HYPOTHETICAL

"Hypothetical", the fifth album by the british progressive metal band Threshold was recorded at Thin Ice Studios and released on March 20, 2001, under the InsideOut Music label. The album cover was designed by Thomas Ewerhard.

Musically, "Hypothetical" epitomizes progressive metal with a blend of intricate riffs, soaring melodies, and complex arrangements. The album stands out for its technical proficiency and polished production, featuring rich keyboard layers and dynamic guitar solos, accompanied by the unique voice of the very missed Andrew McDermott. While it maintains the band's signature style, it leans towards a more accessible sound compared to previous works, incorporating catchier hooks and more straightforward song structures. One area where the album falters slightly is in its lyrical content, which at times feels less inspired than the band's earlier albums.

Nevertheless, "Hypothetical" is a milestone in Threshold's discography, showcasing their evolution towards a more melodic and refined approach while retaining their progressive metal roots, and it deserves a solid four out of five stars for its strong musicianship, memorable tracks, and successful balance of complexity and accessibility.

Best Tracks: Light and Space (great keyaborad melody, energetic riff and powerful vocals, setting the tone for the rest of the album), Turn On Tune In (memorable and distinctive melodies and thought-provoking lyrics), The Ravages of Time (the most epic structure and intrincate instrumentation of the album) and Narcissus (another epic, generous song)