• From: Norddeutschland
  • Registered: 2008-12-03
  • Posts: 1,458

Topic: Threshold - The art of brilliance

They have been around for ages already, but one of those best kept secrets of the 'metal' fraternity whose real allegiance is to  Progressive Rock.

Yes, Threshold use chunky complex riffery, but only as an interlude between contrasting passages of melody and dramatic time changes.

Couple this to the unparalleled magnificence of Damian Wilson's vocal brilliance and presentation and you have a live concert that is a gift from the gods.

Last night in Markthalle Hamburg Threshold delivered a set of utter brilliance. Grandiose, wondrous, compelling, bewitching....the superlatives could just run on and on.

They don't tour often, but when they do..........jeez. The new album was healthily represented in the setlist with 'Watchtower on the Moon' already set to become a live staple for future concerts. It has the full array of bombast that this band can deliver so well.

There is no doubt that Wilson's return to the band has inspired them to recreate their finest hours and deliver new ones.

I've rarely enjoyed a vocal performance so much as his last night and to get the chance to have an extended chat with him afterwards was a huge bonus. In fact the whole band is an unassuming collection of advanced muso's who were genuinely delighted that the set was so well received. I personally thanked the sound guy at the desk because his handling of their vast sound was triumphant. I could have never imagined it could be so ably represented.

They are in Bremen tonight and are touring Germany over the coming 10 days. Don't be put off by the 'metal' tag. It isn't like that. They are routinely compared to Dream Theater, but Threshold do not entertain the extended virtuosity DH do. This is a band sound. Sure, technical mastery from Karl and Pate on guitar and Richard on keyboards and in Johannes James they have probably one of the finest drummers alive no one has ever heard of, but their is no 'wankery' in evidence.

For 20 Euros, I urge anyone reading this to give this band a chance and witness a gargantuan performance worthy on Wembley Stadium and yet in a small venue near you....................

Check out the videos on YT or visit www.thresh.net

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012
  • From: NB, Canada
  • Registered: 2014-04-04
  • Posts: 373

Re: Threshold - The art of brilliance

Nice review .. certainly caught my attention

Contrasting passages of melody and dramatic time changes indeed

Watchtower On The Moon, Lost In Your Memory, Turned To Dust, etc .. awesome songs
At first listen, I thought I was hearing Jon Anderson singin harmony .. lol

Some super listening there .. thanks for the introduction

Really enjoyed the interviews as well .. "The Box"

Cheers!  cool

The BonaMaritimer .. All Dials To The Right!
  • From: Norddeutschland
  • Registered: 2008-12-03
  • Posts: 1,458

Re: Threshold - The art of brilliance

Glad you were intrigued enough to check them out. Anyone I have recommended them to have always found 'something' in their catalogue that piqued their interest.

I still haven't quite got over the show actually. I hadn't seen the band since Damian Wilson rejoined so it is always a delight when something surpasses your expectations...and then some.

I don't think there is a bad album in their canon. I remember thinking that 'Dead Reckoning' was one of their heaviest offerings and yet I have to say it is one of their best. Damian Wilson handles the material recorded during his absence with great respect and enormous gusto. The version they did of 'Pilot in the sky of dreams' from 'Dead Reckoning' was simply stunning.

You always wonder why bands like this aren't enormous, but I suspect they have the respect of their peers and to these guys it seems almost enough. Thin Ice Studios is the full time job for Karl Groom and Richard West I think, and the others all seem to have other projects.

I like the Jon Anderson link. In terms of musical technicallity I think Yes are a fair comparison to Threshold. Quintissential English Prog-Rock....with bite. Jon would though, be a lost soul in this company..........

Happy listening

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012