlights: Slipstream, This Is Your Life, Hollow
Rating - 3.5/5
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