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Threshold: European Journey
 Last year Threshold released studio album number ten For The Journey presenting more of that wonderful progressive metal that the criminally underrated British group is known for. Yes it still does my head in as to why this band aren't a massive hit, they should be up there with Dream Theater. Threshold now have another live album, and it was during Threshold's subsequent tour across Europe in the later part of 2014 that their live performances were captured for this two CD collection titled European Journey.
Threshold have of course been around for some time and that experience shows on this release. Unlike some that try to pass off a totally "Live" album, European Journey actually sounds like one should as it hasn't not been over polished/touched up in the studio, so if you shut your eyes you could easily imagine yourself being in attendance. On European Journey Threshold are rocking it up with a fine selection of some of the band's best work, "Slipstream" was a great choice as opener as a primed and powerful Threshold kick off in style. Their later work is well covered as to be expected, as the touring was in support of For The Journey, and I have no complaints with stellar songs like the twisting epic "The Box" taken from that very album sounding truly amazing. Anyone that has heard Damian Wilson knows how good he is and Damien's performances on For The Journey prove to be the perfect compainion to that compelling music.
Threshold have long had a place in my top progressive metal groups, and it's because of albums like this that I hold them in such high regard.
Track Listing
CD1
1. Slipstream
2. The Hours
3. Liberty Complacency Dependency
4. Ground Control
5. Unforgiven
6. Long Way Home
7. Part Of The Chaos
8. Coda
CD2
1. Watchtower On The Moon
2. Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams
3. Lost In Your Memory
4. Mission Profile
5. The Box
6. Turned To Dust
7. Ashes
Added: February 22nd 2016
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:  
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 3740
Language: english
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Threshold: European Journey
Posted by Steven Reid, SoT Staff Writer on 2016-02-22 15:21:55
My Score:
I can only echo Scott's comments above and once again ask the question, why are Threshold not seen as one of the leading lights of the prog metal scene? The band have now been on the go over two and half decades and after taking a couple of albums to truly find their feet, their last seven studio outings have barely come close to putting a toe wrong. European Journey is a document of the band's live prowess, captured during the European tour to promote (if that's how it still works?) the 2014 album, For The Journey.
Threshold have had a stable line-up for some seven or so years now, Damien Wilson behind the mic, Karl Groom and Pete Morten manning guitars, Johanne James pounding the drums, bassist Steve Anderson building rock solid foundations and keyboard maestro Richard West bringing swathes of colour. Something that shines through strongly across this album, the honest mix allowing you to feel like you are standing in the audience; stunning performances meaning very little studio trickery has actually been necessary to allow that to happen. Even as a long time fan of the band, it's noticeable how much Wilson's voice and approach have matured over the years, the powerful, melodic singer shedding most of the (at times) grating vibrato that infected much of his first two stints with the Threshold (this current tenure being his third). However that's possibly because in Groom and West he has perfect melodic partners, the trio continually darting off on glorious tangents throughout 'Watcher Of The Moons', 'Liberty Complacency Dependency' or 'Unforgiven'. Although it's still the towering 'Pilot In A Sky Of Dreams', 'Mission Profile' and 'Turned To Dust' where the majestic power of this band hits with the truest force.
As with many bands in the progressive genres (Dream Theater or Rush, anyone?) Threshold fans aren't short of live releases to choose from (although they are far from the most guilty – ten studio albums, five live releases). However it's the marrying of old and new and the confidence behind the muscle on European Journey that once more suggests that fans of the band really can't afford to miss out. For followers of Progressive Metal in general this album is proof, if it is still needed, that Threshold are as good as any playing this style of music. If not better.
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