DECADENT

One of England's premier progressive metal bands have released a limited edition Special fan club CD. THRESHOLD was originally formed in 1988 and have gained a lot of attention in the prog metal genre. "Decadent" was released through the fan club to celebrate and mark then years of the band. The CD contains radio edits, re-mixes, re-masters, unplugged versions, Japanese bonus tracks and different versions of their songs, and with this release they're finally available to the fans. THRESHOLD are magnificent musicians and Keyboard player Richard West is also known for being a member in the progressive rock band SHADOWLAND. The band have changed vocalist between every album but they've always been very good. The highlights are "Intervention", "Sunseeker", the excellent "Voyager II", "Devoted", "Change", the heavy "Mother Earth", the 10- minute "Into The Light" and "He Is I Am". "Paradox" from the "Wounded Land" album have gone through a major change in the Club Mix on this CD. It's now a heavy metal disco track! Fun! It's rather strange that THRESHOLD haven't got the real breakthrough yet, because they deserve it. This is probably a future rarity and a must have to the fans. The CD is available at their WebPage. Order now!

It was only when I was talking to Karl Groom during the recording sessions for the new Credo album that I discovered that this album had been released last year. Although Threshold are signed to GFT, they were given leave to release this remix/rarities album on their own label. No "Sanity's End" (an all time classic from the debut 'Wounded Land' which has to be heard to be believed) but one of my other favourites, "Paradox", is one here. Hang on though; the version I know and love doesn't sound anything like this!! Where are all the guitars? Why so many keyboards? Why does it sound like a dance track?

This is a fun album. Not many will have "Intervention" which had originally only featured on 'SI Compilation Too' (if you ever see a copy grab it, as there are many great songs on there which still have to see the light of day) but like all of the songs on here it has been heavily reworked/re-recorded/edited. They even close with a drum & bass number. But it is for power that Threshold are renowned. They are one of the few prog metal bands that can more than hold their own in exalted company, having toured with the likes of Dream Theater on the continent.

While I may not recommend this to the new listener (go for the debut 'Wounded Land'), this is an album that those who have heard the band before will get a lot out of.

Feedback #58, May 2000

This album is Threshold Fan Club release. Different versions of known songs mostly are included.

Album's opener is melodic heavy metal "Virtual Isolation [Radio Edit]". "Intervention" is presented by remixed version. Both songs are melodic not too much complex, but very energetic prog metal. "Sunseeker [Radio Edit]" is heavier and faster."Voyager II [Urban Version] " is a bit bombastic, but sensitive metal ballade.

Andrew McDermott is very competent ( if not too original) vocalist. All first part of the album sounds as quality progressive metal (not too much original as well, though).

"Change" is presented in unplugged acoustic version. Vocals and strings sound very competent there."Mother Earth [1999 Remix] " is driven by twin guitars and sounds as one of heaviest song on the album."Exposed" will be a good companion to previous one. But melodie is a bit missed there. Melodic and mellow ballad "Lost (Japanese release)" return you back to more usual Threshold sound.

"Into The Light [1999 Remix]" is longest album's song (almost 10 minutes), and in fact are band's classic visit card : starting as slow melodic, a bit dreamy ballad, it changes to mid tempo rocker, with guitar solos, some rhythm breaks, and even screaming vocals, and finishes at the same sound, as it was started.

Two last songs are both electronics club dance remixes and could attract possibly very specific metal fan. But both sound funny.

In fact, as Fan Club release, this album is not bad product. Possibly will bring some pleasant minutes to band fans with some slightly different material, but at the same time is enough representative to attract regular prog metal fan.