Threshold--Extinct Instinct (1997/GEP)
Rating--9.0
The Whispering--RealAudio Exposed--RealAudio
'Wounded Land' (and excellent) vocalist Damian Wilson makes his return to the band, and the music resorts to the same
mood-enhanced and sharp-distortion feel of that disc as well. In fact, there's even more kick to the tunes, and edge
to the actual music.
The band incorporates strong backing organ and keyboard sounds, but they don't take away from the power
of any of the tracks. Tons of vocal harmonies lend to the disc's accomplishments, as this stands as a true and tasty
power/prog opus.
The slow-burn groove rhythm of "Exposed" opens things up, and shows just how far the band
has evolved in only a couple of short years. "Somatography" has some good light-to-heavy shifts, and leads into the
ripping and epic "Eat the Unicorn"-- A nonstop rip-and-lick fest, with several strong riff bases.
Great layered
vocals mix perfectly with some tight chug riffing in "The Whispering," and "Lake of Despair" pulls back the pace a bit,
but still singes at the edges. All of "Virtual Isolation," "Part of the Chaos," and the head-bobbing "Life Flow" are good.
This band's only real drawback is the seemingly ever-revolving door at lead vocalist. Wilson will once again make a
departure following this release, in order to pursue theatrical interests. 'Tis a shame... He was possiby the best of the
bunch.
TRACK LIST: Exposed/Somatography/Eat the Unicorn/Forever/Virtual Isolation/The Whispering/Lake of Despond/
Clear/Life Flow/Part of the Chaos
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