ALBUM REVIEW: Dividing Lines – Threshold
When vocalist Damian Wilson departed the band for a third time back in 2017 it looked like THRESHOLD could be reaching the end of the line. In a turn that many didn’t expect, Glynn Morgan returned to the fold over two decades after he contributed to 1994’s Psychadelicatessen. Legends Of The Shires received critical acclaim and firmly dispelled any concerns about their longevity, now it is time for the UK outfit to continue proceedings with their twelfth studio album entitled Dividing Lines which is available now via Nuclear Blast Records.
Haunted comes equipped with the signature crunchy riffing and energetic instrumentation we have come to know from THRESHOLD; Morgan‘s silky melodic tones fit this style like a glove. The prog metal maestros have a penchant for hitting the ground running with opening tracks and this release is no different. Hall Of Echoes gracefully transitions between peaceful atmospherics and vibrant guitar work. The accompanying synths which duck in and out of focus are ridiculously addictive. Let It Burn possesses an intense, dramatic pacing with flourishes of technical proficiency. Powerful vocal segments hold you firmly in their grasp. Silenced is simply breathtaking. Every little nuance and intricate layer has its own part to play and blends together flawlessly. This track possesses dangerous levels of replayability.
The Domino Effect has its work cut out following its predecessor but holds its own with poignant, emotive theatricality and swift bursts of heaviness. It may be the longest composition on this release but it maintains your attention effortlessly throughout. Complex digs back down into the gritty riffing, immersing you in nostalgic waves of albums passed. Somewhere high above the clouds, Andrew ‘Mac’ MacDermott will be looking down grinning from ear to ear. King Of Nothing dishes out an abundance of exhilarating moments, particularly the soaring chorus lines and alluring lead runs.
Lost Along The Way feels like it could have been plucked straight out of the 80s with quirky keyboard work playing a prominent role. Run utilises a more casual tempo but is still full of enticing moods and tones that send shivers down your spine. Morgan delivers another stellar performance, showcasing the impressive range in his arsenal. Defence Condition ramps up the tension for the finale, stepping away from the uplifting demeanour to focus on more serious affairs. The lyrics “The world cannot be altered by a billboard or a meme” and “Want to be heard but I’ve got no voice / Watched and observed but I’ve got no choice” are a damning condemnation of the current state of the world, leaving the listener with a lot of food for thought as this album draws to a close.
It takes a special talent to stay relevant and in favour for multiple decades but THRESHOLD continue to show their seemingly endless innovation and creativity. Dividing Lines may feel like a nod to yesteryear in terms of style but its purpose is still very much looking forward. It’s taken a lot of graft and persistence to get to this stage but this release shows exactly why they should be considered one of the UK’s finest collective of musicians.
Rating: 9/10
Dividing Lines is out now via Nuclear Blast Records.
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