THRESHOLD – Legends Of The Shires

Nearly 25 years after their first release, the UK’s veteran Progressive Metal quintet, Threshold, releases their 11^th studio album. Glynn Morgan, vocalist on 1994’s Psychedelicatessen, returns fronting the band replacing Damian Wilson. They describe this 83-minute double album concept venture as a creative and exploratory space creation, and a departure from the traditional heavy style of their 2014 release For The Journey.

A concept album provokes reactions from delight to dread in Metal fans. This loosely woven concept album allows a listener to either choose to follow or simply enjoy each song on its own merit. It begins in typical fashion with “The Shire (Part 1)”, a short acoustic segue. The up-tempo “Small Dark Lines” follows with a hook-heavy chugging guitar riff propelling it through repetitions of an uplifting chorus and multiple bridges featuring keyboard and guitar solos typical of the band’s mastery of traditional heaviness. The next track reflects the concept album creativity in the nearly 12-minute, “The Man Who Saw Through Time,” showcasing engaging tempo and style changes. Other highlights include “Trust The Process” featuring a bridge very reminiscent of Kansas’ “Carry On My Wayward Son” (though not a bad pedigree) and the multi-faceted “Snowblind”.

Legends Of The Shires is a complex and thoughtfully written, professionally produced album of excellent musicianship. Recommended for repeated listens by die-hard and casual Progressive Metal fans.

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