Threshold - Hypothetical



1. Light and Space (5:58) 2. Turn On Tune In (6:12) 3. The Ravages Of Time (10:17) 4. Sheltering Sky (5:35) 5. Ocean Bound (6:42) 6. Long Way Home (6:00) 7. Keep My Head (4:01) 8. Narcissus (11:14)

Total running time: 55:59

Threshold is quickly becoming a prog household name. With a career comprising nearly a decade in length, the band has always managed to maintain a perfect balance in its approach to music. Its members have avoided falling prey to other bands' vices by focusing on making music for themselves and not for the masses, taking the precaution of not going to extremes by either making stray and devious compositions that lead nowhere or too straight-forward, commercially-oriented songs. Instead, they deliver an ideal mix of heavy riffs and rhythms with just the right dose of melodic passages, showcasing incredible musicianship, great songwriting, and deep lyrics in the process. This mentality is the reason for their success and well-deserved recognition, and it is quite clear that they have earned their place as one of prog-metal's main acts.

Hypothetical, Threshold's 5th studio album, serves as an ideal proof of these statements. Written on the same musical vein as its predecessor (Clone), this album stays true to the band's signature sound. The record is filled with all kinds of metal riffs and striking melodies, which have been a unique characteristic of the band for quite some time. But, although it contains undeniable similarities to its previous efforts, Hypothetical manages to display a heavier approach and a harder edge, being the band's most mature effort yet. Tracks like "Light and Space" put all these characteristics into play, offering great distorted guitar riffs during the verses, and majestic melodic passages during the choruses, with their due share of time signature changes and emotional solos. Also worth noting are songs like the graceful and emotionally oriented "Sheltering Sky," as well as the metal-riff, electronically guided piece, "Turn On Tune In," which makes a mockery out of society's drive for mass-consumption, sarcastically placing TV celebrities and products from marketing-ads as the ultimate desires of mankind.

As usual, the band's never-ending lineup changes brought in new drummer Johanne James to the scene and gave him the opportunity to display amazing skills and excellent musicianship throughout the album. Mac shows a more mature vocal aptitude as well, sounding more comfortable and better adapted in this album; his second effort with the band. But it is clear that absolute recognition belongs to Threshold's forefathers: Groom, Jeary, Midson and West; the band's main writing force and musical backbone.

I strongly recommend this release to anyone that is into prog-metal acts like Dream Theater, Fates Warning or Arena. These guys are most probably the next leaders of this ever-expanding scene and are already breaking through all kinds of barriers to finally establish themselves with the name that they rightfully deserve.

-by Javier Elizondo

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