LEGENDS OF THE SHIRES

I'm a big fan of Damian Wilson voice, and I was upset when I heard he had to leave the band. I think very few vocalists in the modern rock music can be compared to Damian. And 2 CDs? How do you mange to compose and record so much good music? Most modern albums that last 70 minutes have at least 20-25% garbage because, let's face it, it's hard to record 70 minutes of quality material every year! So, I approached this work with a healthy doze of skepticism. But the further I went into the record, the more I liked it! Firstly, the quality of songwriting is very high. Some songs are stronger than others, but there is NO fillers or weak songs here that should be dropped! Each song has a "hook" and memorable theme. Arrangement is excellent too: guitar and keys solos are well-balanced and last exactly as long as necessary, and rhythm section as steady as usual. No extra wanking or flashing. Experience and maturity.... Oh, and vocal.... Well, Glynn is not Damian, that's for sure, no "pipes" here, but his voice fits the music perfectly: it has emotions and warmth. So, I have no complains about his performance! Secondly, sound quality is top notch! Those guys are not involved in Loudness War! Each instrument, each solo is well recorded and properly sounded. Ok, style.... I guess this is softest Threshold record they ever produced. There are plenty of metal moments there, but it also has many quieter moments that are far from metal territories. In fact, often it sounds similar to "classic" period of Arena circa Visitor and Immortal?, and keys play more prominent role here than before. I don't give 5 stars very often, to say at least, but this record, despite its length as close to perfection as it can be. Bravo, Threshold!