Threshold - Dead Reckoning
Nuclear Blast

file under prog / sympho metal

Winston: Well well well. One minute you are so surprised with the return of Charlie Dominici (review in this issue) that you think the absolute highlight is in your hand when a few weeks later the new album of Threshold arrives. I knew that they always stand for quality, this is commonly known, but I think that ‘Dead Reckoning’ could very well turn out to be their best one to date!

Something that stands out immediately is the prominent and heavy guitar sound. A firm riff with a pounding pace opens up the album, stating right away their means. Maybe a consequence of their label switch to Nuclear Blast from Inside Out? After the catchy yet firm opener ‘Slipstream’ the mood is set (listen to this song on their website) and when the last tones of the last song ‘One Degree Down’ echo away it’s only then when you can catch your breath. ‘Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams’ is another masterpiece, as is ‘Elusive’ and ‘Dissapear’ is the relax track on the album. The sound and production is heavy, tight and clear, a perfect fit for the band. ‘Dead Reckoning’ is album number eight and it is very admirable that there’s still so much inspiration, variation and creativity between the bandmembers. Impressive and remarkable. So mr. Dominici I’m sorry to say that this months first prize goes to Threshold, the first time an album gets my full amount of points; hundred points from the Lords Of Metal juror.

Rating: 100/100 (details)

http://www.thresh.net