WOUNDED LAND

I don't remember what the first Threshold album I listened to was, but I do remember quickly growing to love this band. It was my first experience with something heavier than softer prog like IQ, PINK FLOYD and YES, and I liked it. At first, I didn't like Damian Wilson's vocals. I didn't really think it fit the heavier music. That opinion rapidly changed, making Damian one of my favorite vocalists of all time.

It's a pity he only sings on "Extinct Instinct" and this album, but I'm happy to own both of them. The style is Threshold, but in its earlier days. It does resemble more modern works like Critical Mass and Hypothetical, but it has a slightly different sound and feel to it.

Apparently the original release is crap, according to some. I have no idea, since I have the re-release featuring "Intervention" as a bonus track. I do know the re-release doesn't sound like the recording or production is bad or anything.

Alright, on to the songs. "Consume To Live" is a rather up-tempo song about how we screw up the earth. I simply love how Damian sings "Aching for release". Oohh, goosebumps. :D After that, the song changes a bit. Less speedy, add a challenging vocal. Then the speed comes back with guitar solos.

"Days of Dearth" is a little darker, probably about modern man's destructive habits. Personally I love this song, but it's probably not for everyone. It adds with "DAYS OF DEARTH!" vocals, and menacing keyboards. Ohh, them goosebumps again. :D

"Sanity's End", naturally about insanity. Now this is progmetal at it's best, I'd say. Lots of tempo changes, some instrumentals, and so forth. Prepare yourself for 10 minutes of prog. ;) Though if you're used to the metally stuff of the previous two, you might not like the softer bits in this one. Luckily the biggest part is metally. I love the chorus in this one. After some instrumentals, the song ends as it began. Phew, one of my album favorites. :)

"Paradox" is where Damian's at his best. Emotional vocals, but soft and powerful and passionate. This is the first Wounded Land song I heard, I think. Wow, I loved it from the first moment on. I still do. The guitars in the middle still give me...you know. ;)

"Surface To Air" starts with piano and vocals. Damian sings softly, until the tempo picks up a bit. This starts to sound more like the modern day Threshold, in my opinion. The vocals often sound a bit darker, except for the chorus where Damian can be his passionate self. I *love* the keyboard solo in the middle, followed by the guitar solo! I really flippin' do! Only then it goes over into the last bit, which I don't like at all. It just gets softer and softer, and I wonder what that has to do with the song.

"Mother Earth" is another metally song. It doesn't really slow down. My absolute favorite part is where Damian sings "But in the temples, where the children play. They've split the atom, turning night-time into day"

"Siege of Baghdad" is about war, I think. It's a good song, but it doesn't blow me away like most of the previous ones. Vocally, my favorite part is "Evil takes what evil needs and there ain't no middle way. Just like all those christian martyrs we're the ones who'll pay. Join the new crusade."

"Keep It With Mine" is a soft song, kind of sad, and maybe a little romantic too. Damian's voice is lovely, but it takes the tempo out almost completely. It's kind of a dare to end the album with a ballad, innit? Well, the special edition (MY special edition! Muahaha) has an extra track.

"Intervention" is along the lines of "Days of Dearth", also a dark and emotional song. Near the ending, Damian sings even more emotional than he did on the rest of the album. I really love how he puts his feelings into it, rather than just sing what's on the paper. In my opinion, this song's a much better way to end the album.

In conclusion...am I biased? Yes, I am. I love Damian, I love Threshold, I love just about friggin' everything about this album. There wasn't a single thing that annoyed me or anything. That's why, for the first time during my time here, I'm giving it a 5 star rating. An excellent debut for a highly underrated band.

Yours, Tailscent