Review Summary: Catchy and progressive without compromising integrity.
Threshold are a band one would suspect of having a more widespread reputation. The British outfit have long delivered an amalgamation of heavy metal with varying degrees of thrash and progressive influences. These touches are often light yet distinct, adding all the more to their decisively catchy nature. Factor in the late Andrew “Mac” McDermott’s soaring vocals and it’s all the more surprising that Threshold have yet to achieve worldwide fame after 25 years.
2001’s
Hypothetical serves as an ideal introduction to the band. Its span of eight tracks might sound short-lived, but the aforementioned progressive elements are kept in check, highlighted by a pair of over-ten-minute epics. Intimidated by length? Don’t worry, Threshold know how to make their music both fun and interesting. If various song forms were symbolized by chess pieces, then hooks and verses would be Threshold’s knights and bishops. As for their choruses, that’s the queen (see “The Ravages of Time”). Though no one would call these guys progressive music gods, they incorporate enough extra substance to become firmly rooted. Not to mention the songs can get dangerously addicting. Whether by guitar or keyboard (or both), the band waste little time pulling us in with simple yet irresistibly alluring notes. Where a track like “Sheltering Sky” goes for immediate chills--courtesy of Richard West, others such as “Oceanbound” and album opener “Light and Space” lead us in with a darker ambience before the synth/riff combination snags us in like unsuspecting prey.
Though the aforementioned instrumental work is part of the band’s driving force, Mac is the one who elevates them to an even higher echelon. Whether rousing, brooding or melodic, Mac evokes precisely what each song is going for. He doesn’t merely match the various moods and swings, he often punctuates them. Because of this, the band are able to move in and out of instrumental segments with the utmost fluency. The drum and bass work from Johanne James and Jon Jeary (respectively) is, by comparison, worth little beyond an afterthought. Fortunately, their lack of prominence is of little detriment to the album.
All of this isn’t to say that
Hypothetical is beyond criticism; “Turn On Tune In” might crescendo into a strong climax, all the more thanks to Karl Groom and Nick Midson, but the rest of the song fails to captivate. Less enthusiasm can be shared for “Keep My Head,” a ballad that foregoes most of the band’s strengths and feels out of place amidst a batch of stronger, more commanding material. Thankfully, these tracks are minute blemishes, especially when taking the album’s closing number into account. “Narcissus” is definitely the most progressive song
Hypothetical has to offer, which means it may require a few listens to fully appreciate. Yet this is all the more reason “Narcissus” turns into one of Threshold’s most fulfilling pieces.
When it comes to universal appeal, few metal bands spring to mind quicker than Threshold. And when selecting an album that represents their basis as a whole,
Hypothetical is easy to turn to. All of the essentials are in place, acquainting the listener with a band more progressive in sound than in structure. Depth and innovation are of little concern to these guys, but that self-awareness is also why they’ve consistently released such fun and competent music.
