Album review: THRESHOLD – Dividing Lines

Nuclear Blast [Release date 18.11.22]

Album number twelve from Threshold and their first in five years since the excellent ‘The Legend of the Shires’, which also marked the return of vocalist Glynn Morgan.

A darker style and sound overall than its predecessor, however, melody is always key where Threshold are concerned. At the shorter end of their songs ‘Hall Of Echoes’ and ‘Let It Burn’ are instant hits on the listener. The way they weave heaviness with touches of lighter melody is something many prog metal bands strive to do yet fail often disappearing in a haze of widdle.

The epic ‘The Domino Effect’ has plenty of musical treats that reveal themselves on each subsequent listen. The atmospherics and orchestrations on this one are amongst the best the band have ever recorded.

‘Lost Along The Way’ has modern touches, bit like Muse if they went full on prog metal. The ‘Defence Condition’ is another topical song, which this time sees Glynn Morgan at the top of his game. Threshold are also known for their backing harmonies and these add that extra bit of class on this one. Those riffs of Karl Groom would spur even the most reluctant air guitarist into action! These are one of the (many) attractions of Threshold’s sound.

‘Complex’ has some wonderfully inventive keyboards parts from Richard West and possibly Karl Groom’s guitar solo of the album. Never OTT and remains within the overall melody of the song he proves why he is one of the best metal guitarists around.

Threshold’s rhythm section of bassist Steve Anderson and drummer Johanne James provide the solid base for the band’s music. James in particular has a great drum style and sound.

Threshold have only gone and done it again, with an album full of melody, riffs, keys & effects, thought provoking lyrics and above all, an album you will keep coming back to time and time again. ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)