Released by: Nuclear Blast Records

Release Date: November 18th, 2022

Genre: Progerssive Metal

Links: https://www.thresh.net/

Line Up:

Glynn Morgan | vocals

Karl Groom | guitars

Richard West | keyboards

Steve Anderson | bass

Johanne James | drums

Tracklist:

01. Haunted 5:05
02. Hall of Echoes 6:17
03. Let It Burn 6:49
04. Silenced 4:36
05. The Domino Effect 11:03
06. Complex 5:49
07. King of Nothing 5:07
08. Lost Along the Way 5:20
09. Run 3:59
10. Defence Condition 10:42

UK Prog Metal Masters have finally returned with more new music. Back again is vocalist Glynn Morgan who was brought aboard to replace Damian Wilson before and after the “For the Journey” record. Morgan recorded the band’s last album “Legends of the Shires”, which kept true to Threshold’s long and consistent history of really quality Progressive albums. Threshold has always ranked towards the top of high-quality Prog Metal, there with the likes of Symphony X and Evergrey.

It’s been 5 years since that release and we have here the new one titled “Dividing Lines”, the outfit now 12th studio recording. Founder Karl Groom describes the record as a darker follow-up to “Legends”. And judging by some of the lyrical and title songs on the new one, I can see that description playing in my ears.

As things keep rolling; really enjoyed the frenetic pacing in “Let It Burn”, with its heavy impact lyrical assault, Glynn Morgan does a great job delivering some really good vocals here, and the guitars and drums are super sharp, one of the fastest more up-tempo tunes on the album. The customary melodic guitar solos from Karl Groom are displayed here wonderfully mid-paced. One of the highlights of “Dividing Lines”. The synths and keys play a nice role in “Silenced”, here once more we feature a high-climbing chorus courtesy of Morgan. The rhythm and bass compliments the keys just right, and the use of distortion in the vocals, something Threshold has always implemented in their music over the years, gives the song that trademark Threshold flare.

Threshold has always provided some long Epics of Prog tastiness proportions and here we have two of these examples, one comes via “The Domino Effect”, a slowly brooding groove that leads to a nice Metal attack effect that culminates in some impactful arrangements overall. The writing here glows with impunity, and Glynn once again does a terrific job hitting the highs and on the choruses. This tune has some build-up and slower moments as some of these Epics do for the guys, but later resumes its heavy self with a nice ending. Never a dull moment here.

Threshold just delivers every time they release an album, there’s no doubt about that. The musicianship is always top-notch, the vocals are on point, and the writing serves a mature concept that reflects everyday struggles and humanity. The imagery in their music and their artwork has always awakened new things each time you listen to their music. With “Dividing Lines” you get much of the same from the past two releases, sprinkled with some of their earlier work but a finesse progression in style and art. Just about right on all levels.

Written by: Shadow Editor