5 Stars
Threshold have been in business since starting out in Surrey, England, in 1988. They were formed by Karl Groom, and he has led Threshold ever since.
Threshold have always seemed on the threshold (Ed “Sincere apologies!”) of hitting the big time, breaking out of the progressive/metal rock category and forging their way to fame and fortune in a more mainstream capacity.
Legends of the Shires, released in 2017 (their eleventh studio outing, there have also been six live albums), looked like being the ticket to ride for them. The album actually made good headway up the British Rock charts peaking at Number 5 whilst cracking the National Charts Top One Hundred. Success was in their grasp. But then a pandemic hit our planet—thoughts of world domination had to be put on hold.
Nonetheless, this does not take away from this being a very fine collection of music.
Legends of the Shires is a double cd concept album about a nation trying to find itself. This is seen in two different ways on a national level as well as personally.
The story is put across very well with heartfelt singing from returning vocalist Glynn Morgan, who has come back to the band after a thirty-three-year absence. The lyrics are written by long-time bass player Steve Anderson.
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Threshold leader Karl Groom has, at times, had to steer his ship through some rocky times. But he’s always determined to make the big breakthrough. His songwriting and guitar playing on this album hit the mark on every occasion. The guitar is clear and precise, sometimes gentle and weaving a rich tapestry, but also brutal and forceful with some aggressive soloing when called for.
Karl Groom is a busy man as he also has his own Thin Ice Studios, where he has worked as producer, engineer and mixer for many progressive rock bands, including Dragonforce, Yes, Pendragon (he engineered many of Pendragon’s albums, including Window of Life (1993) and a very good job he does too) as well as all the Threshold albums.
Richard West on keyboards has been with Threshold since 1992, always laying down solid supporting chords, but when he breaks the shackles to solo, he brings the music to life.
The rhythm section is excellent. Steve Anderson keeps the whole thing musical, whilst Johanne James is probably the current best drummer in progressive rock. Outstanding.
Eleven other musicians have been in the Threshold ranks, which is not too bad in the world of rock’n’roll, especially as many of them have joined, left, rejoined and left again. Threshold have been going for thirty-three years, so not exactly Spinal Tap.
It’s impossible to pick out highlights on Legends of the Shires as the album is best served to be listened to in its entirety. But after a brief introduction, the second song, Small Dark Lines, shows off Threshold’s combined power. Heavy riffing over a pounding beat with determined vocals—an aural battering.
If the world is fair! (Some hope there) Threshold should soon get their time in the spotlight putting them up on the Billboards with Dream Theater, Transatlantic, Spock’s Beard and the like.
They certainly deserve it.
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Written by Mott the Dog from the Shires of Pattaya’s Darkside.
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